mysterymom46's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, War, Alcohol, Colonisation, Gun violence, and Violence
andrea_gagne's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book had me on the edge of my seat - I could not put it down! This was a fantastic debut and I look forward to more from the author.
Bernadette and Melvin were forced to flee the American south in the 1960s after an altercation turned them into fugitives. They sought refuge in Ghana, but were unaware of the turmoil they were walking into when they arrived to the young country on the brink of a coup. After joining up with a popular highlife musician Kwesi Kwayson on a trek to try and find the President and former revolutionary Kwame Nkrumah (who Melvin knew from his days at college), they are forced to navigate danger and chaos as they attempt to save themselves and escape the chaos that unfolds around them.
The writing was rich, immersive, and poetic. The characters were complex and I quickly connected with them. The story itself was epic, exciting, and dangerous, steeped in history and culture, with a touch of magic and mysticism.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC to read and review.
Bernadette and Melvin were forced to flee the American south in the 1960s after an altercation turned them into fugitives. They sought refuge in Ghana, but were unaware of the turmoil they were walking into when they arrived to the young country on the brink of a coup. After joining up with a popular highlife musician Kwesi Kwayson on a trek to try and find the President and former revolutionary Kwame Nkrumah (who Melvin knew from his days at college), they are forced to navigate danger and chaos as they attempt to save themselves and escape the chaos that unfolds around them.
The writing was rich, immersive, and poetic. The characters were complex and I quickly connected with them. The story itself was epic, exciting, and dangerous, steeped in history and culture, with a touch of magic and mysticism.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC to read and review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Toxic relationship
More...