This is a tender tale filled with complex characters and emotions.



With every interaction, Obiefuna grows more aware of himself, but also of the world in which he lives – one which tragically grows more dangerous with every step he takes forward.



A heartbreaking search for happiness in a world where, for all too many, it is constantly denied.

4.5

Chukwuebuka Ibeh's novel brings a powerful new voice from Nigeria.

Blessings is the story of Obiefuna, whose only "crime" is to fall in love with another boy. Hos father's horrified reaction is to send his eldest son to a strict seminary where he endures bullying and violence meted out by older pupils and masters alike. During this time his father keeps him away from home even after his beloved mother is diagnosed with late stage cancer.

As Obiefuna's story develops after school he becomes embroiled in Nigeria's new anti-gay laws which mean he could be jailed or killed if he is discovered.

This book is a hard book to read especially in light of the new laws in other countries allowing gay marriage. Unfortunately Nigeria and other African countries have gone the opposite direction. It is horrifying to learn that homosexuals could be stoned to death if found guilty.

I've never understood prejudice against someone's sexuality, race, religion etc. I found my whole body clenching at some of the descriptions of the violence meted out to homosexual men and boys. There is also the growing threat of Boko Haram for Obiefuna's female friends.

This is a very powerful book and I hope to read more by this obviously talented young writer.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Books for the advance review copy.

This is a strong debut and coming of age story of Obiefuna, a young gay man in Nigeria- spanning from the early 2000s to 2016.

It tackles challenging issues including the reaction of his family, friends, and latterly the national government.

It’s an interesting and challenging read which I enjoyed. Some of the sections of the book feel a little disconnected, but overall a worthy read and great debut.

Overall I enjoyed this book and felt that the characters were well fleshed out. They felt very real in their flaws and imperfections which I think really added to the story. The story itself was pretty hard hitting and I definitely found aspects of it pretty hard to read.

The writing is beautiful and it makes the story all the more thought provoking but I did find that at certain points, especially in the second half that this had an impact on the overall pacing which then pulled me out of the story a little bit, it almost felt as though it was trying so hard to be lyrical it lost some of the character/story elements. I think I wanted more from the characters and less to the forming of specific sentences.

Overall this read was good and I am intrigued by what else the author publishes in future as I think their writing will only get more immersive from here.

A big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for and ARC in exchange for an honest review

This is a remarkable book, relating the experience of Obefiuna, a boy growing up in Nigeria. It delivers a fantastic sense of place and reminds readers in the UK that growing up gay in other parts of the world is an entirely different experience.

Made aware of his ‘otherness’ at a young age, Obi is sent away to a Christian boarding school by his father when he discovers him in a clinch with Aboy, his own apprentice.

Separated from his adoring mother, the novel follows Obi’s journey to manhood and makes clear the doubling down of Conservative Nigerian politics and legislature as a reaction to increasing liberalism in the West.

I found it a genuinely interesting read and loved the fact that Obi and his friends are depicted warts and all, with many difficult moral dilemmas faced along the way - with them often not behaving in the way you would expect or hope.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Blessing is, without doubt, a strong debut: Ibeh's prose is sparse and lyrical, his characters are tenderly sketched out, and his plot - which carefully picks apart issues around adolescence, intimacy, sexuality, and Nigerian culture - is both well developed and well-written. Our main protagonist, Obiefuna, who we follow as he is sent away from home to a strict religious boarding school (as a punishment for his fleeting relationship with another boy), is a complex, complicated young man, struggling to find himself as he also attempts to conceal his sexual identity from his family, friends, and professors. What is so admirable about the novel is that Ibeh never submits to cliche or tired archetypes - his portrait of queerness is neither overly idealistic, nor stereotypically tragic.

That being said, I failed to really connect with the story and the characters - I could appreciate Ibeh's talent as a novelist, but sadly did not feel truly invested in where the novel was going. I would, however, be interested to read more from him in future; I'm certain that he will only go from strength to strength from here.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the free ARC of this book!

NO SPOILERS

The publisher’s description tells you all you need to know about the plot, story, themes and veracity of Blessings. What it doesn’t tell you is how beautifully it is written. Ibeh’s skill evokes empathy, outrage, and a feeling of hushed tones which had me whispering this book in my head as I read.

The love story is joyous, though unbearably sad, and this quote stood out for me. I think it sums up the entire book and probably the lives of many of us.

