Set against the backdrop of 1990s Nigeria, The Fishermen is the heartbreaking story of four brothers whose lives are shattered following a madman's prophesy that the oldest brother will be killed by one of the others. At a time when the brothers need to pull together, following their father's transfer out of the Akure, they instead allow the prophesy to sow the seed of distrust among them, and their once tight bond because frayed and eventually snaps.

This book is powerful. The narrator is Benjamin, the youngest of the four brothers concerned, who was 10 at the time and an adult at the time of writing. The prose is detached, as Benjamin draws on his childhood memories to tell the story, and we get the distinct feeling of watching the events through the eyes of a child: one who sees everything but does not necessarily understand everything. However, although the prose is simple at times, it is poignant. There are several emotional scenes, and plenty of violent ones, again told with in an alarmingly detached manner. The description is also powerful, especially concerning the madman Abula.

I enjoyed the insight into Nigeria: Igbo traditions, superstitions, and family dynamics play a large role in the book, and as a languages lover I was fascinated with the linguistic differences in the family and the mix of Igbo, Yoruba, and English in the home. I also love how any songs or prayers were written in Igbo with an English translation, it really adds to the experience.

Overall a striking reading experience, highly recommend!