2treads's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It's just as affecting the second time around.
This book! I loved it. The sibling relationship, the incorporation of Yoruba culture, the food, the pain, the tears, the beginning of healing; I was here for it all.
Stories that are told from multiple personal perspectives and in different voices have always been favourites. They expand the narrative and add layers to the story-telling atmosphere and what the author is trying to achieve; develop complex characters and elevate as well as add depth to interactions. It also serves to get and keep the reader engaged in the story.
In Butter, Honey, Pig, Bread, Ekwuyasi has weaved rich, descriptive prose in with simple and clear writing, from which evolves an evocative, interesting, and affecting story of two generations of women- mother and twin daughters- and their entwined, strained, damaged yet beautiful relationship. There were also times throughout the book when the prose became more, drawing a wealth of emotion with the depth of relation of person and experience.
Ekwuyasi uses letters and memories to introduce, build, and ground her characters on the page, and as we read further and further in, we see them grow and learn what caused the rift that pushed these sisters apart and what will bring them back together. As each sister shares their lives with us, pursuing dreams, careers, and companionship, we get to see how they individually reacted to and dealt with a trauma that was perpetrated on one sister, yet became shared emotionally and mentally, and led to the deterioration of their connection. The eventual explosion that accompanies the brewing confrontation is equally painful and necessary. Wounds of hurt and betrayal can never be healed unless the door is opened and the injured parties reveal the truth and depth of their pain. The narrative flow portrays the shattering of a precious bond, the rippling and cascading effects, and the resulting scars, which lead to the development of unhealthy habits in an attempt to cope.
Both sisters turned to damaging manifestations of their identity in an attempt to move their psyches as far as possible from what they endured, instead of working towards healing, finding, and returning to self; whether it was developing an eating disorder, holding unto society's biased norms of body image, using casual sex, liquor, and drugs as measures of survival. Not realizing that these habits were preventing them from thriving. I loved that Ekwuyasi explored a topic that many women and girls face, alone or within a family, and just how far-reaching and affecting trauma can be to an individual's relationships, not only with others, but with themselves.
It was so very easy to sink into this story, becoming immersed and invested in the reconciliation that I hoped was coming, without even knowing if it would be rewarding. The tension and reluctance that each sister exhibited as they were once again in each other's orbit was communicated so clearly and understandably. Their development and realizations as they fully face what had separated them and what it had led to do; their losses, friendships, relationships and the moments of levity and trifling family drama, which everyone can relate to. The inclusion of an Igbo belief added another layer to this family and the tale of their mother and her life as it was influenced by her Kin. It was so creative and definitely deepened the layering of the events that unfolded.
I also loved the infusion of food culture into this story; it fit so seamlessly into the storyline that it was impeccable. There is such power and meaning in food and what it can do for the restoration of individuals and relationships.
This book! I loved it. The sibling relationship, the incorporation of Yoruba culture, the food, the pain, the tears, the beginning of healing; I was here for it all.
Stories that are told from multiple personal perspectives and in different voices have always been favourites. They expand the narrative and add layers to the story-telling atmosphere and what the author is trying to achieve; develop complex characters and elevate as well as add depth to interactions. It also serves to get and keep the reader engaged in the story.
In Butter, Honey, Pig, Bread, Ekwuyasi has weaved rich, descriptive prose in with simple and clear writing, from which evolves an evocative, interesting, and affecting story of two generations of women- mother and twin daughters- and their entwined, strained, damaged yet beautiful relationship. There were also times throughout the book when the prose became more, drawing a wealth of emotion with the depth of relation of person and experience.
Ekwuyasi uses letters and memories to introduce, build, and ground her characters on the page, and as we read further and further in, we see them grow and learn what caused the rift that pushed these sisters apart and what will bring them back together. As each sister shares their lives with us, pursuing dreams, careers, and companionship, we get to see how they individually reacted to and dealt with a trauma that was perpetrated on one sister, yet became shared emotionally and mentally, and led to the deterioration of their connection. The eventual explosion that accompanies the brewing confrontation is equally painful and necessary. Wounds of hurt and betrayal can never be healed unless the door is opened and the injured parties reveal the truth and depth of their pain. The narrative flow portrays the shattering of a precious bond, the rippling and cascading effects, and the resulting scars, which lead to the development of unhealthy habits in an attempt to cope.
