I got this book for a class in college and I think this is mostly a reread, but I wasn't certain I'd read every single story and I wanted to make sure I had. Plus, most of them are really good so I didn't mind experiencing them a second time.

Like most short story collections, this one has some ups and downs. There are definitely a few stories I don't like, but most of them are really good. I think some standouts to me were Doreen Baingana's Tropical Fish, Scars of the Earth by Mildred Kiconco Barya, Modupe by Sarah Ladipo Manyika, and Counting Down the Hours by Blessing Musariri.

I feel like with short story collections, as long as there are a handful of great ones that grab me, I'm inclined to give it four stars because to me it's an incredibly worthwhile book at that point.

Beyond those few notes, it's hard to write a review for this book. These stories were chosen for their variety- in style, subject matter, and location. They're all about womanhood in Africa, but that's the only similarity between a lot of them. The only other thing I could do is discuss each individual story and there are way too many to even consider that. It's a good book, a worthwhile read if you enjoy short stories. I can't imagine that there wouldn't be at least a few you enjoyed. I don't think I'll ever reread this full book again, but I can see myself going back to some of my favorites.

An additional note: While these are stories about romantic love, they're not romances. Figured I'd add the distinction for anyone who might need it.