moni

Necessary fiction lives up to its name. Fiction is arguably our most effective vehicle for truth, and this book feels true. Everything is tangible. This is a book about friendship and the lifegiving nature of community. It is a book about love and loss and healing, about imperfect people in an imperfect world.

I enjoyed the Nigerianisms in the writing (the plot still dey twist? lol) and how the author didn't try to overexplain things for broader appeal.

I listened to Ocean Vuong on a podcast once and a question he asked stayed with me: "What is the emotional equivalent of a fire escape?" I found one in this book. A secret window. Emotional tools are so important, and they are woven through this book. It felt like the author was saying, "here, this is how you don't jump off the ledge, this is how you survive." I really liked that.

This is a story that unfolds inside of you slowly after you've read it. I can't help but feel the absence of what was lost in translation but even with its flaws, it captures a story that is haunting and near.

Heartwarming, engaging, lots of science.

Delicious.

We should all be feminists.