A review by ady_soundslike80
Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really loved the structure of this book. Frequently, a book of this nature would have alternated chapters between the two perspectives. This one, instead, told the entire story from one perspective and then from the other perspective, followed by a brief omniscient perspective to tie it all together. I tend to dislike dual perspectives, but told in this manner, I was able to empathize with each of the perspectives.

I would say that this is a book about friendship, but the two main characters were not friends for the majority of the book.
Additionally, the tentative relationship at the end was imperfect, fragile, and not easily defined as friendship.
It is instead a book about the relationships between women in a misogynistic culture and how their bonds (or lack thereof) can affect how women navigate their lives. 

I absolutely loved that these characters were flawed humans. They made mistakes. They grew. They are still growing. This journey of growth made the characters relatable (flaws and all).

I know that this was listed on the Women’s Prize longlist last year, but I never got around to reading it. Somehow, I expected a very straightforward and somewhat shallow story. After reading the novel though, I can certainly appreciate the excellent writing and understand why it made the list. 

I think this would be a fantastic book to discuss in a book club. I have purchased a copy for my mom because I intend to press it into her hands soon.
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