Both sisters turned to damaging manifestations of their identity in an attempt to move their psyches as far as possible from what they endured, instead of working towards healing, finding, and returning to self; whether it was developing an eating disorder, holding unto society's biased norms of body image, using casual sex, liquor, and drugs as measures of survival. Not realizing that these habits were preventing them from thriving. I loved that Ekwuyasi explored a topic that many women and girls face, alone or within a family, and just how far-reaching and affecting trauma can be to an individual's relationships, not only with others, but with themselves.
It was so very easy to sink into this story, becoming immersed and invested in the reconciliation that I hoped was coming, without even knowing if it would be rewarding. The tension and reluctance that each sister exhibited as they were once again in each other's orbit was communicated so clearly and understandably. Their development and realizations as they fully face what had separated them and what it had led to do; their losses, friendships, relationships and the moments of levity and trifling family drama, which everyone can relate to. The inclusion of an Igbo belief added another layer to this family and the tale of their mother and her life as it was influenced by her Kin. It was so creative and definitely deepened the layering of the events that unfolded.
I also loved the infusion of food culture into this story; it fit so seamlessly into the storyline that it was impeccable. There is such power and meaning in food and what it can do for the restoration of individuals and relationships.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Addiction, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Murder, and Sexual assault
ecn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Pedophilia, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Violence, Pregnancy, Murder, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Grief
aliciawithoutkeys's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Suicide attempt, and Sexual content
peachani's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Death of parent, Homophobia, Incest, Infertility, Murder, Outing, Infidelity, Pedophilia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Hate crime, Infidelity, Mental illness, Fatphobia, Grief, Rape, Body shaming, Car accident, Drug use, Dysphoria, Racism, Religious bigotry, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Dementia, Biphobia, Bullying, Vomit, Blood, Infertility, and Ableism
lizzie24601's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a beautiful read. The author crafted these characters and their relationships so beautifully. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is that I felt the narrative was slightly skewed toward focusing on Taiye, and although her story was really interesting, I would've liked some more details about Kambirinachi's adult life and Kehinde's young adulthood.
Spoiler
As such, Kambirinachi's ending felt so sudden. She JUST reconciled with her daughters and IMMEDIATELY wants to die??? Huh???
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Grief, and Rape
Moderate: Drug use, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy, Bullying, Child death, Infidelity, Murder, Outing, Addiction, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pedophilia
books4bee's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Vomit, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment, Homophobia, Alcohol, Animal death, Body shaming, Cannibalism, Car accident, Cultural appropriation, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Blood, Colonisation, Drug use, Eating disorder, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, and Suicide
brogan7's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
This book is so sensual - so many descriptions of food--colours, tastes, textures--and Taiye's trysts with various lovers...it's easy to get lost in it in the nicest possible way. It is the story of two twin sisters, Taiye and Kehinde, and their mother Kambirinachi, who is an Ogbanje (a spirit who dies & is reborn, dies & is reborn & is never quite of this world)...it is about being born in Nigeria and leaving to live in Canada or England or Morocco...it is about rifts and healing.
I was astounded at how much the book reminded me of other books, how it sits in that greater world of West African women's fiction, so for instance, Taiye and Kehinde, the twins with a tragedy, the same as in Taiye Selasi's Ghana must go -- and the woman who leads the narration at the opening of the book is an Ogbanje, as in Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi [a book I couldn't finish] -- and the slightly fraught sister relationship as in Half of a yellow sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -- and the sensual descriptions, particularly of food, reminiscent of The memory of love by Aminatta Forna... It felt, in that way, as part of a great chorus, and what a pleasure to be in that world, again.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Francesca Ekwuyasi has a Canadian connection - she lives in Halifax! - and the book has an extended section set in Halifax, in fact, which felt familiar in a different way, being a Nova Scotian myself (but not that up on the cool places to go in Halifax, some of which may be renamed or composites).
So, a lovely read.
There were sections that I didn't like as well or that left me with questions - at one point Ekwuyasi falls into the Nigerian vernacular, which is always fun but not if you can't make out what the people are actually saying, and without any gloss for those of us not familiar with that accent. It felt to me like it was so obvious to her what her characters were saying, that she thought the average reader should be able to figure it out...but without a few clues, I'm quite sure I missed bits and I was frustrated rather than educated at that moment.
