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akinyiakinyi's reviews
40 reviews
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a beautifully crafted story that poignantly captures the adversities and trials faced by generations. It begins with the birth of Maame (the Firewoman's) firstborn daughter, Effia. Effia's father had relations with a captured slave who served as a housemaid. Before running away to freedom, Maame leaves a black stone as a keepsake for her daughter.
Effia marries a white man who, without guilt, participated in the slave trade. Her descendants remain in Africa, striving to overcome the legacy of slavery while embracing their traditions amidst the Scramble for Africa, colonization, religious change, education, and the ongoing search for a sense of belonging.
Maame's second daughter, Esi, a high-born woman, is tragically captured by slave traders. Her descendants endure a harrowing journey through the horrors of slavery, grappling with racism, segregation, forced labor, limited opportunities, poverty, drug abuse, and even prostitution to survive.
It is a profound relief to witness Marcus and Marjorie reconnect and return to Africa, leaving their fears behind and embracing a newfound sense of freedom.
This story is undoubtedly worth the read. I would love to know where Esi's black stone went, or did I miss it?
Effia marries a white man who, without guilt, participated in the slave trade. Her descendants remain in Africa, striving to overcome the legacy of slavery while embracing their traditions amidst the Scramble for Africa, colonization, religious change, education, and the ongoing search for a sense of belonging.
Maame's second daughter, Esi, a high-born woman, is tragically captured by slave traders. Her descendants endure a harrowing journey through the horrors of slavery, grappling with racism, segregation, forced labor, limited opportunities, poverty, drug abuse, and even prostitution to survive.
It is a profound relief to witness Marcus and Marjorie reconnect and return to Africa, leaving their fears behind and embracing a newfound sense of freedom.
This story is undoubtedly worth the read. I would love to know where Esi's black stone went, or did I miss it?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Police brutality, Medical content, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, and War
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World by Malala Yousafzai
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
We often take for granted our homes, our families, our pets, and the basic routines of our lives. It is painful to see how conflict can uproot someone from their normal way of life.
This is a great read.
This is a great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Classism
Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The first half of the book introduces numerous themes and characters, so meticulous note-taking is crucial to avoid confusion.
Set during the Scramble for Africa, the novel vividly portrays the struggles of Africans as they fought to defend their land against colonization and were forced to participate in wars they barely understood.
It was fascinating to observe the early manifestations of 'Ujamaa' within the traditional African context. Examples include Amur Biashara and his son establishing enterprises and entities that improved their livelihoods, and the community offering comfort and solace to strangers.
The novel also poignantly highlights the prevalence of patriarchy, with men arbitrarily dictating the fates of women, as tragically exemplified by Bi Asha.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a compelling narrative flow.
Set during the Scramble for Africa, the novel vividly portrays the struggles of Africans as they fought to defend their land against colonization and were forced to participate in wars they barely understood.
It was fascinating to observe the early manifestations of 'Ujamaa' within the traditional African context. Examples include Amur Biashara and his son establishing enterprises and entities that improved their livelihoods, and the community offering comfort and solace to strangers.
The novel also poignantly highlights the prevalence of patriarchy, with men arbitrarily dictating the fates of women, as tragically exemplified by Bi Asha.
Overall, this was an engaging read with a compelling narrative flow.
The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Hannah, Shola, Dami, and Segun's struggles with self-identity and race are well-highlighted in the book. Their stories depict the typical struggles faced by Africans and people of African descent on a daily basis.
While I enjoyed the love story between Lawrence and Hannah, I expected more passion, explicit sex scenes, and plot twists that would have kept me on the edge of my seat. Instead, I found the romance to be rather flat and typical of young adult fiction.
While I enjoyed the love story between Lawrence and Hannah, I expected more passion, explicit sex scenes, and plot twists that would have kept me on the edge of my seat. Instead, I found the romance to be rather flat and typical of young adult fiction.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
To understand the dialect in the book, I recommend watching the movie first. While the book explores many themes, the portrayal of patriarchy and sexual abuse is particularly striking. It's painful to read how someone can experience sexual abuse and blame themselves for it. For the longest time, women have faced numerous social injustices at the hands of men who are supposed to protect them. I loved seeing how Celie eventually found love with Shug and her happy ending of reuniting with her family. Definitely a book worth rereading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
Thomas Sankara: An African Revolutionary by Ernest Harsch
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
"Our society—still too primitively agrarian, patriarchal, and polygamous—turns the woman into an object of exploitation for her labor power and of consumption for her biological reproductive capacity." (Thomas Sankara)
Africans lost a true revolutionary, a true son of the soil, and a pan-Africanist hero. I wonder where Burkina Faso would be if he were still alive.
