"On the day a plane crashed in Nigeria, the same day the Nigerian first lady died, somebody knocked loudly on Ukamaka’s door iTW: possesiveness, death
"On the day a plane crashed in Nigeria, the same day the Nigerian first lady died, somebody knocked loudly on Ukamaka’s door in Princeton"
I felt the ending was too abrupt; I really wanted the story to continue after the church visit. I absolutely loved Chinedu! He was hilarious, and I honestly couldn’t tell he was gay. His thoughts on God were so genuine, and I found myself agreeing with him multiple times. As for Udenna and Abidemi, I hope they face the worst! May they suffer for their actions, and may Satan keep them hungry for days! LOL.
I found it both engaging and hilarious; I enjoyed it immensely. I think short stories should ideally be 100 pages or less if they're focused on a single narrative rather than multiple stories within the same book.
Explores the devastating impact of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. It's not just a story about a medical crisis, but a profound reflection on humanExplores the devastating impact of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. It's not just a story about a medical crisis, but a profound reflection on humanity, community, and the interconnectedness of life. Tadjo weaves together different voices—those of survivors, victims, caregivers, and even the virus itself—to create a blend of experiences that highlights the resilience and vulnerability of people in the face of an overwhelming disaster. The book is both poetic and brutal, offering a deeply moving and thought-provoking read that challenges our understanding of compassion, fear, and survival....more
A collection of witty must-read essays that capture the essence of South African life with a comedic twist. He takes those thoughts you have but can'tA collection of witty must-read essays that capture the essence of South African life with a comedic twist. He takes those thoughts you have but can't quite put into words and describes them in a funny and relatable way.
full of laughter, clever insights, and a few "Did he really just say that?" moments. If you've ever found yourself at a loss for words to describe the quirks of South African life, fear not. This book has done it for you, and with a comedic flair that will leave you chuckling long after you've turned the last page. Grab a copy, settle in, and get ready to laugh at our wonderfully unique South African madness....more
A must-have for anyone interested in exploring the diverse and delicious world of South African cuisine. With its authentic recipes, stunning photograA must-have for anyone interested in exploring the diverse and delicious world of South African cuisine. With its authentic recipes, stunning photographs, and insightful commentary, this cookbook is sure to become a treasured addition to any kitchen.
TW: homophobia, violence, cancer, death of a parent, sexual content, child abuse, gun violence , rape, police brutality , bullying, childhood trauma.
OTW: homophobia, violence, cancer, death of a parent, sexual content, child abuse, gun violence , rape, police brutality , bullying, childhood trauma.
Obi is a shy, academically inclined teenager with a surprising talent for dancing, able to twist his limbs into seemingly impossible angles. His mother finds joy in his dreamy nature, even if other parents are somewhat annoyed. Anozie, however, feels threatened and repulsed by the thought that his graceful son is gay.
Early in the story, Anozie catches Obiefuna in an intimate moment with Aboy, an apprentice at the family business. Shocked, Anozie sends his son off to a strict Christian all-boys boarding school far away in Owerri. The school is a grim place, where the physical abuse Obi faced at home turns into new forms of psychological and sexual torment.
At the boarding school, Obi faced a constant fear of being outed or targeted due to his sexual orientation, which led to physical abuse. The environment was harsh, with little acceptance or understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, leaving Obi struggling with self-acceptance while being exposed to teachings that condemned homosexuality.
This created a deep sense of guilt, shame, and confusion. He also endured relentless bullying, which forced him to suppress his true identity. The constant stress of living in such a hostile environment weighed heavily on him, making his time at the school incredibly challenging.
When the book got to Part 4, the writing style changed for a few chapters, becoming incredibly poetic and beautiful. My heart raced the entire time—it was so impressive and stunning. Mixed in between the chapters are Obi’s perspective and the ones told from his mother’s point of view.
