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A review by husnaibrahim_
Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traoré
5.0
The sense of nostalgia that washes over me when reading African books with magical realism themes is truly unparalleled.
This book was a real delight. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about Simi at first, a city kid visiting a remote village, especially with her preconceived stereotypes. Yet, she managed to surprise me how open-minded she was. Her secular, city upbringing turned out to be exactly what the story needed.
Now, one thing that had me a bit puzzled and maybe even a tad irritated was the way her mom referred to Iyanla, Simi’s grandmother. Family is a big deal for me, and their relationship seemed a bit off. But considering the chaotic circumstances, it somehow made sense.
Being a Nigerian, I grew up with stories of juju and traditional worship. So, the storyline didn’t catch me off guard; in fact, that’s precisely why I picked up this book. It was like taking a stroll down memory lane.
Iyanla’s character resonated with me deeply. She embodied the wisdom and seriousness of many elderly women from the village. While not outwardly affectionate, you’d better believe they loved you more than most people you’d encounter in your life. So, when it turned out she was a priestess, it wasn’t much of a shocker.
Then the whole world of Oshun, Layo, and the children of the quicksands honestly had me captivated. The author’s descriptions of this underground realm were so vivid.
And I loved how Simi didn’t fail to behave like a city kid because why on earth would she think it’s her destiny to end it all?? I mean yes it ended up being just that but Abeg now! You are a Nigerian o, not a white person. Like please be serious now. I mean at least
jay had more sense than Simi and behaved like a typical village boy because what do you mean you have to go back down there and that it's your destiny??
There were honestly so many things I loved about this book. Simi’s surprising ease in adapting to village life despite her city upbringing, the endearing presence of Bubu, who was like that younger cousin always follwing you around when you visit the village, Mr. Balogun’s humor, Baba Morayo’s significant role, and, most importantly, seeing her mom come to terms with her childhood memories—it was all so heartwarming.
Honestly, there’s very little I didn’t love about this book. My main quibbles revolved around the prolonged delay in Simi learning the truth about the lake and her decision to keep her discovery to herself until it was too late. Nevertheless, this is a book I’m eager to recommend and revisit in the future because it so beautifully written and the book cover does it justice.
This book was a real delight. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about Simi at first, a city kid visiting a remote village, especially with her preconceived stereotypes. Yet, she managed to surprise me how open-minded she was. Her secular, city upbringing turned out to be exactly what the story needed.
Now, one thing that had me a bit puzzled and maybe even a tad irritated was the way her mom referred to Iyanla, Simi’s grandmother. Family is a big deal for me, and their relationship seemed a bit off. But considering the chaotic circumstances, it somehow made sense.
Being a Nigerian, I grew up with stories of juju and traditional worship. So, the storyline didn’t catch me off guard; in fact, that’s precisely why I picked up this book. It was like taking a stroll down memory lane.
Iyanla’s character resonated with me deeply. She embodied the wisdom and seriousness of many elderly women from the village. While not outwardly affectionate, you’d better believe they loved you more than most people you’d encounter in your life. So, when it turned out she was a priestess, it wasn’t much of a shocker.
Then the whole world of Oshun, Layo, and the children of the quicksands honestly had me captivated. The author’s descriptions of this underground realm were so vivid.
And I loved how Simi didn’t fail to behave like a city kid because why on earth would she think it’s her destiny to end it all?? I mean yes it ended up being just that but Abeg now! You are a Nigerian o, not a white person. Like please be serious now. I mean at least
jay had more sense than Simi and behaved like a typical village boy because what do you mean you have to go back down there and that it's your destiny??
There were honestly so many things I loved about this book. Simi’s surprising ease in adapting to village life despite her city upbringing, the endearing presence of Bubu, who was like that younger cousin always follwing you around when you visit the village, Mr. Balogun’s humor, Baba Morayo’s significant role, and, most importantly, seeing her mom come to terms with her childhood memories—it was all so heartwarming.
Honestly, there’s very little I didn’t love about this book. My main quibbles revolved around the prolonged delay in Simi learning the truth about the lake and her decision to keep her discovery to herself until it was too late. Nevertheless, this is a book I’m eager to recommend and revisit in the future because it so beautifully written and the book cover does it justice.