A review by libraryoflanelle
The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

There comes a point when one must relinquish the dream for the chance to make the best of reality. Like all the mothers in my lineage, I have sacrificed myself for the sake of love. 

The Edge of Water is one of those books that completely pulls you in, immersing you in its world until you become utterly enraptured. Olufunke Grace Bankole has so intentionally and tenderly crafted every single character that I found myself deeply invested, not just in the overarching narrative but in each individual life. 

Told in the shape of shells, the novel is framed by the perspective of Iyanifa, a priestess and guide, as she introduces us to the interwoven stories of three generations of Nigerian women. From a traumatised and unrelenting Esther to her daughter, Amina, who is determined to carve out a life as different from her mother’s as possible, and finally to Laila, who pieces together her own story while grappling with the weight of intergenerational trauma and tragedy. Their experiences and those of the people around them, though distinct, come together so perfectly.

One of the most striking elements of the novel is its masterful use of water imagery. It is ever-present and immersive, yet never overdone. There were moments when I had to pause, reread, and simply let certain sentences wash over me, pulling me deeper into the story. I need to get my hands on a physical copy to annotate and revisit!

This story does explore some deeply painful and challenging themes, I strongly recommend checking content warnings before diving in. Bankole weaves intergenerational trauma into the narrative with such incredible intention and authenticity.

Though it took me a few chapters to fully grasp the novel’s structure - told through ‘shells in the shape of’ - I absolutely loved how purposeful this was within the wider context of the story. The way certain moments, experiences, and emotions echoed throughout the story was equally as  heart-warming as it was heart-breaking. By the end, everything came full circle in the most subtle yet deeply satisfying way.

I am so grateful to Olufunke Grace Bankole for sharing this story with us. It was an honour to spend time in this world, and I cannot wait for others to experience, learn from, and find pieces of themselves within these pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tin House for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
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