From the prize-winning author of WAHALA, a powerful de-colonial retelling of MANSFIELD PARK, exploring identity, culture, race and love
'A spirited exploration of culture and kinship' BONNIE GARMUS
'Deeply emotional and entertaining' EMMA STONEX, author of The Lamplighters
'Tugs at the heartstrings' DAMILARE KUKU, author of Nearly all the Men in Lagos are Mad
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When Funke’s mother dies in an accident in Lagos, she’s sent to live with her maternal family in England. Against a backdrop of condescension and mild neglect, sensible Funke strives to fit in, determined to become one of them.
Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family, to be nothing like them. Fiercely protective of Funke, she at last has an ally. The two cousins give each other what they need most: love.
But the past casts long shadows and the choices made by their mothers haunt them, shaping the trajectory of their adult lives. Can they escape their legacy?
Review
Wow! I loved this book so much.
The story begins in 1978 set in Nigeria. When Funke's mother and brother dies her Father grieves his wife and his heir. Funke is sent to England to live with her estranged family. The estrangement came about due to her parents having an interracial marriage. This sets the tone for Funke's life in England albeit her cousin Liv who becomes her best friend.
The years pass and Liv is not a happy young woman. She drinks to excess as well as a lot of other things. When Funke gets unwittingly caught up in Liv's wrong doings it's hard not to cry for her. You could see the shortcomings approaching and reading on only confirmed my worst fears for Funke.
The book ends with the two girls now in adulthood. I was racing through those last chapters needing closure. I leave you to find out for yourself if I got it.
So many brilliantly drawn characters in this book. I felt totally immersed in the world of Funke and Liv.
It's been a while since I really wanted to pick up a book and just read and read it. I loved Wahala and wondered if this book would live up to it. I would say it is a totally different read, apart from covering the cultural differences between British/Nigerian cultures.
I can't wait to read her next book. I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks for the invite from Randomhouse to read the ARC on netgalley. The book is published on 18 July 2024.
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