“Where in Africa?’ My mind was a muddle of words and images: my mama, my brothers, the tree, Sir Richard, Mrs Cuthbert, Bill . . . Perhaps it was simpler, easier, to just refer to my former life as a string of words and sentences, in the way Sir Richard had spoken on many occasions. A description of the land I grew up in from the mouth of an explorer: the Congo with its vast rainforests and endless rivers. A beauty that could not be replicated anywhere on this earth. Of all the countries from that great continent, none could hold a candle to the majestic Congo. None. ‘I once lived in the Congo,’ I said.”

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I'm not sure if I've ever read a book quite like this, chronicling a character's journey spanning nearly a century, but here we are. "The Attic Boy" was recommended by my book buddy for our upcoming discussion next month, and since I didn't have anything else to read at the moment, I decided to give it a try. What a journey Dikembe went through—from losing his identity to becoming Celestine, a refined gentleman fluent in British English. Educated in the upper-class English manner until Mr. Barbington's death, who brought him from Zaire/Congo, the plot unfolded linearly through Dikembe/Celestine's perspective and also explored the contemporary world through his great-granddaughter, Lowra. Fate brought them together, both held captive—one by a child groomer and the other by an abusive stepmother. Initially surprised by its substantial 440-page length, I'm glad Lola Jaye didn't rush the story. The novel skillfully parallels two generations: one struggling fiercely to survive and another drifting aimlessly burdened by trauma. It adeptly discusses King Leopold's history and his devastating impact on Africa, subtly yet leaving a profound impact on those familiar with the topic. The aftermath of colonization, racism, and class differences are intricately woven into the characters' lives. Despite the hardships, the book concludes on a hopeful note, which feels necessary after the ordeals endured by Dikembe/Celestine and Lowra. It's truly one of the best books I've read this year.