Manchester Happened is a short story collection by the talented Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. The book is split in two - half the stories focus on people departing Uganda and moving to the UK, the other half is dedicated to those returning to Uganda.

Makumbi's style of writing is heavily influenced by the oral storytelling traditions of Uganda and are sprinkled with humour. The book explores racism, class and a myriad of harsh realities for those living as immigrants, and it does it all with compassion.

The book is rich in Ugandan culture and language. It brutally and honestly reflects the experience of immigrating to a country where you look and sound noticeably different. Where right from the start people are aware that race and rasicm will be an obstacle they constantly face. It shows the dreams (both dashed and realised) of people who immigrate.

It also explores how you can hold your home culture dear to your heart but suddenly feel like an outsider when you do return to your home country. It asks the tough question, is life really better in the West?

I personally have never moved countries, but I imagine that people who have would find parts of the book that really resonate with their own experiences.

My absolute favourite story in the collection was 'Memoirs of a Namaaso'. It's a story told through the perspective of a street dog who accidentally finds himself living in England and reluctantly becoming a house pet. It's delightfully funny but also says a lot on what can be lost (and gained) when uprooting your life. I also loved the character Poonah and both the stories she appeared in, particularly 'Love Made in Manchester'.

There were some stories that I didn't like as much, and I do think her novel The First Woman/A Girl is A Body of Water was stronger. In saying that, I enjoyed the collection as a whole and appreciated the insights into Ugandan culture and the immigrant experience.