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woman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Misogyny
celynnnnnn_a's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
VERY INSIGHTFUL
kimyattaw's review against another edition
5.0
I must say that I've been intrigued by this story since I first laid eyes upon it. A coming of age tale is probably one of my favorite kinds of books. This one, set in a country and culture foreign to me, is a great addition to those kinds of stories. I've learned so much about the Nigerian culture in a short 329 pages.
Ms. Kilanko takes us on a journey told by Morayo who tells her story from her first memory which is of learning that she was going to be a big sister at age 5. It's a wonderful memory and the narrator is so thorough, you are truly living through these pages.
One by one, we meet members of Morayo's family. Don't get bogged down in the names. Some might seem difficult to pronounce, but if it's too hard for you just sub a name for it so that you don't get lost in that. The names are important as it's important to the culture of the book's people but don't let that be a deterrent.
This traditional Nigerian family of the Yoruba tribe is one you can feel the love. While you may not agree with many of the decisions of the family, you can be assured that this family loves each other. It oozes from their actions.
When Morayo's cousin Bros T forces this secret upon Morayo, you feel her helplessness, her hoplessness and despair throughout. You want to be mad at someone for her but really, who can you be upset with. Everyone is dealing in their own way. No matter where you are in the world, this kind of thing seems to be dealt with in much the same way.
As Morayo grows and deals with her secret, you understand more and more of why each character does what they do. When it's clear, you're torn between praying for them, loving them, hating them and forgiving them.
This is an important story for every woman. I think it helps us to see how strong we can be as women and what we can do to be stronger.
Ms. Kilanko takes us on a journey told by Morayo who tells her story from her first memory which is of learning that she was going to be a big sister at age 5. It's a wonderful memory and the narrator is so thorough, you are truly living through these pages.
One by one, we meet members of Morayo's family. Don't get bogged down in the names. Some might seem difficult to pronounce, but if it's too hard for you just sub a name for it so that you don't get lost in that. The names are important as it's important to the culture of the book's people but don't let that be a deterrent.
This traditional Nigerian family of the Yoruba tribe is one you can feel the love. While you may not agree with many of the decisions of the family, you can be assured that this family loves each other. It oozes from their actions.
When Morayo's cousin Bros T forces this secret upon Morayo, you feel her helplessness, her hoplessness and despair throughout. You want to be mad at someone for her but really, who can you be upset with. Everyone is dealing in their own way. No matter where you are in the world, this kind of thing seems to be dealt with in much the same way.
As Morayo grows and deals with her secret, you understand more and more of why each character does what they do. When it's clear, you're torn between praying for them, loving them, hating them and forgiving them.
This is an important story for every woman. I think it helps us to see how strong we can be as women and what we can do to be stronger.
neistein's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The book was a lovely read. It explored the idea of growing up as an African daughter in full. It showed clearly the shame that comes with sexual abuse and how this affects ones life even in adulthood. It however had a happy ending and showed that you can give thanks through the storm.
areaderintransit's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
jesseam's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
che_ddy38's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.5
uzo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.25
raysofs's review against another edition
4.0
I love a good coming of age book. This was so beautifully written.
bookedupandbusy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This is the story of Morayo, a Nigerian girl, whose life is cruelly altered when she is abused by a relative. The story spans three decades from Morayo's blissful, Yoruba childhood in the 1970s, through her traumatic adolescence, into her troubled twenties and thirties
The story looks at surviving as a child amongst many family secrets and how abuse can lead to the mental and physical breakdown of the victim.
It is a character driven story with no plot and the story explores how social issues are dealt with in Nigeria.
I loved the use of Nigerian folk stories to teach life lessons. Morayo is a well written character. She is vulnerable yet intelligent and she gained a wealth of knowledge from her close relative, Morenike. Morenike became a mentor to Morayo, however Morenike becomes involved in political advocacy and I did not enjoy this part of the novel. I understand the author was trying to show us how politics are run in the country but I felt this had no benefit or relation to the story.
The second half of the novel was strong. I have read many coming of age stories but I did not expect this part to go in the direction in which it did. It explored regaining control, ownership and consent in a very interesting way.
4.5 ⭐️ stars for me, I would have given it 5 ⭐️ but I did not enjoy the political chapters.