These are my favorite passages from the book:
“Uzoamaka liked to recount, at the slightest prompting, the circumstances surrounding Obiefuna’s birth. His arrival had not just been an answer to the nights of endless prayers and tears that had lasted for years but also a reversal of their life’s course and fortune. Three months into the pregnancy, Anozie secured a massive supply contract by chance, being in the right place at the right time, with enough income finally to move them out of their public yard and into a better one uptown, where they had a kitchen and bathroom to themselves. Her hair-braiding business suddenly bloomed”
“It’s one thing to love a child, but it’s an entirely different thing for the same child to feel loved. The boy is young. He’ll get a lot of “buts” in his lifetime. A home is the last place a child should feel conditionally loved.”
“He had done his best to hide, to protect her from the disappointment. Yet she had known all along, had still referred to him as her son.”
“There was something mindless and weird about loss – it never really got better; it never really went away. It surprised him sometimes, the intensity of the pain, sometimes physically manifesting in the form of a chest ache. It had a way of lurking, just slightly removed from his consciousness, suddenly springing forth without warning, often at inappropriate times. Sometimes it caught him in the middle of laughter, reminding him that he could not share that happiness with the one person he had loved most in the world; and, in the space of a moment, he succumbed once more to that tumbling feeling of drowning and drowning, never quite hitting the bottom”
“He loved, too, the air about him, the ease to him, his life of clean lines, his playfulness. All along Obiefuna had never felt like he was searching, but with Miebi he felt the peculiar relief of having finally found. All those long years of stumbling uncertainty, and there was Miebi, with his kind, trusting eyes, his easy manner, his soft and earnest way of speaking.”
“I often think of how much love is lost as gay kids grow up. We are robbed of the chance to experience the innocence of early teenage love. Because you spend all that time filled with fear, mastering your own pretence”
“She had thought of him only as a thing of joy, choosing primarily to see him as goodness and nothing more. Her belief in him was simple, her love unquestioning. And this, he could see, after all these years, was his truest blessing.”
My favorite characters :
Wisdom & Jekwu - awesome brotherhood Sparrow: My heart aches for him Miebi: I appreciated the comfort he brought to Obi —a love that was tender, raw, understanding, and gentle.
It’s remarkably well-developed, with rich layers that add significant depth and nuance caught between sadness and happiness, yet love was at the center of it all. It will stay with me forever!...more
These passages from the book really stood out to me and resonate deeply with the title Every Day is for the Thief. They capture the essence of the theThese passages from the book really stood out to me and resonate deeply with the title Every Day is for the Thief. They capture the essence of the themes the title reflects—corruption, moral struggles, and the tension between survival and integrity.
“Near Akoka, on a road I know well, a police officer flags me down”
“Good afternoon, Officer. —You know why I stopped you? His certainty alarms me. No, I say evenly, I don’t know. —What does that sign say? He points to a sign behind us. Its upright element is bent, and the sign itself is partially obscured by a tree. —Oh God. I didn’t see it. This road never used to be a one-way. It must be a new sign. It’s a scam, of course. The sign has been deliberately concealed.”
“The sign is not for those who know, Oga. The sign is for those who don’t know. Your situation is unfortunate. But the reason the sign is there is for you. You have to come to the station with us. Minutes are wasted. I don’t want to let go of my entire afternoon only to later pay a “fine” that will end up in someone’s pocket”
“So, what are we to do now, Officer? Maybe one thousand five hundred, so you can get yourself something to eat? His opening bid is five thousand naira. I manage to hide my disgust, and bargain him down to two thousand five. I hand the money over, start the car. You people should know the law, he says. It doesn’t matter who you are, the law is not a respecter of persons.”
______________________________________
There are plenty of other passages in the book that I can't include in this review, as it would make it too long and tedious.
There’s a part where the protagonist talks about his brother’s sudden death, how he was just gone, and I connected with that so deeply. I lost a close friend earlier this year, and it’s been unimaginably hard and tragic for all of us. Each of us has been affected in our own way, but it’s so hard to talk about it.
