pausegre's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
anna_near's review against another edition
4.0
This book was beautiful. Chinelo Okparanta has such a unique voice and I honestly could read 200 pages of her describing literal landscapes. I read it in one sitting. It is a heartbreaking, beautiful, and important coming-of-age story that explores what it means to be queer in an environment that rejects and degrades their entire existence. The writing was accessible and immersive. Though there were quite a few cliches, it worked within the narrative and made the story more personal. My only annoyance was how often the Bible was quoted. This isn't necessarily a flaw- especially considering how relevant christianity is in Nigerian culture, but there were pages where it was just Bible scripture. I understand why it was done, but it was still so annoying. I also could've gone without the epilogue as I loved how it ended. But definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year.
loungeking's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maddyshad15's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
atthehuskinbee's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.5
haleymn68's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! It’s provided a unique perspective to life in Nigeria around the time of the Biafran war. I think Chinelo did a great job of exploring different relationships with family, friends, lovers and religion. Highly recommend!
oxtailandcabbage's review against another edition
5.0
The story in this book was fluid, complex, tender, painful and portrayed such a vivid picture of what it is like to embody different identities in a post colonial society in a place like Nigeria. These experiences mirrored a lot of the same issues queer children experience in Haiti where I am from. This book is a jewel. It is unlike anything that I've ever read before. A roller coaster ride. I can't stop thinking about these characters. This won't be the last book I read from this author.
bhocken8's review against another edition
3.0
A very important story of a gay girl growing up in the Nigerian civil war, steered off course by the dogma of religion and the blind sighted views of those who are closest to her. The characters could have been a little more detailed, but the writing was clear and honest, allowing the story to shine through.
mcmontgomery's review against another edition
5.0
This was so beautiful. It offers a different, more nuanced exploration of conflict between queerphobia and Christianity that amounted to really compelling storytelling. Some of the descriptions of the Nigerian civil war are very difficult to read (and, for that reason, important). But it's ultimately a love story, and everything comes back to just real and deep queer love.
missamandamae's review against another edition
4.0
Heartbreaking. I gasped a lot reading this book. A story of war and family, love and coming of age. We follow a young Igbo woman as she grows up and discovers herself, and experiences a full range of heartbreak. Really marvelous read, but will likely put a knife in your heart at some point.