A review by cjwitch
The Truth of the Aleke by Moses Ose Utomi

adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

History is written by those in power and nothing you are told is as simple as they’d have you believe. 

The Truth of the Aleke takes place 500 years after the last novella, when the story of Tutu has been rewritten. This is a tale about truth, lies, and propaganda and about one boy’s desperate desire to do good in a world that does not have his best interests at heart. 

Where The Lies of the Ajungo was a more myth-like telling of good vs evil, the Truth of the Aleke is more complex and threaded through with realistic shades of grey. There are more characters, more action, and a deeper plot here than in the previous book. While technically each of these novellas could stand alone, the lessons held within seem to be building off each other and gaining momentum in a way that has me eager to see where the next book in the series takes us. 

As a final note: be sure to read the author’s Acknowledgment at the end. It adds even more layers and enhances the novella further. 
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