“They’re overprotective, of course, but I understand. Even when I don’t want to be too careful, I have to think about them and I force myself to be careful. Just for them if for no other reason.”
This resonates with how we’ve all been so cautious, even though we just want to live freely. It’s amazing how a book can give words to feelings you didn’t know how to express. A life lived fully, but taken too soon. Since I’ve brought this up, I want to take a moment to honour my best friend, like family. ...more
A profoundly moving memoir that vividly portrays the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It's remarkable how Clemantine and her sisA profoundly moving memoir that vividly portrays the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. It's remarkable how Clemantine and her sister Claire navigated their journey from Rwanda to the United States, facing unimaginable challenges along the way.
Alternating between her past and present. The book delves deep into the themes of identity, displacement, and the long-term effects of trauma. Claire's character is incredibly inspiring her resourcefulness and determination to protect and provide for her family under dire circumstances highlight the strength and resilience often found in those who endure such extreme hardships. The memoir sheds light on the global refugee crisis and the often-overlooked personal stories behind the statistics. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy....more
I want more , I want more , I want more , I want more !!!!
Rich , beautiful , captivating.
A collection of short stories ..the book is divided into 2 pI want more , I want more , I want more , I want more !!!!
Rich , beautiful , captivating.
A collection of short stories ..the book is divided into 2 parts : Ugandans in Manchester and going back to Uganda. A literary gem that swept me off my feet from the very first page. A rich tapestry of stories that come to life with each turn of the page.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to weave multiple storylines seamlessly. The past and present collide in a mesmerizing dance.
Do you know that feeling when you finally meet a love that's healing after been so unlucky? This felt exactly like that LOL ...It’s an experience.
A round of applause for Jennifer Makumbi, well done!!!...more
The story follows Obi, a young Nigerian man who enlists in the army during the late 1930s to win the affTW : Murder, rape, depression, suicide, death.
The story follows Obi, a young Nigerian man who enlists in the army during the late 1930s to win the affection of Rose, his childhood love who had shown him kindness when his mother passed away. Sent to Burma to fight the Japanese in World War II, Obi's life takes a dramatic turn. Years later, Rose, pregnant with another man's child, turns to Obi for support, and they marry to protect her reputation. Tragically, Rose dies in what appears to be suicide, but Obi later learns she was accidentally killed by her best friend. This well-researched and beautifully written book is filled with twists, sadness, and loss, making it a poignant read.
One of the book's strengths lies in its richly developed characters, each one vividly portrayed with their own hopes, fears, and dreams. Obi's journey, in particular, is heart-wrenching as he grapples with the consequences of his choices and the weight of his love for Rose. The author's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of war and the enduring power of love.
In conclusion, this book is a triumph of storytelling, offering a poignant and unforgettable reading experience. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit, and is sure to stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
"but this must be the lesson this life is intent on repeatedly teaching me - that nothing and no one is permanent . We are here but for a short moment, borrowing time on this earth, and all we can do is try to live the best we can , be the best we can, despite it all. For everything else that we place so much importance on - the things , the possessions - are but a mirage that fades away in the wind once our life is gone because all we are left with , at that point , is who we are and what we truly meant to those we leave behind"..what a beautiful story :)...more
TW: abuse, death of parents ,abduction , tradition , rape.
A powerful novel that explores the lives of two women in Nigeria, linked by fate and societaTW: abuse, death of parents ,abduction , tradition , rape.
A powerful novel that explores the lives of two women in Nigeria, linked by fate and societal expectations. Through their individual stories, the book delves into themes of gender, tradition, and power, examining how cultural norms shape the choices and lives of women.
If you're interested in stories that combine personal and social struggles with deep character development, this one is a must-read.
The characters are well-developed and multidimensional, each grappling with their own challenges and desires,both poignant and thought-provoking. ..writing is lyrical and evocative, loved it!
