I started the book as it was small and recommended by a fellow reader.
The beginning was gripping with a dry tone and light touches of dark humor. The short chapters with interesting titles added to the charm. The story goes back and forth, giving us glimpses of the past.
Does this explain the situation? Yes. In fact, it tells us a lot more than what has been written. We see many things that have been hidden (in plain sight).
But why only 3 stars?
The characterization was very good. Even the inconsequential ones had some scope. So what does the writer do? Nothing. She keeps them just as they are. The story is a big loop within a loop that could go on for another 200 pages and still remain the same.
If that was hinted I wouldn't have minded. But, at many stages, the writer shows conflict, gives readers a promise of some action, some mega twist, and when the time comes, she douses it with routine.
The conflict is never really resolved. There is no actual ending to the book. Nothing changes from the first page to the last.
And this annoyed the hell out of me. I like my characters to do something. Not accept things for what they are.
Korede and Ayoola are portrayed very well. Each has their negatives and positives. But we feel nothing for either of them. Do we feel for the smitten doctor? Nope.
We feel (a little) for Femi, the dead man, and Muhtar (the coma patient). This book as potential. But it just doesn't make it to the top.
Oh, by the way, the first three tiny paragraphs had around 4-5 adverbs and the tenses jump as and when the narration moves between past, relative past, and present.