nglofile's review
4.0
Complex, meditative, somewhat melancholy, but quite rewarding.
Forewarned that this story explored multiple sensitive topics, I delayed starting longer than I should. Usually I don't shy away from meaty themes, but I wasn't eager to add more weight to current heaviness. When on only page 17 I encountered the dexterity and oomph of this passage: I was armed with millions of smiles. Apologetic smiles, pity-me smiles, I-look-unto-God smiles--name all the fake smiles needed to get through an afternoon with a group of people who claim to want the best for you while poking at your open sore with a stick..., I knew I was in delicate and skillful hands.
audiobook note: Anyone with similar mixed feelings about entering this narrative would do well to choose audio, as it is lushly read by the incomparable Adjoa Andoh. How her voice radiates both crispness and lilting resonance is a mystery, but it transformed my early hesitation into finding excuses to listen whenever I could.
Forewarned that this story explored multiple sensitive topics, I delayed starting longer than I should. Usually I don't shy away from meaty themes, but I wasn't eager to add more weight to current heaviness. When on only page 17 I encountered the dexterity and oomph of this passage: I was armed with millions of smiles. Apologetic smiles, pity-me smiles, I-look-unto-God smiles--name all the fake smiles needed to get through an afternoon with a group of people who claim to want the best for you while poking at your open sore with a stick..., I knew I was in delicate and skillful hands.
audiobook note: Anyone with similar mixed feelings about entering this narrative would do well to choose audio, as it is lushly read by the incomparable Adjoa Andoh. How her voice radiates both crispness and lilting resonance is a mystery, but it transformed my early hesitation into finding excuses to listen whenever I could.
tanyamck's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aleshkosa's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
This book is so sad in many parts it punches you with each one that you really understand what the characters are going through.
I really enjoyed how this story was intertwined with learning about Nigerian history, culture and folktales.
I really enjoyed how this story was intertwined with learning about Nigerian history, culture and folktales.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
gbemme's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
mikebond's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Meraviglioso romanzo sul legame tra genitori e figli che nemmeno le tragedie della vita possono rompere completamente.
Bella 'impostazione con due voci narranti che si alternano e raccontano i fatti dalla propria prospettiva.
Un romanzo che fa piangere, arrabbiarsi, ma anche sperare. Lo consiglio!
Bella 'impostazione con due voci narranti che si alternano e raccontano i fatti dalla propria prospettiva.
Un romanzo che fa piangere, arrabbiarsi, ma anche sperare. Lo consiglio!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Medical content, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity and Pregnancy
Minor: Police brutality, Violence, and Sexual content
rozreading's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the messiness of this story. I flew through this.
dpearson5257's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
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? No
4.0
I loved this! Theres some difficult topics here but just think they are more cultural. The only thing I got confused occasionally is the multiple pov, it’s a page break rather than a definite pov change. But other than that this story is was very intriguing, very complex and layered and definitely gets you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes as far as what makes a family/household.
paperdavid's review against another edition
sad
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
3.5