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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I don't know if it was a little slow in the beginning or I just wasn't in the head space for the book, but for me I struggled in the first 8 chapters. After chapter 8 it picks up and takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. I basically read this book in a day. You get so much in this book: Nigerian culture, hopeless romantic vibes, self discovery, acceptance, and laughs. The way she writes makes it a quick read, so I highly recommend it.
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:
Yes
I didn't connect with the writing at all. Might try again another time.
I picked this one up originally because I was obsessed with the book cover. Unfortunately, that was my favorite part of the book. I liked a lot of aspects of this book and really enjoyed the exploration of love and honoring your family and culture. But the writing was just not there for me. There were way too many movie references (I know that sounds nit picky, but if you read it, you'll get it) and way too many instances where you're told something you should have been shown. Overall, I thought I was going to love this one from the synopsis, but I ended up disappointed.
Plot/Pacing = .75/1
Character/Voice = .5/1
Engagement = .5/1
Length/Resolution = .75/1
My Gut Feeling = .5/1
Total = 3/5 Stars
Character/Voice = .5/1
Engagement = .5/1
Length/Resolution = .75/1
My Gut Feeling = .5/1
Total = 3/5 Stars
"I believe in destiny, but I
strongly believe destiny isn’t all-
powerful; it gives a portion of its
influence to us. We have the
choice to accept or reject its
plans."
A solid four stars for me. Not 5 because internalised misogyny must die!
strongly believe destiny isn’t all-
powerful; it gives a portion of its
influence to us. We have the
choice to accept or reject its
plans."
A solid four stars for me. Not 5 because internalised misogyny must die!
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really was looking forward to this read, but it sadly fell a bit flat for me. I became bored about half way through and put the book down for close to a month before returning to it, and then I just powered through.
The MFC, Azere, came off as a bit immature…Although I can relate to the weighty expectations from a parent, the way she navigated issues in her relationship with Rafael was a bit frustrating. I didn’t understand her initially agreeing to a relationship with Rafael without communicating the “big secret” she was holding on to…only for her to continue internally speak about how she needs to tell him. You’ve already told two people, tell him also. Or course the secret is ultimately revealed in the most dramatic way. Similarities with Rafael, it’s obvious he’s dealing with something heavy and that’s looming throughout the majority of the book and becomes a source of contention between the two. Another reason why, it may have been premature for him to be entertaining a relationship if he was still affected in a way that he couldn’t even communicate what happened in his past….I think it would hav been good if that was revealed earlier and then we got to see him take more time to deal with those unresolved emotions. I also think we would have benefited from a little bit more of Rafael’s POA and that would have maybe helped with understanding his character a lot more. The conflicts hover the entire book, and then the resolution is just swift….the issues discussed in this story are so layered that it would have been okay if it wasn’t tied up nicely at the end especially with Azere’s mother. That’s a lifetime of hurt and general trauma just wrapped up in the last few pages.
The Elijah character was cringe, but so was Azere’s mother…some of the things she was suggesting were concerning . It was even more concerning that Azere ultimately went along with them for the sake of having her mother in her life…very toxic. For some reasons Elijah’s wanting to be with Azere never seemed believable…he came off selfish. He expressed how he wanted to fight for her, but his actions really communicated something different. So, I guess if the author did more showing it would have convinced me that his intentions exceeded beyond cultural and family expectations. He never seemed to take her wants and needs into consideration. I think the book could have communicated Azere’s family expectations without Elijah…he was more of a nuisance.
The over explaining of romance novels/rom coms quickly became annoying
This is a book I couldn’t put down, and stayed up late into the night reading! Five stars isn’t enough for the heartwarming masterpiece from Jane Igharo.
medium-paced
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced