A review by lauraglovestoread
The Lies of the Ajungo, by Moses Ose Utomi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
What a wonderful debut! The Lies of the Ajungo reads like a fable, following a young boy named Tutu who sets out from the City of Lies to try to find water. The city, for years, has been given just enough water by the Ajungo to (mostly) survive, but it comes at a very steep cost. Tutu is far from the first child to set out in search of water; he knows children don't come back from the Forever Desert, but he also knows he must go to try to save his mother.
I appreciated the development of Tutu's perspective and his growth as a character over a very short number of pages, the inclusion of compelling secondary characters, and Utomi's exploration of his themes. I will absolutely look forward to reading more of his work!
Content warnings: violence, death, murder, blood, grief, death of a non-human animal
I appreciated the development of Tutu's perspective and his growth as a character over a very short number of pages, the inclusion of compelling secondary characters, and Utomi's exploration of his themes. I will absolutely look forward to reading more of his work!
Content warnings: violence, death, murder, blood, grief, death of a non-human animal
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Murder, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty
Minor: Injury/injury detail and Blood