january reads
This year, I made a goal of reading at least 20 books.
Not only would this be an excellent way to get through the collection that I’ve accumulated from thrift shops, give-away piles and bookstores, but hopefully, to also revive that childlike quality I once had—of devouring any book set in front of me.
So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on the books I finished in January…
Black Cake (2022)
In simple words, Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a marvel of storytelling. She demonstrates her ability to create such a complex narrative—albeit, in about 400 words—that engages the reader on multiple levels, pulling you this way and that, never leaving you bored for a second.
The book reveals the lives of members of the Bennett family—from the mother’s intricate past to the Bennett siblings’ even more complicated present. Following their mother’s death, the siblings embark on a journey of unravelling their family history, heritage and the mother they thought they knew so well. As titled, black cake is a strong symbol throughout the novel—it is part of their inheritance, after all.
A truly wonderful read in so many ways—insane character developments, a twisting plot and, of course, lovely writing. In all its wonder, though, it was easy to get swept up and lost in the action, time jumps and ample content.
Favourite quote: “The beauty of a thing justified its plunder.”
4/5
Things Fall Apart (1959)
A true classic. Chinua Achebe’s narrative and storytelling skills are, in short, masterful. Initially, I struggled to get past the first few pages—this novel seemed like an oral history that had been flattened onto the page, but Okonkwo’s story comes to life very quickly. The use of Igbo throughout made the read even more interesting.
Although there wasn’t enough proximity to deeply connect with any particular character, the end of the novel leaves a nagging sense of loss and despair that must be acknowledged. Achebe sets up an entire world for the reader to consume—to love, yet renders you helpless as it falls apart under the influence of British colonialism and religious proliferation.
Indeed a powerful narrative, with a rather stark ending. Achebe doesn’t hold back in his sentiments towards the events that his novel unfurls. Though a work of fiction, there is a heavy dose of historical context in Things Fall Apart, and it is revelatory to engage with the perspective of the colonised.
Favourite quote: “Living fire begets cold, impotent ash.”
4/5
God Help the Child (2015)
Admittedly, this is my first Toni Morrison read—and I wasn’t disappointed. Although I wasn’t introduced to her prose through The Bluest Eye or Beloved, I think this is where I needed to begin. Here, I truly saved the best for last, because this was a book I could not put down.
Morrison’s writing in this novel reads like poetry, like the lyrics of an eerie love song. There is so much to explore in this book—the untold stories, shifting points of view, weaving through the minds of each character and themes that travel and evolve from page to page—it’s all there, and Morrison makes her readers work for it.
The novel also holds an unexpected edge of fantasy. It is never outright explained, but it can be interpreted through a close reading of Morrison’s central themes—childhood (innocence), pain & grief, rejection and morality. Essentially, a lot of this story lies between the lines of the page.
Favourite quote: “What kind of love is it that requires an angel and only an angel for its commitment?”
5/5
happy reading!
<3
