How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue is a powerful novel delving into the human tragedies that occur when Western greed invades African resources.

It is Ms. Mbue’s second novel and it is just as mesmerizing and enthralling as her first!

The story is told from multiple perspectives – it alternates between a group of “age-mates” children, all friends of Thula, and Thula’s family members. Each character is masterfully created through backstories, folk-lore and current day events and each one is worthy of the deep connection that I felt for them all.

It’s a heart-wrenching novel of love, family, sacrifice, determination and hope. It’s beautiful and unforgettable. The narrative flows slowly yet deeply and although it’s filled with sadness at what communities do to each other, it will leave you feeling hopeful, and with a desire to walk through the village of Kosawa, laugh with the descendants of the Leopard people and hope to be blessed by the Spirit.

#netgalley #howbeautifulwewere #imbolombue #canongate

I absolutely loved this story told from the viewpoint of various members of the main family. Kosawa is in for a fight for survival suffering the after effects of colonialism to then be subjugated by American oil entrepreneurs. The villagers fight not only for their land and beliefs but their survival. In a tale that is reminiscent of Erin Brokovich it's pulls at the heart strings and makes you empathise with Thula who leaves for a better education only to become a revolutionary.