ludivinev 's review for:

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo

2.5

mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

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I've just finished the book and I still don't know what the plot is. The writing is stunning, and I usually don't mind a slow book, but... nothing happens. The characters are not developed enough and the relationship between Yejide and Darwin is rushed. I don't know if I missed something (I listened to the audio version - excellent narration! - and maybe I got distracted at some point?) but I don't understand what is the 'gift' of the women in Yejide's family or what is does or what is its purpose. A bit disappointing, the blurb oversells it, but I'll keep an eye out for anything Ayanna Lloyd Banwo writes next because I absolutely love her writing style.