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kianaps's review against another edition
5.0
I was intrigued by this book from the start because "What it Means When a Man Falls from the Sky" is a fantastic title that immediately enticed me. Also, I got to hear the title short story on a Levar Burton Reads podcast which was phenomenal—both Levar and the story, of course!
The worlds/characters/concepts Lesley Nneka Arimah dreams up and the way she writes is nothing short of magical. Each story was newly imaginative and yet was still anchored in a truth, often disturbing while also somehow comforting. Empathy is increased as an accidental side effect of a great story. Whatever this genre is, it is my favorite!
The worlds/characters/concepts Lesley Nneka Arimah dreams up and the way she writes is nothing short of magical. Each story was newly imaginative and yet was still anchored in a truth, often disturbing while also somehow comforting. Empathy is increased as an accidental side effect of a great story. Whatever this genre is, it is my favorite!
abbyjennhm's review against another edition
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
bellwetherdays's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
hwindow21's review against another edition
5.0
These stories gripped me individually, pulling me into their separate worlds. But they also left me eager to read the next, and the next, until there were no more and I lay staring at the ceiling of my bedroom, walking back through in my mind. There's an overall flavor of haunting magic and earnest humanity that unites the collection and is expressed with particular strength in the title story. Looking forward to reading more of Nneka Arimah's work.
ashleyrich3825's review against another edition
3.0
To be specific, 3.5 stars.
I can't say that every story in this collection landed for me, but a good chunk of them were quite good. This isn't the sort of thing I normally read, but I can appreciate a change of pace. Arimah's writing style is beautiful, and I found myself pausing at the end of a few stories just to sit in the emotions they instilled in me.
I have to say my favorite of all the stories was the titular "What it Means When a Man Falls from the Sky"; the concept was really interesting and kept me fully hooked to the end, despite how short it was.
This collection focuses largely on the connections we have with the people in our lives: partners, parents, relatives, and friends. These connections are often messy or downright unpleasant, but somehow we still find it in ourselves to persist, if only in ourselves. As someone who reads a lot of found family based media, I think it's important to acknowledge the less idealistic parts of human relationships, while also recognizing the beauty in some of our imperfect relationships.
So yeah, a solid read; would recommend.
I can't say that every story in this collection landed for me, but a good chunk of them were quite good. This isn't the sort of thing I normally read, but I can appreciate a change of pace. Arimah's writing style is beautiful, and I found myself pausing at the end of a few stories just to sit in the emotions they instilled in me.
I have to say my favorite of all the stories was the titular "What it Means When a Man Falls from the Sky"; the concept was really interesting and kept me fully hooked to the end, despite how short it was.
This collection focuses largely on the connections we have with the people in our lives: partners, parents, relatives, and friends. These connections are often messy or downright unpleasant, but somehow we still find it in ourselves to persist, if only in ourselves. As someone who reads a lot of found family based media, I think it's important to acknowledge the less idealistic parts of human relationships, while also recognizing the beauty in some of our imperfect relationships.
So yeah, a solid read; would recommend.
ahkwikwikwi's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
anonymousbike's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
khanyisile13's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Every story moves in such an unexpected way, each one more unique than the last. There were repeated themes that could link the stories, including what it means to be a woman, self-perception led by the “what will people think” motivation that African families seem to wear on their chests, and African motherhood — in fact, motherhood is a persistent theme across all the stories, as well as childhood, indicating across tales, what different parenting styles can do to children. Also maybe ultimately highlighting that parents are human? And as such are flawed and also susceptible to the pressures of general society?
Arimah has this incredible way of being able to tell a full-bodied, emotionally complex story within the span of just 4 - 6 pages. It’s really a marvel, each story well crafted, and most of them leaving me with a want for more. The title story is very different from anything that I expected it to be, and I genuinely would love to see a fuller length story that explores its concept. The very first story in the book sets the tone for what you’re about to read. That is to say, I was so unready for it when it came.
All of the stories end in an open way, which can get frustrating, but really challenges what your perception of the world is as a reader . It was smart, each story was so different from the last and so creative. You can tell that Arimah just loves a good tale. It felt like the stories my family (Black and African) used to share with us growing up, old takes that informed our ethics and morals — and for that, I higher
Arimah has this incredible way of being able to tell a full-bodied, emotionally complex story within the span of just 4 - 6 pages. It’s really a marvel, each story well crafted, and most of them leaving me with a want for more. The title story is very different from anything that I expected it to be, and I genuinely would love to see a fuller length story that explores its concept. The very first story in the book sets the tone for what you’re about to read. That is to say, I was so unready for it when it came.
All of the stories
kieranhealy's review against another edition
5.0
I have no idea how Lesley Nneka Arimah did this. In a small collection of short stories, she managed to weave exquisite tales of hope, drama, fantasy, horror, and joy. Or, sometimes a combination of those elements. My particular favorite is "Who Will Greet You At Home," a strange tale of a woman who yearns to be a mother, in a world where a sorceress can give life to an inert baby made from available objects (clay, wood, yarn, etc). You should read the collection just for this story, and it's fall into a nightmare. I can't properly describe it. But nearly all the other stories hold close to the same impact. Some of the "meaning" of the stories is overt, but like any interesting piece of art, there is something an individual can draw their own interpretation on as well.
Arimah's ability to use a simple style to achieve such emotionally charged results is remarkable. I'm curious to see if she can maintain that over the length of a novel, but in these small bites it's fantastic.
Arimah's ability to use a simple style to achieve such emotionally charged results is remarkable. I'm curious to see if she can maintain that over the length of a novel, but in these small bites it's fantastic.
placidcrow's review against another edition
Short stories are difficult for me to follow when listening to audiobook