The title was incredibly fitting for the story, and I absolutely loved the cover. It resonated deeply with the themes and essence of the book...more
**spoiler alert** The story is narrated by Dantala, a young boy , who finds himself alone and vulnerable after a series of tragic events. He seeks ref**spoiler alert** The story is narrated by Dantala, a young boy , who finds himself alone and vulnerable after a series of tragic events. He seeks refuge in a mosque in the city of Sokoto, where he becomes a disciple to the charismatic Sheikh Jamal. Sheikh a very humble, good man with good intentions, a central character in "Born on a Tuesday" and plays a significant role in Dantala's life. He is a charismatic and influential Islamic scholar who becomes a mentor and father figure to Dantala after he is orphaned . Sheikh Jamal is admired for his piety, wisdom, and ability to inspire others.
As Dantala becomes more deeply involved in Sheikh Jamal's circle, he is exposed to the Sheikh's teachings and beliefs, which shape his understanding of faith and the world around him. Sheikh Jamal's influence on Dantala is profound, and he becomes a symbol of stability and guidance in Dantala's turbulent life.
However, as the novel progresses, Sheikh Jamal's character becomes more complex. He is revealed to have his own flaws and vulnerabilities, and his actions sometimes have unintended consequences. This adds depth to his character and challenges Dantala's perception of him as a perfect and infallible figure.
The second part of the novel follows Dantala's journey as he becomes increasingly involved in the political and religious conflicts of the region. He is forced to confront difficult choices and moral dilemmas, testing his beliefs and values in the process.
A powerful and poignant novel that offers a glimpse into a world that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media. Oh man what a book!
My favorite passages are : -While men worry with the head, women worry with the heart. -But Dantala is not a name, to say some-one is born on a Tuesday, is that a name? A name should have a meaning -But he can not understand how just singing these words can give me the best feeling in the world, a feeling that drives out all the pain, all fear, all worry, all want -“the president and vice president never travel together in the same plane . . . . . . someone has to take over in case something happens to one person . . . I am fighting with myself, holding myself down. After a couple of minutes there is silence. They drag Sheikh out and make him kneel by the taps. They take off his turban. One of the men is taking photos with a small camera. I cannot hear what they are telling him as they slap him across the cheek. They tie his hands behind his back and lay him on the ground. Then one of the men brings out a short knife. He steps on Sheikh’s head then rolls him over to make him lie on his belly. The man steps on Sheikh’s back and pulls his hair to expose his throat. As two others pin Sheikh down, the man begins to cut” ...more
OMG , I love a well researched historical TW : Rape, abuse , death , abortion, famine, grief , immorality, violence, suicide, humiliation, execution.
OMG , I love a well researched historical fiction book. I’m just going to start off by saying the story broke my heart in so many ways .
This book reminded me so much of Rosanna Amaka’s Rose and the Burma Sky and Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Children of Sugarcane masterfully delves into the profound struggles of women enduring oppression, violence, and impossible choices, while still holding onto hope for freedom.
In all three novels, the central characters are women who are trapped in circumstances that strip away their autonomy and challenge their spirits. In Children of Sugarcane, Shanti, much like Mariam and Laila in A Thousand Splendid Suns, faces the crushing weight of patriarchal and societal expectations. Both stories explore how women’s lives are controlled by the men in their communities, and how they must fight, in their own ways, to reclaim their power and agency.
Similarly, the brutality of colonial rule in Children of Sugarcane draws parallels to the racial and political oppression explored in Rose and the Burma Sky. In Amaka’s novel, Rose faces the violence and devastation of war and racism in British-occupied Burma, while Shanti must endure the dehumanizing conditions of indentured servitude on a sugarcane plantation. Both women are subjected to exploitation and brutality, yet they find ways to cling to hope, to survive, and to continue dreaming of a better life.
The character development in Children of Sugarcane also echoes the rich, multi-dimensional portrayals in A Thousand Splendid Suns and Rose and the Burma Sky. In particular, the relationships Shanti has with Devi, Father John, and Mustafa are pivotal in shaping her life. These relationships reveal the complexity of human connection amid suffering, with some characters offering support and others reinforcing the very structures of oppression that Shanti seeks to escape.
