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A review by alouette
Butter Honey Pig Bread by francesca ekwuyasi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
a deeply emotional, insightful, powerful novel. the three women of the family who offer their perspectives are fully fleshed out people that felt like they were speaking with me as the story unfolded. the choices the author makes in revealing more about them are artful, carefully and perfectly executed. despite knowing what Kehinde's trauma would be based on all the clues, i still cried when she fully explained it. i sympathized with her while also feeling myself in the shoes of Taiye, scared and feeling helpless.
as they grew up through the time-swapping narrative, and Kambirinachi's complicated love for them was illustrated through her own upbringing, i felt each piece of them fall into place. they grew bold, bright, unique and independent- and then still found their way back to being sisters. not the same as they were, as no relationship in this novel was stagnant, but eventually loving each other in new ways and loving the lives they'd built for themselves.
bind that with the surrealist folklore elements, the importance of a home to come back to and a culture to cherish and food that represents love, queer content, faith, and many other lovely, nuanced themes and you have an unforgettable book. this is what human nature is- the ability to change and grow.
i can't remember enough to accurately attach them to this review but be mindful of content warnings <3
as they grew up through the time-swapping narrative, and Kambirinachi's complicated love for them was illustrated through her own upbringing, i felt each piece of them fall into place. they grew bold, bright, unique and independent- and then still found their way back to being sisters. not the same as they were, as no relationship in this novel was stagnant, but eventually loving each other in new ways and loving the lives they'd built for themselves.
bind that with the surrealist folklore elements, the importance of a home to come back to and a culture to cherish and food that represents love, queer content, faith, and many other lovely, nuanced themes and you have an unforgettable book. this is what human nature is- the ability to change and grow.
i can't remember enough to accurately attach them to this review but be mindful of content warnings <3