This was beautiful and made me cry, but also reasearch the stories this book is inspired by. I cried and giggled and some parts it was amazing.

summary: so this is a narrative book about a woman living in Nigeria. this book explores her choices, her experiences, her life, and what she goes through.


footnotes: this book does mention Igbo a lot, which is a language in Nigeria. There are lots of words/phrases the author doesn't give a translation for, which you will have to translate yourself.

thoughts: i thought the first 25% of this book was interesting, and had some plot. after that, the book went downhill. firstly, the main character is telling us about only herself and her choices. i disagreed with a lot of choices she made, and she never explained them. the other people mentioned in this book are also not explained at all. we get to see what they do, but we never get an explanation as to why they do it. the author writes in a very brash, condescending way that shows she has no respect for the reader or other people mentioned in the book. overall, i found myself frustrated and dragged along for the majority of this book. i would not recommend it.

This was a truly beautiful story, although beautiful should not be meant to mean happy. Udonwa was born into chaos and silent warfare between family members, some of whom have caused irreparable harm to each other. As she gets older and gains worldly experience, she uncovers dark secrets that shake her perception of reality and identity. She is a strong realistic character who has good moments and bad moments, and who longs for freedom from her scarred past. She's someone you want to root for, even if the journey to peace isn't sunshine and rainbows. Great read, thank you NetGalley!

Udonwa's family has been embroiled in a longstanding conflict, shrouding their home in an atmosphere of fear, anger, pain, and terror. Amidst these complexities, a thread of love endures within the cracks. Unveiling the hidden secrets of her family becomes a seismic event that challenges Udonwa's very sense of identity.

I've always been drawn to books exploring intricate family dynamics, and this novel delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships. Chinenye Emezie skillfully presents a myriad of perspectives and evolving beliefs within the characters, while exploring emotional intricacies are handled with sensitivity, never diminishing their complexity.

I appreciate how the author navigates these challenging themes, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. My four-star rating reflects the depth and skill with which the author addresses these nuanced family dynamics

Udonwa’s family has been at war for longer than she can remember. Their house is full of fear, anger, pain, and terror, and somehow there is still love tucked into the cracks. All families have secrets and when her family’s come spilling out it will shake the very foundation of who she believes herself to be.

I have always loved books about complicated family relationships, and this book digs into an incredibly complicated family. I think Chinenye Emezie showcases a lot of differing perspectives and beliefs that grow and change in most of the characters without seeming to judge or condemn them. The topics explored in this book are emotionally complicated and not once are they ever treated as less than that.

Thank you to Dundurn Press and Netgalley for letting me review this book. Releasing Aug 13, 2024

The topics and situations in this book might be upsetting to some readers.

I really enjoyed this book and it outside my usual genre. This story touches on such heart wrenching topics it will absolutely make you cry. This is a beautiful debut novel

A haunting debut by Chinenye Emezie that follows the story of Udonwa, a young Nigerian girl, as she grows into adulthood and learns the dark secrets her family has tried to keep from her.

I went into this not knowing what to expect. The subject matter is unsettling and it is certainly not an easy read, but ultimately this is a story of a young woman coming to terms with her past and learning to love herself in spite of it.

Thank you to Dundurn Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release date: 13 Aug, 2024

TW: Domestic abuse, rape

Udonwa’s family has been at war for longer then she can remember. Their house is full of fear, anger, pain, terror, and somehow there is still love tucked into the cracks. All families have secrets and when her family’s come spilling out it will shake the very foundation of who she believes herself to be.

I have always loved books about complicated family relationships, and this book really digs into an incredibly complicated family. I think Chinenye Emezie showcases a lot of differing perspectives and beliefs that grow and change in most of the characters without seeming to judge or condemn them. The topics explored in this book are emotionally complicated and not once are they ever treated as less then that.

Thank you to @dundurnpress and @netgalley for letting me review this book. Releasing Aug 13 2024

The topics and situations in this book might be upsetting to some readers.

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Such a deep and personal family drama that spans years. Really great characters and although hard to read at times, it’s message stands strong.

A powerful look into the life of an ambitious, intelligent Nigerian family who is haunted by the specter of domestic abuse.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book! I really liked the MC and felt a lot of connection to her and her plights. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

This novel was UNEXPECTED.

I went into this not knowing what to expect and I was knocked on my ass.

Emezie touches on many difficult subjects (domestic violence, hopelessness, depression, etc.). This is my first novel by a Nigerian author and it did not disappoint. After reading this, I've started to take a closer look into the relationships I've built and my interaction with others and to say, "Am I being hypocritical and callous?" Despite the heaviness of its content, this story also highlights the characters' growth and enlightenment. I'll be recommending this book and looking forward to the author's next release!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin publishing for the e-ARC.