Reading this book left me with a profound sense of both heartbreak and hope. The rich imagery and vivid descriptions felt so cinematic that I couldn’t help but think this story deserves to be made into a movie. This is a story that needs to be shared with a wider audience, and a film adaptation would capture the raw emotion and historical significance of the novel in a way that could move and inspire even more people.
Rich, powerful, poignant, and deeply trans formative.
“I found myself deeply grateful for it all: for every moment of my life, even those when I had suffered. I allowed my regrets to resurface, but only momentarily. I thought of my family and my friends, my one love, and everything I had shared with each of them from my birth until this day. And I promised myself forgiveness for all my mistakes. I decided in the last few hours that remained, I would stop punishing myself. I would come to terms with everything I had done – the foolish, the selfish, the shameful and the ignorant. I would not let myself leave this body without that wish fulfilled. And it gave me some small joy to believe that I was almost ready to leave this life unburdened. “I forgive you, Shanti,” I whispered under my breath. “I forgive your mistakes.” When I closed my eyes again, the morning light played on them and the sunshine warmed my face. As I breathed in, I faintly caught the scent of jasmine in the air.”
“All that Devi wishes is for you to board that ship and return home. She was determined that you should not die. She could not take the injustice of it – of you being punished for Wilson’s crime. This plan was all of her devising. I had no say in it. Once she had made up her mind, she was resolute.”
“Shanti, there is something you must know. The night you thought you’d lost your baby – you didn’t actually. The fruit made you violently ill. It caused you to go into labour and hallucinate. But you were so far along in your pregnancy that your child survived. She was healthy, and Devi saved her. She got Dilip to spirit her off”
“Both of you, go with God”
“Shanti! John chapter 15, verse 13. Do not forget it.”
“That very dawn, as I had welcomed the new day and cooed over my baby, Devi had taken her final step toward death – for my sake. It occurred to me how premeditated it had all been – how I’d stripped down to hand her my execution sari while I wound this one round me in the dark, not realising until now, as I gazed more closely at the patterns, that it was hers. When the guards came to seize me in the morning, they would have found me missing – unless my mirror image sat before them, waiting to die in my place. At that moment, they would be taking her down that frightful passage as I safely floated away – her last short journey to the waiting noose and the trapdoor below, the voices of jeering onlookers revelling in her pain, the executioner decrying my crime as though it were her own”
A collection with short stories written by different South African writers talks about hair and what it means to people. These stories show how hair iA collection with short stories written by different South African writers talks about hair and what it means to people. These stories show how hair is important to us personally and in society. The book also has pictures drawn by local artists.
I enjoyed the following : Gonma by Tumelo Buthelezi Hair and Graces by Lester Walbrugh Spa Ritual by Melissa A Volker The Haircut by Shubnum Khan The Wisdom of Sunday by Mapule Mohulatsi Lila by Bongani Kona Let the Music Play on by Fred Khumalo Reunion by Michael Yee...more
A retelling of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of women whose stories are often left out in traditional tales. Instead of focusing on the weA retelling of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of women whose stories are often left out in traditional tales. Instead of focusing on the well-known male heroes, the book shines a light on the experiences of women—goddesses, queens, wives, daughters, and ordinary women caught in the turmoil of war.
It’s a collection of interconnected stories, ranging from the fall of Troy to the events that followed, showcasing the resilience, heartbreak, and strength of these women. The book offers a fresh and deeply relatable take on a familiar myth, packed with raw emotion, sharp wit, and beautifully crafted storytelling. If you’re into Greek mythology, historical fiction, or narratives that centre women’s voices, this read will be both engaging and thought-provoking.
