A review by seeyouinorbit
The Dragonfly Sea by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor

adventurous emotional funny informative reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

• This is a 500 page story of epic proportions about a young girl navigating borders, alienation, and womanhood. In the book Ayaana travels to China where she becomes the revered “Descendant” there to bridge past and future East Africa - Asia relations. When she goes to Turkey she’s promised luxury and wealth. She returns to Pate Island disillusioned, but with new knowledge and eyes that see the future differently. She realizes she can’t play whatever role others want from her anymore, she simply wants to be herself and to sail the waters of her homeland. 
• Ayaana is the sea and her island personified. Much like her home, she’s left in the margins of Kenya living as a pariah with her single mother. Until one day foreigners find something unique in her. Not her talent but her genes. Her genealogy grants her status and a chance to study in China. It’s full of promise to tie two nations together in the name of history. But there was always something more. To cement this relationship so the Chinese can have a foot hold to start projects like drilling for oil and controlling the port along the coast. In Turkey it’s the same thing, no genuine relationships built on the basis of mutual respect. She’s exoticized and her autonomy stripped away. People dictate to her how to dress and when to smile. Her relationship turns abusive because of the power imbalance between her and his far wealthier family. A metaphor I think about how there is no developing a brotherhood or fair trading when the GDP of these two countries is very different. However, in all this, the sea keeps Ayaana constant and her memories of her mother and chosen father keep her going. I’m glad she got a happy ending with the man that loves and understands her. 
• This book used very descriptive language and metaphors. At times it was to its advantage and it created strong visual imagery in my head, but most times I kept pushing myself to keep reading walls of text. However, the dialogue was entertaining and I was gasping and laughing at these well written characters with complex backstories.
• Since this was based on real life events/ locations, but not directly on actual people. I believe this was well researched and a lot of care was put into telling a story about Pate Island and the other countries. With all their nuisances and not in a way that others them. I think the author did a good job bringing Pate to the forefront again. 
• As a Kenyan I’ve mostly heard of Lamu Island, but almost never hear of Pate Island. But now I have and it’s on my radar. I’ll definitely visit it one day.