My Rating: 4.8
Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life in Enugu, Nigeria. They live in a beautiful house, with a caring family, and attend an exclusive missionary school. They're completely shielded from the troubles of the world. Yet, as Kambili reveals in her tender-voiced account, things are less perfect than they appear. Although her Papa is generous and well respected, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home—a home that is silent and suffocating. As the country begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili and Jaja are sent to their aunt, a university professor outside the city, where they discover a life beyond the confines of their father’s authority. Books cram the shelves, curry and nutmeg permeate the air, and their cousins’ laughter rings throughout the house.
The tension in the house is so palpable it comes off of the pages of the book.This is a very uncomfortable read but so well written. It makes you understand life in Nigeria, growing up with physical abuse and family. So many beautiful layers are captured.
This book was such a difficult story but I really enjoyed the writing. I always appreciate stories that offer glimpses into other cultures.
ReplyDeleteJeana