Reviews

Reading the Ceiling by Dayo Forster

anouk_k05's review

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

coco1922's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

esther_habs's review

emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.0

paulap's review against another edition

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? It's complicated

3.0

This book is divided in three parts, that correspond to the three ways Ayodele's life could have gone. We meet her when she is about to turn 18, and she has decided to lose her virginity. The decision of who will be de one to do it seems to affect the rest of her life. At first it was ok, but when I realised what it was trying to do, I enjoyed it quite a bit, the underlying discussion of destiny and how a seemingly small decision can lead to huge life changes.

ln2's review against another edition

informative 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? It's complicated

5.0

wendyspeakslanguages's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was my first introduction to Gambian literature, and I especially enjoyed the scenes set in the Gambia, as I am planning to go there soon and wanted to learn more about the country. I love the idea of the book, but I wasn't always convinced by the execution. 

There were flashes of brilliance here and there, but overall the writing felt very disjointed. Even within each of the three parts, the chapters seemed entirely separate from each other. Often years would pass from one chapter to the next, and I didn't know why Ayodele was suddenly in the situation she was in, because I'd missed everything that had happened in between. 

I do find it fascinating to think about how one single choice a person makes can completely change the trajectory of their life. 

masu_reads's review

3.0

Interesting concept (three alternative life stories based on the decision whom you lose your virginity to) but lukewarm execution. Doesn't make much sense, e.g., that events that would not be influenced by that decision (which college to be admitted to) because all relevant action was taken before the event would be different in the three timelines.

tuma's review

reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Gambia writer/ representation 🇬🇲

readingindreams's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

3.5

benereads's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0