Reviews

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

zoeyfountain's review against another edition

2.0

Very slow, but heartwarming ending.

misspalah's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.5

“Where in Africa?’ My mind was a muddle of words and images: my mama, my brothers, the tree, Sir Richard, Mrs Cuthbert, Bill . . . Perhaps it was simpler, easier, to just refer to my former life as a string of words and sentences, in the way Sir Richard had spoken on many occasions. A description of the land I grew up in from the mouth of an explorer: the Congo with its vast rainforests and endless rivers. A beauty that could not be replicated anywhere on this earth. Of all the countries from that great continent, none could hold a candle to the majestic Congo. None. ‘I once lived in the Congo,’ I said.”

• The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

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I'm not sure if I've ever read a book quite like this, chronicling a character's journey spanning nearly a century, but here we are. "The Attic Boy" was recommended by my book buddy for our upcoming discussion next month, and since I didn't have anything else to read at the moment, I decided to give it a try. What a journey Dikembe went through—from losing his identity to becoming Celestine, a refined gentleman fluent in British English. Educated in the upper-class English manner until Mr. Barbington's death, who brought him from Zaire/Congo, the plot unfolded linearly through Dikembe/Celestine's perspective and also explored the contemporary world through his great-granddaughter, Lowra. Fate brought them together, both held captive—one by a child groomer and the other by an abusive stepmother. Initially surprised by its substantial 440-page length, I'm glad Lola Jaye didn't rush the story. The novel skillfully parallels two generations: one struggling fiercely to survive and another drifting aimlessly burdened by trauma. It adeptly discusses King Leopold's history and his devastating impact on Africa, subtly yet leaving a profound impact on those familiar with the topic. The aftermath of colonization, racism, and class differences are intricately woven into the characters' lives. Despite the hardships, the book concludes on a hopeful note, which feels necessary after the ordeals endured by Dikembe/Celestine and Lowra. It's truly one of the best books I've read this year.

nagirak's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I recently saw a tik tok of a prior AP English teacher talking about classics that should be replaced with more relevant books. I don’t know what this should replace but it needs to be included in school curriculums. 

I was expecting this to be more of a story about escape and clues left from the past; reminiscent of a Lifetime movie. What I got was so much better. A historical fiction shedding light on the atrocities of colonialism. A heartbreaking story that shows why intent means nothing when actions have caused harm. 

It’s not often that a story makes me cry. Sad or tearful, maybe but definitely not actually crying. This book did that and it was both from heartbreaking and heartwarming emotions. 

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, however one small but significant detail is keeping me from doing so (slight spoiler ahead).

The chapter headers either should have never been labeled “Celestine”, or they should have switched back to “Dikembe” once it was revealed he had changed it back at some point.  

The way it is currently labeled is a slap in the face to everything this man went through and a win for his captors. 

kwellboot's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

4.5

sadietay's review against another edition

5.0

“It’s my turn…” Lola Jaye, you could not have brought better life and humanity into these two people’s stories! Beautifully captured and crafted.

(This is not a spoiler if you read what this book is about, but I feel it’s worth noting there is heavy child abuse in this novel. It is done in a very humanizing, real way where abuse is not just a “plot point” - and the story is much more than just the shared abuse.)

shannontay's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this! What a beautiful, thought provoking story.

trnolan's review against another edition

2.0

Slow, predictable and lacking in any real semblance of plot. Child abuse feels gratuitous and never explained in any of the characters. Weird inter generational sexual abuse was another bridge too far. The main characters are one dimensional and the time skips don't add much in my opinion.

dawn1117's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

smpaul's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

mollymccreedy's review against another edition

medium-paced

5.0

Worth every single page. Incredible book. Tears were shed, beautiful writing, and worthy of discussion