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A review by biojesspj
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-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? No
5.0
A beautiful blending of folklore and fable. A boy sets out to save his mother and his people, and he finds unexpected lessons that upend his world.
I loved having sign language be a vital part of the culture. An amazing depth fits into fewer than 90 pages, and I found myself surprised by how attached I had become to the characters and their cause in such a short time.
I loved having sign language be a vital part of the culture. An amazing depth fits into fewer than 90 pages, and I found myself surprised by how attached I had become to the characters and their cause in such a short time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Body horror
Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Classism, Grief, Vomit, Torture, Animal death, Blood, and Child death
The book begins with a dehydrated city, and the lack of water causes death to be widespread. Ritualized, compulsory mutilation is key to the plot, and the process and results are described briefly a few times. The inability to speak, hear, or see is forced upon people through the removal of body parts, as a means of control.