Reviews

Prince of Monkeys by Nnamdi Ehirim

binstonbirchill's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed the first part of the book but after the jump in time it completely lost my interest. Outside factors may have contributed to my interest falling off but I just failed to connect with the story from that point on. Reader experience may vary, this is not should-I-read-this advice.

manwithanagenda's review against another edition

reflective 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

1.5

'Prince of Monkeys' follows Ihechi and a group of his friends as they grow up in Lagos, Nigeria in the 1980s and 90s. The work encompasses the trials of growing up, arguing with friends, falling in love for the first time backed by a growing awareness of the political and cultural turmoil of Nigeria on the Ihechi's part.

I was torn about rating this one. I was drawn to finish the book and see what happens, but at the same time the prose style was difficult for me. I never lost myself in the pages, I was always aware I was reading.

I expect this is not the last we'll hear of Ehirim, but this first novel wasn't for me.

mihiret's review

4.0

This is an interesting, complex novel of contemporary Nigeria. Our narrator, Ihechi, often doesn't know what to make of his country (or any other aspect of his life), but he does a good job of describing the competing world views, religions, politics, and expectations he and his close friends face. Even the timeline of the novel is fractured and hard to put together, as Ihechi tries to figure out how he, his friends, and his country are imprisoned and try to work a way out (the novel begins with the main characters waking up, confused, in jail, and we return there several times, but metaphorical prisons abound as well). This novel has plenty of plot, but it is more interested in ideas--prepare to read slowly, enjoying the imagery, but also expect to keep thinking about the novel and its questions after you have closed the book.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway--thank you to Counterpoint Press for the free copy--but my opinions are my own.

lipglossmaffia's review

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

megannewsome's review

emotional tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5