And I did wonder about the ending -- why did she want to have both a happy and a terrible and tragic ending? What I mean is, some of the denouement felt so easy and smooth as to feel contrived (wished for, idealized, not real), and then some of the ending felt so horrifying and yet poeticized,
I also felt disappointed that there didn't seem to be a true evaluation of privilege: the lavish house, the jet-setting all over the world (including by the gay friend--who was such a great character as well--but you know, once he's done with his homophobic family, off he goes travelling all over the world like it's nothing--what about people who struggle with homophobia and class issues? Who barely scrape by and survive, but no, don't have the means to fly here and there to reunite with their friends for a couple of weeks or go to some new school?) It felt a little Cinderella-y at that point.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will look for more by Ekwuyasi in the years to come.
I was astounded at how much the book reminded me of other books, how it sits in that greater world of West African women's fiction, so for instance, Taiye and Kehinde, the twins with a tragedy, the same as in Taiye Selasi's Ghana must go -- and the woman who leads the narration at the opening of the book is an Ogbanje, as in Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi [a book I couldn't finish] -- and the slightly fraught sister relationship as in Half of a yellow sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -- and the sensual descriptions, particularly of food, reminiscent of The memory of love by Aminatta Forna... It felt, in that way, as part of a great chorus, and what a pleasure to be in that world, again.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Francesca Ekwuyasi has a Canadian connection - she lives in Halifax! - and the book has an extended section set in Halifax, in fact, which felt familiar in a different way, being a Nova Scotian myself (but not that up on the cool places to go in Halifax, some of which may be renamed or composites).
So, a lovely read.
There were sections that I didn't like as well or that left me with questions - at one point Ekwuyasi falls into the Nigerian vernacular, which is always fun but not if you can't make out what the people are actually saying, and without any gloss for those of us not familiar with that accent. It felt to me like it was so obvious to her what her characters were saying, that she thought the average reader should be able to figure it out...but without a few clues, I'm quite sure I missed bits and I was frustrated rather than educated at that moment.
And I did wonder about the ending -- why did she want to have both a happy and a terrible and tragic ending? What I mean is, some of the denouement felt so easy and smooth as to feel contrived (wished for, idealized, not real), and then some of the ending felt so horrifying and yet poeticized,
Spoiler
as though Kambirinachi's fate was always to die by her own hand, and this was a glorious moment to choose to do it in--as opposed to the wrenching tear that suicide represents for families and how would you really feel if your mother died the day your child was being born? Probably not like it was poetic justice.I also felt disappointed that there didn't seem to be a true evaluation of privilege: the lavish house, the jet-setting all over the world (including by the gay friend--who was such a great character as well--but you know, once he's done with his homophobic family, off he goes travelling all over the world like it's nothing--what about people who struggle with homophobia and class issues? Who barely scrape by and survive, but no, don't have the means to fly here and there to reunite with their friends for a couple of weeks or go to some new school?) It felt a little Cinderella-y at that point.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will look for more by Ekwuyasi in the years to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Minor: Miscarriage, Murder, and Self harm
peachynatalie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Child death, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Pregnancy, Murder, and Miscarriage
nicolaparty's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Pedophilia, Miscarriage, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Drug use, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Infidelity
kelly_e's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Title: Butter Honey Pig Bread
Author: Francesca Ekwuyasi
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5
Pub Date: Oct. 1 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Delicious • Familial • Inspiring
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Spanning three continents and many years, Butter Honey Pig Bread tells the story of mother, Kambirinachi, and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye. In the wake of two life-altering experiences - the violent death of their husband and father, and a traumatic childhood experience for Kehinde, - the women drift apart. Weighed down by guilt and resentment life takes each of them in different directions. A decade later, the women reunite in Lagos and are forced to face the wounds of the past in order to move forward. This is a tale of love and loss, of grief and healing, and above all of family and forgiveness.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Butter Honey Big Bread is a beautifully written debut novel that explores our choices and their consequences, intertwining flawlessly the pleasurable roles of both food and sex in our lives. The fully fleshed out character development, the complex relationships, and the intelligent and emotive writing make this one of the most powerful books I've ever read. From the very start, the story takes you on an immersive journey, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nigerian culture and tradition, contrasted with Western culture and customs. Through alternative perspectives, this novel also explores queer identity, the long-lasting effects of sexual trauma, and a family torn apart. Although the plot is quite slow to develop, I suspect this was the intention by the supremely talented first-time author. The use of food throughout the story is something unique, and demonstrates the importance food plays in every aspect of our lives, a language of love and connection. It is certainly heavy on content, but that is what makes it a realistic and pleasurable read. Francesca Ekwuyasi has gained a fan, and I cannot wait to read what she writes next. My advice is that you don't want to miss this one!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers of mother/daughter relationships and family sagas
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie fans
• Foodies
• Book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"She used to be much sweeter, softer, kinder, but it's impossible to go through that particular brand of hell and stay untouched."
