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mrsmobarak's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sweetearlgrey's review against another edition
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
A captivating collection of short stories set in Nigeria, delving into themes from motherhood to cultural identity. I appreciated the seamless incorporation of magical elements, which provided a compelling counterbalance to the darker themes. While some stories resonated with me more than others, overall, it's a solid collection.
dancinrio's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I loved every single word of this. The depth of the human condition Lesley Nneka Arimah manages to squeeze into each of these short stories is astounding. Each and every story is fantastic and oh so moving. Just wonderful.
stephxsu's review
5.0
I am in awe. Writing doesn’t have to be extravagant to be powerful, and Arimah’s collection of short stories is a great example of that. Using deceptively simple and straightforward prose, Arimah evokes a whole range of emotions.
WHAT IT MEANS features Nigeria as a setting, and Nigerian characters, both domestically and overseas, but it’s not stories about Nigeria so much as it is an exploration of more universal themes, and how Nigerian characters in particular respond to them. Some of the themes I identified and appreciated reading about include:
More than thought-provoking and emotional, though, Arimah’s writing is funny. She has this sort of deadpan, one-line delivery that highlights the absurdity of a situation or a character’s actions. This is writing that takes itself and its responsibility seriously, yet understands that great authorial responsibility doesn’t automatically mean things can’t be fun.
I will be eagerly on the lookout for Arimah’s next book. I hope she chooses to publish a full-length novel next, with as much goodness as her short stories contain.
WHAT IT MEANS features Nigeria as a setting, and Nigerian characters, both domestically and overseas, but it’s not stories about Nigeria so much as it is an exploration of more universal themes, and how Nigerian characters in particular respond to them. Some of the themes I identified and appreciated reading about include:
Motherhood – Is there one “right” way to be a good mother? Are there any objectively bad ways to be one? What is considered justified sacrifice on the path to motherhood?
Intergenerational trauma – Should the best way to deal with it be to exorcise it from our minds like a demon? Is it possible to fully let go of this sort of trauma? What happens when it gets ignored, then comes back with a vengeance?
Familial sacrifice – What is considered acceptable to sacrifice for one’s family? Little is acknowledged of the personal sacrifices a parent makes in order to raise their child in a new country. Can a father send his beloved daughter away to America for a better upbringing? Should a daughter sacrifice her health and her daughter to please her mother? Should an understanding sister sacrifice her life for her sibling’s poor relationship mistake?
More than thought-provoking and emotional, though, Arimah’s writing is funny. She has this sort of deadpan, one-line delivery that highlights the absurdity of a situation or a character’s actions. This is writing that takes itself and its responsibility seriously, yet understands that great authorial responsibility doesn’t automatically mean things can’t be fun.
I will be eagerly on the lookout for Arimah’s next book. I hope she chooses to publish a full-length novel next, with as much goodness as her short stories contain.
callmeash's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
I couldn’t put this book down. Each story just as beautiful and heart wrenching as the last. Arimah grabs hold of grief and doesn’t let go, telling each story with such intensity. My favorite story was “Light”, about a father’s will to keep his daughter safe from the world. Almost every story centers around women and how society only notices their flaws.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
redwhiteandroyalreads's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My average rating for the whole collection was 4.02 and my feelings on it reflect that number. I thought it was an interesting mix of contemporary/real-world-based stories and stories with otherworldly elements to them. My favorites were Light, Who Will Greet You at Home, and What is a Volcano? The whole collection felt very cohesive and like all the stories had a purpose, even though some were less interesting to me. I listened to the audiobook while reading along with the physical and I thought the narrator did a wonderful job. A strong collection overall that offers interesting insights regarding relationships and life.
kathleencoughlin's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0