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anusha_reads 's review for:
A Spell of Good Things
by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
dark
emotional
fast-paced
BOOK 6: A SPELL OF GOOD THINGS, AYOBAMI ADEBAYO #bookerprize2023
“SHE HAD NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SHAKE THE SENSE THAT LIFE WAS WAR, A SERIES OF BATTLES WITH OCCASIONAL SPELL OF GOOD THINGS.”
This is a Domestic/ political fiction, a story about Eniola and Wuraola. Eniola is a sixteen-year-old boy whose father has lost his job and hence the family of mom, dad, sister, and Eniola are trying hard to make ends meet. Wuraola is from the richer strata of the society and she is a hard-working resident doctor. This part of the story depicts the struggles of a lady doctor in her professional and personal life. One learns academically but life experiences are not taught.
Do the lives of these two families move on a projectile defined by the state or fate?
The book describes the economic, social, and political stance of the society. The author vividly portrays the stark extremities in the lifestyle of the two families. One throws lavish parties, wearing expensive jewellery and clothes while the other can't even get a square meal.
It also clearly depicts the pronounced patriarchy present in society, how ladies cow down to the whims and fancies of the men and they are expected to conform to the expectations of the family. In some cultures misogyny is so deeply embedded that females start accepting it as normal and even go to the extent that they reprimand the other females if they try to go against it, even overlooking the abusive nature of men.
The book talks about the Nigerian food and the music bands they listen to, and is sprinkled with Yoruba words and one can see how they address their elders too.
I liked the sisters of Wuraola and Eniola, both the sisters were bright, feisty and outspoken. They demanded what was right and stood their ground. I hated the character Wuraola for being reticent and submissive.
An optimistic title for a potentially powerful storyline, delving into challenging themes and character dynamics. Loved the story for its intensity and different ending.
“SHE HAD NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SHAKE THE SENSE THAT LIFE WAS WAR, A SERIES OF BATTLES WITH OCCASIONAL SPELL OF GOOD THINGS.”
This is a Domestic/ political fiction, a story about Eniola and Wuraola. Eniola is a sixteen-year-old boy whose father has lost his job and hence the family of mom, dad, sister, and Eniola are trying hard to make ends meet. Wuraola is from the richer strata of the society and she is a hard-working resident doctor. This part of the story depicts the struggles of a lady doctor in her professional and personal life. One learns academically but life experiences are not taught.
Do the lives of these two families move on a projectile defined by the state or fate?
The book describes the economic, social, and political stance of the society. The author vividly portrays the stark extremities in the lifestyle of the two families. One throws lavish parties, wearing expensive jewellery and clothes while the other can't even get a square meal.
It also clearly depicts the pronounced patriarchy present in society, how ladies cow down to the whims and fancies of the men and they are expected to conform to the expectations of the family. In some cultures misogyny is so deeply embedded that females start accepting it as normal and even go to the extent that they reprimand the other females if they try to go against it, even overlooking the abusive nature of men.
The book talks about the Nigerian food and the music bands they listen to, and is sprinkled with Yoruba words and one can see how they address their elders too.
I liked the sisters of Wuraola and Eniola, both the sisters were bright, feisty and outspoken. They demanded what was right and stood their ground. I hated the character Wuraola for being reticent and submissive.
An optimistic title for a potentially powerful storyline, delving into challenging themes and character dynamics. Loved the story for its intensity and different ending.