"But one cannot abandon oneself, try try try as one might."
"The kind of kinship established due to a common sadness, shared loneliness that becomes bearable through laughter and food and the good company of one who understands."
"And that was her principal vice, wasn't it? Desiring to be entirely consumed by any and every moment that quenched the hungry howling loneliness that sat curled down down inside herself. If she could climb down the throat of an orgasm and rest, eternal, in its belly, and if she could sink into and be sealed beneath every delicious bite of every delightful thing - oh, how she would, she would, she would. But life pushes forth, persistently, the afterglow of even the most transcendent climax will fade, every tasty thing is digested and turns to shit. Mundanity is persistent. Periods must be dealt with, blood rots, dishes must be done, everything tarnishes and ends. It's just that beginnings are so seductive, the promise of possibilities."
"These alive bodies... so adept at turning even the most precious things into vices."
Author: Francesca Ekwuyasi
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5
Pub Date: Oct. 1 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Delicious • Familial • Inspiring
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Spanning three continents and many years, Butter Honey Pig Bread tells the story of mother, Kambirinachi, and her twin daughters, Kehinde and Taiye. In the wake of two life-altering experiences - the violent death of their husband and father, and a traumatic childhood experience for Kehinde, - the women drift apart. Weighed down by guilt and resentment life takes each of them in different directions. A decade later, the women reunite in Lagos and are forced to face the wounds of the past in order to move forward. This is a tale of love and loss, of grief and healing, and above all of family and forgiveness.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Butter Honey Big Bread is a beautifully written debut novel that explores our choices and their consequences, intertwining flawlessly the pleasurable roles of both food and sex in our lives. The fully fleshed out character development, the complex relationships, and the intelligent and emotive writing make this one of the most powerful books I've ever read. From the very start, the story takes you on an immersive journey, offering a fascinating glimpse into Nigerian culture and tradition, contrasted with Western culture and customs. Through alternative perspectives, this novel also explores queer identity, the long-lasting effects of sexual trauma, and a family torn apart. Although the plot is quite slow to develop, I suspect this was the intention by the supremely talented first-time author. The use of food throughout the story is something unique, and demonstrates the importance food plays in every aspect of our lives, a language of love and connection. It is certainly heavy on content, but that is what makes it a realistic and pleasurable read. Francesca Ekwuyasi has gained a fan, and I cannot wait to read what she writes next. My advice is that you don't want to miss this one!
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers of mother/daughter relationships and family sagas
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie fans
• Foodies
• Book clubs
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"She used to be much sweeter, softer, kinder, but it's impossible to go through that particular brand of hell and stay untouched."
"But one cannot abandon oneself, try try try as one might."
"The kind of kinship established due to a common sadness, shared loneliness that becomes bearable through laughter and food and the good company of one who understands."
"And that was her principal vice, wasn't it? Desiring to be entirely consumed by any and every moment that quenched the hungry howling loneliness that sat curled down down inside herself. If she could climb down the throat of an orgasm and rest, eternal, in its belly, and if she could sink into and be sealed beneath every delicious bite of every delightful thing - oh, how she would, she would, she would. But life pushes forth, persistently, the afterglow of even the most transcendent climax will fade, every tasty thing is digested and turns to shit. Mundanity is persistent. Periods must be dealt with, blood rots, dishes must be done, everything tarnishes and ends. It's just that beginnings are so seductive, the promise of possibilities."
"These alive bodies... so adept at turning even the most precious things into vices."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Murder, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Moderate: Abortion, Death, and Grief
stillbirth, overdose