It’s one of the best short story collections I’ve read 
Loved it from the start till the end 

One of the best short story collection i have ever read! Makumbi has a way with words that draws the reader to ponder and reflect on themselves and also understand the character.

 

"Manchester Happened" by Jennifer Mukambi is a collection of stories divided into two distinct parts: the first follows immigrants from Kampala navigating life in the UK, while the second explores the experiences of those returning home after their time abroad.
 
As an African living in Europe—my journey taking me from Nairobi to Madrid rather than Kampala to the UK—I found many of the experiences in this book strikingly familiar. Mukambi offers a nuanced exploration of the immigrant experience, with each story shedding light on different facets of this journey: from those who effortlessly integrate into their new surroundings to those who long for the familiarity of home; from individuals clinging to their cultural roots to others eager to reinvent themselves in a foreign environment. This variety mirrors the common yet uniquely personal realities of migration, highlighting both the excitement of new beginnings and the inevitable challenges of cultural clash, unpredictable weather, and the heartache of being far from loved ones.
 
What resonated most with me were the stories that captured the subtle, day-to-day, and long-term struggles of adjusting to life in a new country. Whether it was Abbey’s struggle to save enough to return to Kampala, Nnam’s discovery of her husband’s double life back home, or the Ugandan parents mourning that their children might never return, each narrative vividly portrayed different experiences and also helped me understand other perspectives beyond my own when it comes to fellow immigrant's lived experiences.
 
That said, my experience with the collection was somewhat uneven. Some stories leaned heavily into dramatization—occasionally prioritizing shock value over authenticity—which detracted from my overall enjoyment. I found myself most drawn to the quieter narratives that celebrated the ordinary moments and small victories inherent in the immigrant journey. Additionally, a few of the shorter, abrupt stories left me wanting more; they felt like incomplete vignettes in an otherwise cohesive collection.
 
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Manchester Happened" remains both entertaining and thought-provoking, providing an intimate glimpse into the complexities of migration. Its relatable insights make it a compelling read for anyone who has navigated the delicate balance between two worlds. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the layered realities of immigrant life, as it offers both emotional depth and a vivid portrayal of cultural transformation.
 

P.S. I was initially skeptical about Namaaso's story, narrated from a dog's point of view. However, it turned out to be one of my favorites. Mukambi cleverly contrasts the Ugandan and English perspectives through Snow and Aurora in a humorous and insightful way—an approach I wish she had employed more frequently throughout the collection.