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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
medium-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
I loved it!
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
I loved this book!! In the beginning things felt a little slow but it was quickly clear why it was necessary to establish the tension and rigidity of Kambili and Jaja’s household. As always, Adichie’s descriptions of places and people were spot-on and she managed to convey so much meaning in few words. I was rooting for Jaja and Kambili the whole book. I also appreciated the inclusion of very morally gray characters such as the children’s mother and father. I was appalled by how horrible the father was with his wife and kids compared to how he treated others. I wonder if that was part of why Kambili wanted so badly to please him — to experience the love he so readily showed others. It was so sad to see how much she longed for his attention and praise, to the point where she frequently wished she had said things he approved of that Jaja or her mother had said.
It was beautiful to see how she bloomed in Nsukka with Aunty Ifeoma and her cousins. It was especially nice to see how her relationship with Amaka morphed over time and she learned to loosen up and enjoy life some.
I had a hard time with Kambili’s mother Beatrice. While her position and actions were understandable, it was still bizarre to me that even after Kambili was nearly killed by her father, Beatrice went running back to him. It is difficult to accept how problematic an abusive relationship is and to leave it for good, but it was frustrating to watch Beatrice put her pride and ego in being her husband’s only wife above the wellbeing of her and her children.
One thing that confused me was the relationship between Kambili and Father Amadi. I was unsure how old he was but I’m guessing he was in his 20s while Kambili was only 15. So if there really was something romantic and mutual between them I’m not sure how I feel about that. At first I thought Father Amadi was just looking after a teen who clearly had been through tough things, but based on all the comments those around Kambili made and his ultimate promise to write her first after she moved to Germany, it seemed mutual. I’m glad though that in the end it seemed to turn into something less romantic and more of an uplifting, inspirational relationship from afar.
I felt sorry for Jaja at the end, having been in prison for almost 3 years. It was sad that he felt like he had to sacrifice so much for his family and that going to prison didn’t seem like sacrifice enough for him. He didn’t even seem happy at the end when he was told he would leave jail in a few weeks despite the poor conditions. It seemed like he flourished so much with Aunty Ifeoma and his cousins, only to be beaten down again after his father’s death. Despite wondering why God had to sacrifice his son Jesus, he still sacrificed himself.
It was beautiful to see how she bloomed in Nsukka with Aunty Ifeoma and her cousins. It was especially nice to see how her relationship with Amaka morphed over time and she learned to loosen up and enjoy life some.
I had a hard time with Kambili’s mother Beatrice.
I felt sorry for Jaja at the end, having been in prison for almost 3 years. It was sad that he felt like he had to sacrifice so much for his family and that going to prison didn’t seem like sacrifice enough for him. He didn’t even seem happy at the end when he was told he would leave jail in a few weeks despite the poor conditions. It seemed like he flourished so much with Aunty Ifeoma and his cousins, only to be beaten down again after his father’s death. Despite wondering why God had to sacrifice his son Jesus, he still sacrificed himself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Racism, Colonisation, War
Really a 3.5. I thought the author did a fantastic job of creating the characters and the palpable dread. Imagery was beautiful though plot was a bit slow. I liken it to The Great Alone with the growing tenseness but without the punch that The Great Alone delivers.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can’t bring myself to forgive this book after Jaja’s demise. The character I was truly rooting from beginning to end. Thought the ending took the plot in a very different direction it was building itself up to be. I was waiting for Jaja to leave Kambili and go to America. Disappointed the immediate family remained in Nigeria, understandably they had to. Kambili and Father Amadi’s relationship made me uncomfortable. Amaka and Aunty Ifeoma encouraging the relationship made me more uncomfortable. Loved Aunty Ifeoma in all other aspects. 4 stars for audible performance. The narration had the inflection of a 15 year old girl struggling to impress her father but discover life outside her home. Highly recommend.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
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:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse