Reviews

Normally I don’t choose this type of book (more of a mystery girl myself), but I’m always pleasantly surprised when I do (side note, if you want a similar book, check out Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi). Adichie does a wonderful job of showing the hardships and feelings of her characters without taking away from the plot, and vice versa. The characters ARE the plot, which adds so much to this book. I’m not explaining this well, but the takeaway is that it’s a great book.

The only thing that I wasn’t the biggest fan of, not saying it was bad but I just didn’t like the way it was gone about, was the ending. Total spoilers coming up btw.

I felt like there should have been the choice of the family breaking free from Papa. The “oops he died, our problems are fixed” (yes I know it wasn’t a natural causes thing) just felt like it undid all of Kambili’s character development. She just goes back to wanting his approval again, even if her own dreams. Like nothing happened or changed. Idealistic, I know.

Just not the biggest fan of that, which is why it isn’t 5 stars.

Great book overall

indratjahjadi's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

bloomslikeyellowroses's review against another edition

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challenging sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

liza_loo_who's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective sad tense 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? Yes

4.0

sarajg's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

chelseajohnsonp's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a beautiful read by Adiche. The author’s prose is elegant and to the point. The juxtaposition between a man who caring and generous to his community but who neglects to care for his family creates an angry yet somber tone for the book. This novel was so reflective for me and definitely changed how I view the world. I absolutely loved this story.

Content Warnings

marcobra33's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

4.0

emmabeckman's review against another edition

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5.0

I really really liked this one. I thought it was a really excellent reflection on how someone can be both surrounded by their culture and separated from it. I thought the voice in this novel was really distinct; moments that stand out in that way include whenever Kambili is thinking about Father Amadi, and also the repeated moments when Kambili wishes that she had been the one who said something. On the former, I thought Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie did an exceptional job of portraying the inner thoughts of a teenage girl. On the latter, I think it really showed the reader how much Kambili craves approval, especially from her father but also from anyone who intimidates her. I thought the characters were all quite well developed and individual--there was no one who blended together with anyone else. Really, the thoughtfulness of this novel is what pushed it to 5 stars for me.

Additionally, I think this book would be great for young adult readers, but it is definitely written for an adult audience. CW/TW for the book: physical domestic abuse, death

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