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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
it was pretty good! the writing was vivid and atmospheric, but it was a little tedious sometimes. i felt like something was missing. kambili was a good main character but i feel like she was a little too removed from scenes. it could have been a trauma response due to her abusive father. i really wish that the book explored the relationship between kambili, jaja, and their mom more since they were each abused by the father. it was very surface level, especially when you consider what jaja did for their mom at the end.
other than those things, i really liked the book. it served as a good conversation starter about corrupt governments, religious trauma, the effects of colonialism (regarding the religious aspects), immigration, and abuse.
domestic abuse/violence is prevalent throughout, so just keep that in mind if those are triggers.
other than those things, i really liked the book. it served as a good conversation starter about corrupt governments, religious trauma, the effects of colonialism (regarding the religious aspects), immigration, and abuse.
domestic abuse/violence is prevalent throughout, so just keep that in mind if those are triggers.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A powerful and moving novel. It offers deep insight into the complexities of family, class, and politics in Nigeria. The story is emotionally resonant, especially in how it portrays family dynamics under pressure, both loving and oppressive. You not only become immersed in the characters’ personal journeys, but also gain a subtle understanding of Nigerian society and its political landscape. The plot unfolds gradually but remains compelling throughout. It’s a touching read that stays with you long after finishing.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a hard read. The prose is beautiful but there’s a lot of visceral descriptions around the violence and trauma in this book. It really made me feel things which is the mark of a strong novel but most of those feelings were uncomfortable, so this was more of an impressive book than an enjoyable one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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