This book beautifully highlights Sankara's journey from his early life to the last day before his death. Throughout his journey, one thing I've noted was his resilience, his teachings, and his love for Burkina Faso.
Way before we knew what environmental conservation meant, Sankara tried to educate his citizens on the importance of planting trees and conserving the environment.
It's safe to identify him as a feminist for how he continually and publicly defended women's rights in Burkina Faso. He saw the need for equality for women in workplaces, education, salaries, and in their existence. Not only did he talk about it and let things unfold magically, but he also appointed women to high public offices, something that was unheard of in Burkina Faso.
African leaders are well-known for plundering their country's resources while their citizens languish in poverty. It's admirable to see how he only wanted the best and significant economic growth for his country.
There's so much I can say about Sankara, but that would require me writing a book! 😂
His teachings and values still live within us. May the present and future generations learn something from Sankara's way of life.
Africans lost a true revolutionary, a true son of the soil, and a pan-Africanist hero. I wonder where Burkina Faso would be if he were still alive.
This book beautifully highlights Sankara's journey from his early life to the last day before his death. Throughout his journey, one thing I've noted was his resilience, his teachings, and his love for Burkina Faso.
Way before we knew what environmental conservation meant, Sankara tried to educate his citizens on the importance of planting trees and conserving the environment.
It's safe to identify him as a feminist for how he continually and publicly defended women's rights in Burkina Faso. He saw the need for equality for women in workplaces, education, salaries, and in their existence. Not only did he talk about it and let things unfold magically, but he also appointed women to high public offices, something that was unheard of in Burkina Faso.
African leaders are well-known for plundering their country's resources while their citizens languish in poverty. It's admirable to see how he only wanted the best and significant economic growth for his country.
There's so much I can say about Sankara, but that would require me writing a book! 😂
His teachings and values still live within us. May the present and future generations learn something from Sankara's way of life.
Half Portraits Under Water by Dennis Mugaa
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Dennis did an excellent job with this literary work. He beautifully and engagingly narrated these stories, which intertwined effortlessly. Each story had me on the edge of my seat, eager to know what would happen next.
The theme of love was captured beautifully, particularly in the first and last stories. It's heartbreaking to see how the grandmother and granddaughter missed out on true love due to self-doubt, sabotage, and fear of the unknown.
It's safe to say that this is a book worth investing in. A great read!
The theme of love was captured beautifully, particularly in the first and last stories. It's heartbreaking to see how the grandmother and granddaughter missed out on true love due to self-doubt, sabotage, and fear of the unknown.
It's safe to say that this is a book worth investing in. A great read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Police brutality, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, Deportation, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 47%.
I'm not one to give up on a book, but this one has been a huge struggle for me. The stories and word usage were not captivating for me. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't finish this book. It's my first DNF.
Drunk by Jackson Biko
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
This is the second Biko book I've read, and I'm utterly disappointed. The lack of effort in the sentence and paragraph structure is evident. I won't even delve into his problematic portrayal of women.
However, the novel does succeed in highlighting the devastating impact of alcoholism on loved ones. It poignantly captures the painful process of watching someone slip away.
Ultimately, this isn't a book I'd recommend.
However, the novel does succeed in highlighting the devastating impact of alcoholism on loved ones. It poignantly captures the painful process of watching someone slip away.
Ultimately, this isn't a book I'd recommend.
Emperor Haile Selassie by Bereket Habte Selassie
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
As a keen follower of Ethiopia's history and culture, especially the monarchy, I've noticed that, like in any other monarchy, there is always a power struggle where the ruthless, smart, and cunning person always wins. We see this with the Emperor who wisely ascended the power chain.
I believe the Emperor genuinely had a vision to elevate Ethiopia. This can be seen by the various changes he brought to his country, such as education, law development, and industrialization. However, old age, pride, and a monarchial mindset prevented him from seeing the changing mindset and cries for change from his people. His lack of action during famine, acquisition of Eritrea, and call for reforms led to his downfall.
It's sad to see how this great man was murdered and buried without any recognition.
I believe the Emperor genuinely had a vision to elevate Ethiopia. This can be seen by the various changes he brought to his country, such as education, law development, and industrialization. However, old age, pride, and a monarchial mindset prevented him from seeing the changing mindset and cries for change from his people. His lack of action during famine, acquisition of Eritrea, and call for reforms led to his downfall.
It's sad to see how this great man was murdered and buried without any recognition.