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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
Wow what a fabulous book entertaining witty and heartbreakingly sad at the same time
The author has a unique voice with sharply poetic language making the novel a literary gem whilst at the same time being an immersive entertaining read .
I immediately felt invested in the life of Amy Africa and will never forget him and his family and friends The book is populated by a cast of real totally believable people who’s characters are described so well I could imagine them all easily .Their relationships and friendships develop as the novel progresses and give the story depth and complexity .The author does not flinch from portraying difficult subjects such as racism and incest .These subjects are covered carefully and with subtly.The difficulty of life in Nigeria and what makes young Africans want to try escaping across the Sahara to a rosier future is the heart of this book There are however plenty of lighthearted episodes which give the novel balance
The strong sense of place and of African identity is clear from the very start
It is rare to read a first novel with such promise ,I can see this on the Booker long list I for one will be watching its progress with interest it has been one of my favourite reads this year
I read an early copy on NetGalley Uk the book is published in the Uk 13th April 2023 by Bloomsbury publishing plc
The author has a unique voice with sharply poetic language making the novel a literary gem whilst at the same time being an immersive entertaining read .
I immediately felt invested in the life of Amy Africa and will never forget him and his family and friends The book is populated by a cast of real totally believable people who’s characters are described so well I could imagine them all easily .Their relationships and friendships develop as the novel progresses and give the story depth and complexity .The author does not flinch from portraying difficult subjects such as racism and incest .These subjects are covered carefully and with subtly.The difficulty of life in Nigeria and what makes young Africans want to try escaping across the Sahara to a rosier future is the heart of this book There are however plenty of lighthearted episodes which give the novel balance
The strong sense of place and of African identity is clear from the very start
It is rare to read a first novel with such promise ,I can see this on the Booker long list I for one will be watching its progress with interest it has been one of my favourite reads this year
I read an early copy on NetGalley Uk the book is published in the Uk 13th April 2023 by Bloomsbury publishing plc
Complicated relationships, rich characters and setting, an emotional storyline with some plot twists. I felt like I had traveled through another life and to another world when I read this -- just like a good book is supposed to feel.
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pros: Snappy conversations between Andy and his friends that sounded very authentic. The families in this community and their connections was beautiful. The deep dive into Nigerian culture that I otherwise would never have known about.
Cons: The first half was at a pretty good pace, but then about midway, omg, waaaaaaaaaaay too slow. I think other people on here have mentioned some of the repeat ways to say a person said something. And lastly, the ending, was so painful in its abruptness, brevity, left hangingness. Really was unhappy with the ending and it took away from the book - what do you remember most from a book? The end!
Cons: The first half was at a pretty good pace, but then about midway, omg, waaaaaaaaaaay too slow. I think other people on here have mentioned some of the repeat ways to say a person said something. And lastly, the ending, was so painful in its abruptness, brevity, left hangingness. Really was unhappy with the ending and it took away from the book - what do you remember most from a book? The end!
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes