akinyiakinyi's reviews
48 reviews

I love how Ngozi points out societal issues that we often ignore or sweep under the rug.  Her emphasis on teaching girls that marriage isn't an achievement is well-endorsed, and it's something I'll continue to advocate for in my feminist journey.

Having your own identity and being your own person is the best thing in the world. This is a needed manifesto for raising feminists.

It's a must-read.

This was such an unexpectedly captivating read, with a storyline and flow that immediately drew me in. The author skillfully weaves together numerous compelling themes, including feminism, patriarchy, political uncertainties, navigating strained relationships, jealousy, classism, tribalism, and romance.  

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is its portrayal of societal injustices towards women, particularly concerning property ownership and inheritance.  This theme resonated deeply with me, as it reflects a challenge that persists in many African countries even today. While I agree that Nnambi was an evil stepmother, the question of her inheritance rights raises complex issues.  Perhaps, even while condemning her actions, we can acknowledge the broader societal structures that often deny women their rightful inheritance.  

The book also effectively illustrates the impact of political instability such as rape, abduction, killings, and tribal cleansing etc. The depiction of the tribal divide between the Basoga and Buganda people was intriguing, and I've made a mental note to research this further. 

 I was deeply saddened by Kirabo's lifelong feeling of rejection, especially given the genuine love and acceptance she found with her other family.  How I wish Tom had defied his mother and allowed Kirabo to stay with him.  Nnaku's situation is also complex. While her circumstances surrounding Kirabo's birth are understandable, her later failure to acknowledge and rectify her mistakes is heartbreaking.  The author effectively portrays Kirabo's feelings of rejection.

 All in all, this was a truly thought-provoking and engaging read.

Ayobami, why did you have to scar us like this? You decided to stab us repeatedly, leaving no room for healing.

How many women endure ridicule, shame, and low self-esteem, thinking the goddess of fertility has overlooked them while blessing others? Yejide went through so much shame and pressure from her in-laws, all because she was struggling to get pregnant.

Why do fingers always point at the woman first when the topic of infertility arises? Why must she bear the burden of finding the supposed cure alone? Even after bringing in another woman, why can't the man be suspected of infertility?

The plot twists kept me on edge and were quite unexpected, especially Funmi's murder and Akin's knowledge of the affair.

Was it fair for Yejide to walk away from Timi's life? What would you have done after losing two children?

This book had a compelling and addictive plot. It's definitely a worthy read.

Have your wine, toys, and an open mind when reading this book.  Set aside any preconceived notions of morality.  The Sex Lives of African Women is far superior; there's simply no comparison.

'I fantasize about being fucked in a church. In the pews, under the stained-glass windows, staring at Jesus on the cross.'

It is interesting to observe the diversity of human fantasies and fetishes.
The book is a worthwhile read, although I suspect the initial sections will be more engaging than what follows.

At first, you might find the beginning slow and be tempted to DNF (Did Not Finish) this book. However, I urge you to persevere.  As you continue reading, the plot becomes increasingly compelling and begins to unfold.

It's heartbreaking to see how Kweku's decision to abandon his family irrevocably altered the destinies of his wife and children.  But can we truly blame him? What would you do if you lost your job through no fault of your own? How do you provide for a family of six as an immigrant with limited resources and opportunities, especially after experiencing such a significant setback? How do you cope with failure after a history of success? How do you face your partner after promising them a better life?

Fola did her best to hold the family together after Kweku's departure. It's painful to witness the emotional damage inflicted on her children, but what more could she have done in her circumstances?

Olu, Kehinde, Taiwo, and Sadie endured immense hardship after their father left. It's a small comfort that they eventually traveled to Ghana to say goodbye, even if the circumstances were far from ideal.

Overall, the book is a worthwhile read.  The writing is strong, but the plot itself, while engaging, isn't particularly groundbreaking.

After reading two chapters, I've realized this book isn't for me. I've decided to DNF it—one of my goals for 2025 is to DNF books quickly rather than forcing myself to finish them.

Since it's a young adult book, I hope the author's other works are better.

Khaled Hosseini certainly knows how to stir up emotions in his readers. He captures so many themes that make you grateful for what you have and where you are in life. Although A Thousand Splendid Suns is historical fiction, it touches on experiences shared by people across the globe.

Mariam's story is heartbreaking from her birth, through her childhood and her marriage. How could one withstand such pain, unkindness, unacceptance, and lack of love?  She loved her father, Jalil, so much, only to be so disappointed by him. How did she live with Nana's last words echoing in her mind: that she was the only person who had ever loved Mariam, and that if Nana died, Mariam would have nothing? Did those words replay in her head every time Rasheed beat and mistreated her? I cried for Mariam; of all the characters in this book, she deserved a happy ending, a happy ending she never got.

Laila's fate changes so quickly in times of war. She goes from living with a father who doted on her and strived to give her the best life possible to living with Rasheed. It was a twist I never saw coming.

War brings so much loss, death, and inexplicable struggle.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is such a heartbreaking book.

Hailu's family's trials and tribulations provide a strong foundation for understanding the events in Ethiopia toward the end of Emperor Haile Selassie's reign and the terror inflicted by the Derg.

The writer explores various themes in an interesting and captivating manner.

The revolution in Ethiopia highlights the rise of the educated elite who called for change to the feudal system, which had created a vast disparity between the upper and lower classes.

The vivid description of the Emperor's capture and killing brought tears to my eyes, showing how an icon and pan-Africanist was killed without regard for his contributions to his country and continent.

It was also disheartening to see how those who fought for change were, in turn, brutally killed and tortured by the Derg. It was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

This raises the question: did those who called for the revolution act wisely? Would they have preferred to passively watch the monarchy ruin their country, or was facing human rights violations under the Derg the only alternative?

This is a book worth reading.

This is a beautifully crafted story that poignantly captures the adversities and trials faced by generations. It begins with the birth of Maame (the Firewoman's) firstborn daughter, Effia. Effia's father had relations with a captured slave who served as a housemaid. Before running away to freedom, Maame leaves a black stone as a keepsake for her daughter.
Effia marries a white man who, without guilt, participated in the slave trade. Her descendants remain in Africa, striving to overcome the legacy of slavery while embracing their traditions amidst the Scramble for Africa, colonization, religious change, education, and the ongoing search for a sense of belonging.
Maame's second daughter, Esi, a high-born woman, is tragically captured by slave traders. Her descendants endure a harrowing journey through the horrors of slavery, grappling with racism, segregation, forced labor, limited opportunities, poverty, drug abuse, and even prostitution to survive.
It is a profound relief to witness Marcus and Marjorie reconnect and return to Africa, leaving their fears behind and embracing a newfound sense of freedom.
This story is undoubtedly worth the read. I would love to know where Esi's black stone went, or did I miss it?

We often take for granted our homes, our families, our pets, and the basic routines of our lives. It is painful to see how conflict can uproot someone from their normal way of life.


This is a great read.