I just concluded this novel and I must say,it was mind boggling. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions where I laughed,cried,blushed and awwwned lol. The book begins with Morayo(the protagonist),a wild and free spirited girl learning to love her albino sister (afin in Yoruba) as her household hold their breath in disappointment and the love turning into fierce protection. The book unwinds into domestic violence and how the African household can be oblivious to it and this absolutely broke my heart because of how accurate it is. It also enlightens us on how trauma can follow us like a ghost and subtlety slip into our decisions until we intentionally heal and how self-love have alot to do with healing.
Kilanko Yejide took us on a ride on the backs of two strong woman trying to conquer their demons,live their best lives and alter the legacy of silence thrusted to them by the society. If you are an emotional reader like me, bring along your handkerchiefs. It is impossible not to connect because the author is as descriptive as she is narrative, my sister commented that the author could use a page to describe a boiling pot of yam,lol. I also love the way the author included proverbs in the book and because I'm fond of proverbs, here are some that I'll be taking home;
* The butterfly that brushes against thorns will tear it's wings.
* Truth arrives at the market but finds no buyer. It is with ready cash that people pay for lies.
* The aftertaste of the bitter leaf is sweet.
* Even a strong sieve cannot sift yam flour by itself,it needs a hand to hold it up.
* A person who has only one set of clothes does not play in the rain.
I'll highly recommend this book for everyone,it has much insight and education to offer. One of my favorite part was at the epilogue when Morayo stared at her three months old baby girl and promised 'With you,there would be fewer secrets', I beamed.
Thank you for your book recommendation!
I like the saying: The aftertaste of the bitter leaf is sweet.
I'll sure to pick up this book!
"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity."
Khalil Gibran
You'll be glad you did 😍❤️