“All along Obiefuna had never felt like he was searching, but with Miebi he felt the peculiar relief of having finally been found”

I love character-driven stories like this. It was so interesting, emotional, and well written. This deals with really difficult topics - I love how different relationships were depicted in this book, especially between Obiefuna and his mother. Different POVs and time jumps are difficult for me to enjoy but this was sooo skillfully done and it was super enjoyable, I'm really happy about that!!

Chukwuebuka Ibeh writes a tender, sensitive, eye opening and heartbreaking coming of age debut, immersing the reader into Nigeria's challenging and culturally hostile conservative environment for the queer community and their families. Teenager Obiefuna's father has him sent to a harsh religious boarding school, after witnessing him in a personal scene with another boy, a strict place with its entrenched hierarchy and horror, where he experiences and observes the constant brutality and violence. Obi has to learn to survive the utter loneliness and the separation from his beloved mother, Uzoamaka, who goes through her own journey of looking at the nature of her husband, family, and the wider community. Despite the bleak darkness of the narrative, this is such heart in this emotionally moving, powerful, compulsive and gripping read that shines with shards of light, love, resilience and hope. The characters ring true, and the writing is beautiful in this hard hitting and thought provoking book that I have no hesitation in highly recommending to other readers. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

This book is a masterpiece.
I felt devastated when I ran out of pages.

The story follows a Nigerian teenager through his difficult and confusing sexual awakening. Obiefuna’s queerness fills his father with shame, so much so that he’s sent away to boarding school. We follow Obie into young adulthood where his lifestyle is voted illegal in Nigeria, along with the heartbreaking confession that he feels as though he’s living in a prison either way 💔

I’ve never felt so protective of a character before. Each moment of struggle you feel right alongside him. This timid, intelligent and brave misfit.

A wonderful book with beautiful writing, beautiful characters and a beautiful message too.

Favourite quote:

‘All along Obiefuna had never felt like he was searching, but with Miebi he felt the peculiar relief of having finally found.’

This book was absolutely devastating but also so beautiful.

book review: Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to @vikingbooksuk for an eARC!

After Obiefuna’s father witnesses an intimate moment between him and the family’s apprentice, he sends him to a strict Christian boarding school. The story told alternates between Obiefuna and his mother Uzoamaka, as they try to live their lives while a political background threatens their freedom.

The writing in this book is just exquisite. It’s absolutely beautiful. Lyrical and stunning, reminiscent of Caleb Azumah Nelson. The way it is written you can just let it wash over you. I loved it.

It is a very thought-provoking novel, especially with the political background and such a brutally honest portrayal.

Insanely powerful for a debut novel. When I looked it up, my mouth DROPPED to learn that Chukwuebuka Ibeh is only 23-years-old. And the way his writing is so mature and every word has a purpose. The writing really puts you in the centre of the story, and all the characters feel incredibly real.

My favourite part of this book was the relationship between mother and son. I thought it was just incredibly beautiful. I loved the way it was written.

Obiefuna is the beloved first son, but his brother Ekene is more of what their parents want from a son. Obiefuna, more interested in artistic things, is bullied, derided and then caught in an intimate moment with another boy is banished to a strict boarding school. This begins what is a harrowing, uneasy read about being gay in an intolerant, homophobic country. What easily could have become a didactic polemic is enhanced beautifully by deft characterisation, intimate detailing of the loves and lives of Obiefuna.

The story crosses decades, and in the final third Ibeh focuses in on how the national politics of not just Nigeria but the world impact upon its gay populace, and this beautiful novel becomes great. This is an important story, the tale of one man, but it is universal too. It needs to be read.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

I was very conflicted reading this. It tackles such difficult and important topics, and centres around an African boy struggling with his sexuality in an incredibly conservative environment.

As a white, straight woman I feel like I can't really comment on this. It's not a book for me, and unfortunately it's not my kind of writing style. It’s quite factual and objective, jumps timeline and time periods and is intentionally focused on Obiefuna’s life experience rather than a specific plot. The dual-relationship with Obiefuna and his mother makes the story all the more heartbreaking.

The theme is incredibly poignant, especially towards the end with the law passed against homosexuality. I can't even fathom how you could live your life in that scenario, and so many were abused and tortured for being themselves. Obiefuna's response to his confrontation with his father, "I've been imprisoned my whole life" is entirely crushing.

Objectively, there is nothing wrong with this book. Unfortunately, it wasn't the writing style for me.

cw// mentions of rape, homophobia, sexual scenes, bullying, assault, terminal illness

I flew through Blessings in only a couple of sittings; it’s a book that captures your heart and refuses to let go.

