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nonsensicaljourney's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars!
I was given a free advanced readers' copy of this book from NetGalley and Astra House, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Astra House for giving me the opportunity to read and review a book outside my comfort zone!
I understand what this book was trying to do, but it didn't land for me. The author's writing style is incredibly unique, and reflects the cadences of Igbo in the words of English. The style takes a while of getting used to, but pulls the reader in and immerses them fully in the story.
However, unfortunately that's all I can say for this book. I wasn't impressed with the character development of anyone except Ijeoma, the main character, and even then I struggled to connect with her. The style of writing and plot created significant distance between the reader and the main character through her muteness and her actions, and even more distance between the reader and other characters whose actions were not particularly well explained - and more often told, rather than shown.
The book had an inherently interesting plot, with an Igbo girl who could fly and who was shunned by her family, and who found herself taken away to be persecuted by Christians in a neighbouring town, but it didn't extend much beyond this. There were a lot of musings on religion, and I learnt more about the Igbo religions in this book than I have ever before, but it bothered me that the book continued to condone the use of religion, in general, as a reason for mistreating people. If it made a different statement, I fear it was too subtle for me to notice and appreciate.
This is a very specific book, set in a very specific period, and dealing with very specific issues of religion and culture. I found it difficult to pay attention for long periods of time because I have little patience for religion in general, and the characters were not well-written enough to keep me attached to them. This book felt like something written by an author with more interest in the big ideas than in the characters discovering them, and that's where it let me down.
I was given a free advanced readers' copy of this book from NetGalley and Astra House, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Astra House for giving me the opportunity to read and review a book outside my comfort zone!
I understand what this book was trying to do, but it didn't land for me. The author's writing style is incredibly unique, and reflects the cadences of Igbo in the words of English. The style takes a while of getting used to, but pulls the reader in and immerses them fully in the story.
However, unfortunately that's all I can say for this book. I wasn't impressed with the character development of anyone except Ijeoma, the main character, and even then I struggled to connect with her. The style of writing and plot created significant distance between the reader and the main character through her muteness and her actions, and even more distance between the reader and other characters whose actions were not particularly well explained - and more often told, rather than shown.
The book had an inherently interesting plot, with an Igbo girl who could fly and who was shunned by her family, and who found herself taken away to be persecuted by Christians in a neighbouring town, but it didn't extend much beyond this. There were a lot of musings on religion, and I learnt more about the Igbo religions in this book than I have ever before, but it bothered me that the book continued to condone the use of religion, in general, as a reason for mistreating people. If it made a different statement, I fear it was too subtle for me to notice and appreciate.
This is a very specific book, set in a very specific period, and dealing with very specific issues of religion and culture. I found it difficult to pay attention for long periods of time because I have little patience for religion in general, and the characters were not well-written enough to keep me attached to them. This book felt like something written by an author with more interest in the big ideas than in the characters discovering them, and that's where it let me down.
myc_w's review against another edition
3.0
My reflection here is for an advanced copy of the novel, which I received in exchange for a review.
This is an incredibly well-written, but complex book dealing with difficult issues of emotional and cultural trauma. Ijoema is a mute Igbo girl born to a father who is deeply disappointed by her affliction, even more so when he discovers that she has a connection to the Gods and can perform miracles (or is it witchcraft?). This tale takes a decidedly dark turn for the heroine and spends most of the novel exploring the ways in which she is isolated, exploited, and brutalized.
I was very interested in this book. Conceptually, it was right up my alley—and I can see it being a popular choice for book clubs and on many short lists for potential awards because it is a beautiful achievement, especially for a debut novel. It is ultimately a story about love, more than anything else. But it is difficult to rate because this story is very much not for me. I recognize the artistry of Nwoka’s writing and the beauty of the novel, but I did not enjoy it. How does one rate a book like that? I liked it, but I found myself frequently stepping away from it (it was often hard to stay engaged), and would not read it again. But, as I said, I do not doubt that there is an audience out there that will absolutely love this book in all its complexities.
This is an incredibly well-written, but complex book dealing with difficult issues of emotional and cultural trauma. Ijoema is a mute Igbo girl born to a father who is deeply disappointed by her affliction, even more so when he discovers that she has a connection to the Gods and can perform miracles (or is it witchcraft?). This tale takes a decidedly dark turn for the heroine and spends most of the novel exploring the ways in which she is isolated, exploited, and brutalized.
I was very interested in this book. Conceptually, it was right up my alley—and I can see it being a popular choice for book clubs and on many short lists for potential awards because it is a beautiful achievement, especially for a debut novel. It is ultimately a story about love, more than anything else. But it is difficult to rate because this story is very much not for me. I recognize the artistry of Nwoka’s writing and the beauty of the novel, but I did not enjoy it. How does one rate a book like that? I liked it, but I found myself frequently stepping away from it (it was often hard to stay engaged), and would not read it again. But, as I said, I do not doubt that there is an audience out there that will absolutely love this book in all its complexities.
natsomji's review
5.0
Wow. You know when you finish reading a book and are left with a satisfied void? That's how I feel right now. I just put this book down and had to write a review. I'm not even sure where to begin because I'm still processing so much of it. This book is poetic prose, it tells a story not just by it's writing but in it's rhythm. It puts you in the mind and heart of the protagonist.
And the story, let's talk about the story. This is like a modern day Achebe. There are layers upon layers upon layers of meaning that I will need time to digest. I found myself in tears toward the end of the book because of how beautiful the story was, how vulnerable, how merciful. There were some turns of phrase that literally giving me goosebumps.
This book will win awards and it will be the gift I find every bibliophile over the next several years.
And the story, let's talk about the story. This is like a modern day Achebe. There are layers upon layers upon layers of meaning that I will need time to digest. I found myself in tears toward the end of the book because of how beautiful the story was, how vulnerable, how merciful. There were some turns of phrase that literally giving me goosebumps.
This book will win awards and it will be the gift I find every bibliophile over the next several years.
muljadi's review
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.5
review will come later, but this was a hard book to read but it had many great themes
veganbookbabe's review against another edition
2.0
This one just didn't work for me. The character development was fair at best. I didn't care much for anything going on and took me ages to read. I was hoping I'd like it better. In the end had to dnf.
Thank you @netgalley for this arc in return for my honest opinion.
Thank you @netgalley for this arc in return for my honest opinion.