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opheliaslittlelibrary's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
What. A. Book!
@oosangoyomi you are such a powerful writer! I'd been looking for a book that delved emotionally deeper than a plot led by tropes and this book absolutely delivered! (For reference, you can still find tropes in there like corruption arcs and whatnot, but in no way did that aid me in knowing what to expect).
This book really did feel like an unapologetic step into the brutal and beautiful world of 15th century West Africa. The main character felt human and therefore understandable, but at other times she could feel almost unattainable for a reader, if that makes sense. She undergoes experiences most of us can't relate to and her journey felt like that which is told in mythology, so she came to feel almost god-like as she embraced her own identity. I am aware that there are elements of mythology woven into the book, which would have aided this as well.
And another thing, for it to be her debut? I love debuts and for this one to be especially thought provoking and powerful (am I using that word too much?), I am just amazed. It was exactly what I needed.
Thankyou so much for the e-ARC!
@oosangoyomi you are such a powerful writer! I'd been looking for a book that delved emotionally deeper than a plot led by tropes and this book absolutely delivered! (For reference, you can still find tropes in there like corruption arcs and whatnot, but in no way did that aid me in knowing what to expect).
This book really did feel like an unapologetic step into the brutal and beautiful world of 15th century West Africa. The main character felt human and therefore understandable, but at other times she could feel almost unattainable for a reader, if that makes sense. She undergoes experiences most of us can't relate to and her journey felt like that which is told in mythology, so she came to feel almost god-like as she embraced her own identity. I am aware that there are elements of mythology woven into the book, which would have aided this as well.
And another thing, for it to be her debut? I love debuts and for this one to be especially thought provoking and powerful (am I using that word too much?), I am just amazed. It was exactly what I needed.
Thankyou so much for the e-ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
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