Obiefuna is a much wanted first son, a miracle for his mother. But, his brother Ekene is the outgoing child, neatly fitting in with the other kids, while Obiefuna is the misfit, bullied and derided for his dancing skills and unusual ways. Often too beaten by his father, for this is a society where even the slightest hint of effeminacy will not be tolerated.

When his conservative father witnesses an intimate moment between the teenage Obiefuna and the family’s apprentice, newly arrived from the nearby village, Obiefuna is banished to a strict Christian boarding school in the hopes that it will fix his errant ways.

This seminary school differs immensely from the village school Obiefuna loved and excelled in; here, life is marked by a strict hierarchy, a punishing regimen, and devastating violence meted out primarily by fellow students.

Obiefuna struggles to gain footing in this journey of self-discovery, but he does, digging deep into a resource of survival skills amidst the cruelty around him. Through wonderfully understated prose, Obiefuna is illustrated with compassion and sensitivity - his story is heartwarming and heart-wrenching in equal measure.

Meanwhile, his beloved mother, Uzoamaka, grapples to hold onto her favourite son, her best friend, as life throws more chaos her way. Her chapters show her reflections on the relationships with her husband, two sons, community and the social constraints that bind her.

Blessings is a queer coming-of-age story with a strong focus on resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love to overcome adversity. But, through this powerful debut, Ibeh depicts the awful realities that many LGBTQ+ Nigerians suffer on a daily basis in a country where same sex relationships remain illegal - with a maximum penalty of death by stoning.

Blessings is out next February, and I highly recommend reading. 4.5⭐

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy. As always, this is an honest review.

Blessings is a heart-wrenching, beautifully written story that grabs you immediately.

This book is so special because it flips between Obiefuna's story and that of his mom, Uzoamaka, who is trying her best to keep her family together. You can't help but feel for her as she deals with missing her son and all life's challenges.

The way the author describes everything, you feel like you're right in the middle of their world, feeling every emotion and facing each challenge. It's a story about finding yourself, dealing with tough stuff, and the unbreakable bonds of family and love. The book doesn't shy away from asking big questions about life and freedom, making you think long after turning the last page.

Chukwuebuka Ibeh's novel Blessings concentrates around the life of the main character, Obiefuna. The movie follows Obiefuna's journey as he discovers his sexual identity and navigates the intricacies of love in a tiny traditional and religious Nigerian village. His journey is both wonderful and heartbreaking; we see him fall in love and experience both the joy and pain of new relationships. What actually distinguishes this debut is the incredibly engaging narrative that brings the characters, their environment, and experiences to life. The author does an excellent job of making Obiefuna's feelings appear real and realistic.

"Blessings" is a queer coming-of-age story about resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love to overcome adversity at its center. The enthralling beauty of the writing and the weight of its message make it a must-read debut that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. This is a brilliantly written book that is also really emotional. Obi's persona accurately depicts the awful realities that many LGBT Nigerians suffer on a daily basis, in which life becomes one of solitude, fear, and shame, and your very existence is discussed across the country simply because of who you love.

beautifully written, highly recommend. I started reading this book, looking forward to escaping to Nigeria and learning about the life of Obiefuna. The last part was so poignant and beautifully written, it just put everything to perspective.

I was firstly drawn in by the striking cover and then, on finding this was a queer coming of age story set in Nigeria, I was even more intrigued.

This is a story of family, fear, grief, love and resilience. Its devastating at times, especially when it's very close to home and the events were very real things although in a fictional story.

I was captured by the writing, drawn in by how I could feel the emotions our main protagonist, Obiefuna, was feeling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.

Blessings is a poignant coming of age story about sexuality, shame, and the struggle to survive in a place that is hostile to your very existence. Through the alternating lenses of Obiefuna and his mother, Ibeh's sensual prose builds a visceral portrait of a young gay man's struggle to accept and be accepted for who he is, and a mother's struggle protect them both.

Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh is a compelling novel that revolves around the life of the main character, Obiefuna. Set in a small conservative and religious Nigerian village, the story follows Obiefuna's journey as he explores his sexual identity and navigates the complexities of love. His journey is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching; we see him fall in love, and experience both the joy of new relationships but also the pain of loss and betrayal.

What truly sets this debut apart is the beautifully immersive prose which bring to life the characters, their surroundings and experiences. The author does a remarkable job of making Obiefuna's emotions feel relatable and real.

At its core, "Blessings" is a queer coming of age story of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love to overcome adversity. The captivating beauty of the writing and the strength of its message makes it a must-read debut that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc.