A review by girlnextshore
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

3.0

Beautifully written and quite a different take on coming-of-age stories.

Set in warring Nigeria in the 90s, the story centres on a family filled with aspirations but faced with tragedies brought about by false prophesies, small town beliefs, and inequality. It follows the misadventures of four brothers, whose close bond changes when a madman foretells the eldest to be killed by another. And it all goes downhill from there.

The book, whilst completely heartbreaking, is rich with hope and vivid descriptions. But it also reminds you of the lengths you would go to protect your own.

Great debut.