I, unfortunately, could not get into this book and had to DNF it at 25% which is such a shame as I was really intrigued by the plot and premise of the book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.

I really wanted to like this book. It's a story of 2 descendants of families in a Nigerian village, where, 100 years before the events described in the book, an odd event happened. The event haunts the two protagonists' lives, and seems to make any potential happiness they might want elusive. At its core, the story is about the sins of the fathers lying on the shoulders of their sons and daughters. It is also a story about the tension between the older beliefs and gods, and Christianity (or lack of faith, altogether). This tension explodes in particular when the pivotal event of the story happens in the early 20th century - as the old and the new collide, with the coming of the "white man" to the village at the centre of the book.

I liked the premise and found the structure of the book quite compelling. The writing and plot development were actually quite exciting, and the characters (especially the two protagonists) were well defined and minutely articulated. The latter two's psychological profile was especially well crafted.

However, I really struggled with the book. There are probably two main reasons. First, I am not sure why I should care about the events. Having finished the book, I'm not sure that there was anything interesting or empathy inducing in what I read. I'm not sure whether this is because of the writing, which didn't make me feel enough, or because of the ambivalent attitude to the villagers' traditional faith and traditions. There just wasn't anything happening that I felt any affinity to - it felt not universal enough, and too far away from any experience I could make myself care for. Secondly, as mentioned, I struggled with the overtones of ghosts, spirits, and their ilk. The book seems to be saying that there is something to it, and that these can and should co-exist with any modern beliefs. It gives credence and validity to a horrid system that is cruel, terrifyingly violent, and misogynistic. It just turned any empathy I might have off.

I don't think the book is for everyone. Perhaps Nigerians or Africans more broadly might find more in it to like or be interested in. Otherwise, I think this book lacks the universality of experience that makes great literature.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

A beautifully layered debut. Tochi Eze writes about mental illness, family, and ancestral wounds with precision and empathy.

I found myself genuinely invested in Benjamin and Margaret, curious about their histories, their struggles, and the choices that shaped their lives.

The ending was both inevitable and quite powerful.

I’m very curious about the next work of this author!

This was an enjoyable read, it definitely took me on a journey. Within the first few pages we are drawn into the history and mystery of Ben and Margaret’s relationship. A tale of forbidden love across centuries (1905 - 2005) and countries (Nigeria, America, England, Ghana). We follow, once deeply in love and now estranged couple Benjamin and Margaret.

The stories of the characters were all shaped by conflicting comparisons: ancestral beliefs or Christianity; remaining loyal to tradition or accepting foreign ways of living (colonialism); facing the past or choosing to avoid it and move forward.

The character development was good for the two main characters. The novel was paced well and moved fluidly between the different times and locations. The mysterious elements particularly surrounding Margaret, her struggles and her character made it such a page turner for me.
The book had great potential but the ending was a bit of a let down for me. The ending didn’t directly conclude the pressing matter which was a little unsatisfactory. But there are so many things explored in the book that I pondered on after finishing the book.

Really riveting book that questions life and what matters. I really liked the settings and the dual timeline this mixed with strong characters made it an interesting book. I found at times it was little hard going but other than I that it was strong 3.5 stars

Set in 1960s, in Lagos and in 2005, in Lagos and Atlanta, we follow Margaret, and Benjamin’s intertwined lives.
Margaret is a complex and lovely character who is carrying the burden of many people in her life - especially those who came before her.

what worked for me
characterisation - the ancestors, and Margaret were well fleshed out.
the themes of tradition vs modern life, mental health vs the supernatural, the interplay and the clash between supernatural and beliefs and Christianity, colonialism

3.5 stars rounded up.