The Book of Echoes is a powerful, thought-provoking novel about the echoes of the past, exploring how the history of the slave trade continues to ripple through contemporary black experience.

Narrated by the ghost of an African slave woman, and told through the dual perspectives of Nigerian Ngozi and Londoner Michael, The Book of Echoes is an ambitious piece of storytelling, and for the most part it's a success. The interwoven narratives allow Amaka to explore the effects of diaspora through Ngozi and Michael's contrasting, vividly imagined experiences, whilst drawing haunting parallels between the two. Journeying through heartbreak, lucky chances and brutal injustices, I found both storylines completely captivating.

I think that's why I was so disappointed by the ending. After some organic and honest storytelling, it's painfully predictable. To tie up this epic narrative with such a clumsy cliché really detracted from the emotional impact.

That said, I suppose I only felt so betrayed because I had enjoyed the book so much up until that point. The Book of Echoes is a force to be reckoned with, and an impressive debut.

I struggled with this book and then shifting time and place settings so I did not finish it.

Thanks for allowing me to review this book