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A review by santreads
Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I thought this was going to be like 'What A Girl Wants' but a book with a British person going to seek out their African father and oh boy was I wrong.
Anyway, the protagonist is definitely not Amanda Bynes-esque. In fact, she's in her 40s, has a daughter, recently separated from her husband and recently lost her mum. She finds a diary of her father that she never knew and find outs that he's an ex dictator of a (fictional) African country - Bamana.
I loved the descriptions of the book and thought it was very well written. However, my main issue was with how passive almost the main character was. She wasn't at times, but also she didn't feel fully fleshed out. I also almost just found myself wishing there was more to the story and we could know what happened post the end of the book - which is a good thing but also a bit unsatisfactory. I do hope the author does a Part 2 of this book.
Overall though, I enjoyed my experience. I enjoyed getting to know this country and the man behind it through the eyes of his daughter and question if he was a good guy ultimately or not so great. Everyone has their grays I guess.
But anyway, I liked it and would definitely recommend the audiobook as well if you get hold of it. 4.5 stars.
Anyway, the protagonist is definitely not Amanda Bynes-esque. In fact, she's in her 40s, has a daughter, recently separated from her husband and recently lost her mum. She finds a diary of her father that she never knew and find outs that he's an ex dictator of a (fictional) African country - Bamana.
I loved the descriptions of the book and thought it was very well written. However, my main issue was with how passive almost the main character was. She wasn't at times, but also she didn't feel fully fleshed out. I also almost just found myself wishing there was more to the story and we could know what happened post the end of the book - which is a good thing but also a bit unsatisfactory. I do hope the author does a Part 2 of this book.
Overall though, I enjoyed my experience. I enjoyed getting to know this country and the man behind it through the eyes of his daughter and question if he was a good guy ultimately or not so great. Everyone has their grays I guess.
But anyway, I liked it and would definitely recommend the audiobook as well if you get hold of it. 4.5 stars.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery