A review by luxlibrary
The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa by Stephen Buoro

emotional lighthearted 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? Yes

3.75

this coming of age novel follows 15 year old andy who lives with his mother in nigeria and has an intense obsession with white women. we see different aspects of his friendships and family relationships as time goes on and we see how his love for his first white girlfriend affects those relationships. this story was so raw and realistic, i feel like i personally know andy. 

i have never read a book like this. one minute i was laughing the next i was tearing up. colonialism and internalized racism are integrated into this story so well. the internalized hatred was a bit subtle because we're reading from andy's point of view, and to him it isn't a problem. i really loved the poems! they felt so personal and fit the theme perfectly. thank you to bloomsbury publishing for the arc.