A review by alphareads
Dazzling Mirage by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-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

4.5

Full Disclosure: This book took me, entrapped me without caution. I didn’t see myself go. I just kept turning, page after page. 

I was first drawn to this book because I had heard a lot about its adaptation. I had sat in a film cinematography class taught by the man [Tunde Kelani. A legend] who directed the adaptation. He is known for making great films and so I wondered, “What about this book made him adapt it to the screen?”.

A few pages in, I experienced a significant moral dilemma. It made me ponder whether it is appropriate to marry someone even if you know their genotype, and have a child who may develop sickle cell anemia. Despite the risk, is it worth it to proceed with the marriage because of the deep love you share with your partner?

Funmiwo, the main character, had similar questions in her quest to find out exactly why she ended up being a sickler when both her parents were in health care.

This book made me sad. It got my emotions and mind reeling. It is not a complicated book but it does tackle a very complicated subject. The author did an excellent job of bringing to life the struggles of sickle cell patients through their beautiful writing. 

"Dazzling Mirage" achieves what few other works of Nigerian literature have accomplished: a thorough examination of the challenges faced by sickle cell patients in Nigeria.

I appreciate the fact that this author doesn't overwhelm the readers with too much research. Although this book is about sickle cell anaemia and aims to raise awareness about it, the details about the disease are presented in a way that feels well-researched yet not overwhelming. The information is layered and spread throughout the book beautifully and engagingly, making it feel like you're reading a novel rather than a research paper. This is a remarkable achievement.

Through this novel, you get to live the life of a sickle cell patient through the main character, Funmiwo, and other characters. You get to experience the stigma they face.