Angela remains one of my favorite South African authors, and while I enjoyed this book, I have to admit it didn't quite measure up to "Red Ink" in my Angela remains one of my favorite South African authors, and while I enjoyed this book, I have to admit it didn't quite measure up to "Red Ink" in my opinion. Despite this, I still found it captivating and couldn't put it down.
The book, however, started to feel rushed around chapter 40. It lacked the action-packed moments, tension, anxiety, and fear that are typical of a thriller. I missed the edge-of-your-seat narratives filled with drama and suspense. The characters, motivated by fear, paranoia, or a thirst for vengeance, didn't quite deliver the thrill I was hoping for.
You know that feeling when you're watching a horror movie and it starts to feel like whatever is scary about it is right there in the room with you? That's how I hoped to feel. I wanted to feel the presence of Dingiswayo, the serial killer, intensely. I still appreciate the book and would rate it 3.75 stars. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a favorite of mine. ...more
A compelling exploration of pan African mythology, rich tapestry of stories with power and deep. WOW Yvette, I am blown away , stunningly gorgeous, phA compelling exploration of pan African mythology, rich tapestry of stories with power and deep. WOW Yvette, I am blown away , stunningly gorgeous, phew!
Each story is imbued with a sense of beauty, delivering its message with a clarity and conviction impossible to ignore.
One of the books greatest strengths is its ability to blend the fantastical elements of mythology with the harsh realities of the modern world. A testament to the enduring lo of storytelling and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, a book that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the page.
Fascinating, entertaining and downright brilliant. My favorites were : Red cloth , white giraffe Second place is the first loser Home became a thing with thorns (Tw : suicide ) Swimming with the crocodiles (Tw: sexual assault) Ugly hamsters : a triptych Plumtree: true stories (absolute fave) (Tw : misogyny, sexual assault) The friendship bench Water bites back Three deaths and the ocean of time (absolute fave) When death comes to find you Drinking from the graveyard wells (fave , wish it was a bit longer )
These were some my favorite passages in the book :
“To appease the ngozi, you must be his wife. He will be your spiritual husband. On the day of the funeral, your mother packs your things. A pink shirt with Hannah Montana’s face on it and some jeans. You are to live with the dead man’s family now.” __________________________________ “A good wife works. Not in an office” __________________________________ “So the wife prays to bloody Jesus in the morning, but at night under the cover of darkness she seeks out the vengeful gods. Slay Queen Number Two is found dead the next day. Her once beautiful skin is flayed pink like plucked chicken. They bury her in a closed casket” _________________________________ “It is nothing new for us women to try something daring to keep the interest of our men. If we lie down like a log, we tell ourselves, they will get bored and look for other women who can please them. We scan blogs, buy books, listen around campfires for tips and tricks” ________________________________ “Gogo rubbing the ointment around her hands, grabbing hold of my legs and pulling them apart. Gogo smearing the ointment in between my exposed legs and then tugging at my labia, gently at first, like a slight pinch, until each tug became a vigorous pull. I screamed, but her hold on me tightened. “Kudhonza hurts more if you resist,” she said. “We have to pull until it is the size of an index finger.” A pain I’d never known before took me into its arms and refused to let go. I wilted, losing the will to scream. It was not the pulling that was the most excruciating, it was the inability to stop the invasion of my body, the gripping of my loins like they were elastic, the stretching like the milking of a cow’s udd” ________________________________ “Only a fool tests the depth of the water by stepping in with both feet”
I could go on and on but there isn’t enough space for all I want to say , incredible job Yvette! BiGUPS!!! ...more
what a thriller, Oh i wish to know what happened when Lucy found out that Napoleon escaped from prison, Fundi finding out that her bf (the sponsor) wawhat a thriller, Oh i wish to know what happened when Lucy found out that Napoleon escaped from prison, Fundi finding out that her bf (the sponsor) was linked with the Dingiswayo brothers. I happy that Tshepo realised that Lucy had nothing to do with Patricia's death. I read this book in a week , I couldn't put it down , i think im going to read more thrillers , what a page turner!...more
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