A review by melaninuncorkedbc
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah

challenging emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was a slow read, but the message was intentional. Society says that mothers automatically just have “it”, you know the “it”, the motherly instinct, the automatic love for said child. Efe shows us in this novel the struggles with not wanting to have a child, feeling alone, going through postpartum depression, and even being in a marriage that has you feeling like a ghost version of yourself. This book reflects how culturally, one is expected to be. But reality takes precedence. Efe walks out on her family and decides to take charge of her life. Sam and Olivia pays the cost. They’re left to pick up the pieces and continue life without her near. Then tragedy strikes and they have to make their recent months a permanent reality.