A review by serendipitysbooks
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-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? Yes

4.0

 The Fisherman is in many ways a Greek tragedy set in 1990s Nigeria. It focusses on the bonds of brotherhood, parental expectations, a father who is absent for the best-intentioned reasons, and a violent prophecy from the local madman that seems to set in motion one tragedy after another. It’s very much a cautionary tale about the dangers of revenge and provides much food for thought about manhood - it’s strengths, it’s weaknesses and when we should expect boys to become men. Powerful writing but a haunting story which left my heart aching especially for Benjamin, a mere child. The fate of the brothers in many ways can be seen as the fate of the nation. Luckily The Fishermen is a novel that ends on a hopeful note. 
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