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A review by btwnprintedpgs
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

An absolutely riveting novella that is chalk full of symbolism and metaphor in a way that starts a dialogue around propaganda, power, and control over history and truth.

With each character representing different facets of humanity, this short story examines the greed that comes with power, and the lengths people go to in order to keep that power. It was interesting to hear about the author's sense of betweeness when it came to cultural truths, and to see how that translated into the story. I don't want to give a lot away, since it's such a short novella, but it's definitely worth the read.

Told in a fable-like/SFF manner, this is an easy read and something that I definitely think would make a great case study for an English class to examine.

TW: mutilation, death, injury detail, violence, propaganda, oppression

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