This book follows the story of fifteen year old Kambili as she visits her cousins and discovers there are other ways to live than the one prescribed to her by her abusively evangelical father.
I really enjoyed this book. Not much happens story-wise and in that respect the book is a bit of a slow-burner but this means that more time is devoted to developing the characters, and it is completely worth it. Each character has their own distinct personality and I found myself becoming really attached to them, especially the central character Kambili. Even her dad who could have become entirely defined by his religion is developed enough to tug on your heart-strings at points and leave you as confused as Kambili about his way of caring for his children.
Perhaps because I got so attached to the characters I found sections of this book quite harrowing and hard to read as Kambili's father often resorts to
I really enjoyed this book. Not much happens story-wise and in that respect the book is a bit of a slow-burner but this means that more time is devoted to developing the characters, and it is completely worth it. Each character has their own distinct personality and I found myself becoming really attached to them, especially the central character Kambili. Even her dad who could have become entirely defined by his religion is developed enough to tug on your heart-strings at points and leave you as confused as Kambili about his way of caring for his children.
Perhaps because I got so attached to the characters I found sections of this book quite harrowing and hard to read as Kambili's father often resorts to
violence against his family in pursuit of perfect christian morality. Like I said, he often follows these displays of apparent cruelty with a show of tenderness that leaves the reader confused about his motives and Kambili herself caught between loving and hating her father.
My only problem with this book, as is often the case with slow-burners, is that the end feels a bit rushed and I was left unsatisfied by the quick fixes and unfinished stories.
But all in all this book was a great read and I got thoroughly into it. While bits are a bit harrowing there are moments of pure enjoyment and humour.
This book also reminded me of Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions which also follows the story of a young girl visiting her cousins for an education of sorts but this time it is the poorer cousin visiting the richer side of the family headed by a strong father figure. While the experiences the two girls face are very different I think these two books would compliment each other and if you enjoyed one you will enjoy the other.
My only problem with this book, as is often the case with slow-burners, is that the end feels a bit rushed and I was left unsatisfied by the quick fixes and unfinished stories.
But all in all this book was a great read and I got thoroughly into it. While bits are a bit harrowing there are moments of pure enjoyment and humour.
This book also reminded me of Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions which also follows the story of a young girl visiting her cousins for an education of sorts but this time it is the poorer cousin visiting the richer side of the family headed by a strong father figure. While the experiences the two girls face are very different I think these two books would compliment each other and if you enjoyed one you will enjoy the other.
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