A review by andrewspink
Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh

challenging dark emotional sad fast-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

I bought this book because I thought it would be nice to read something by someone in a very different situation than myself; a Nigerian and set in Africa. It was certainly that, but oh so much more. The pain of exclusion from society simply because of who you are. The shame that drove the protagonist to even join the bullying of another gay boy. The desperation of the whole community as the dreadful law was passed and the ground of their security crumbled beneath their feet. 
There was only one thing I didn't get. Since when does limestone smell of metal?
A deeply moving book, that I won't forget in a hurry.