Book Review: The Mechanics of Yenagoa

Title: The Mechanics of Yenagoa

Author: Michael Afenfia

Published By: Masobe Books

Release Date: June 2020

Genre: Fiction

Format: Paperback

Length: 303 pages

Synopsis

Ebinimi, are mechanic of Kalakala street, is a man with a hapless knack for getting in and out of trouble. Some of his troubles are self-inflicted : like his recurring entanglements in love triangles; and his unauthorised joyriding of a customer’s car which sets off a chain of fire evened a involving drugs, crooked politicians and assassins. Other troubles are caused by the panorama of characters in his life, like: his sister and her dysfunctional domestic situation; the three other mechanics he employs; and the money- loving preacher who has all but taken over his home.

The story is fast-paced with surprising twists and a captivating plot- a Dickenesque page -turner. This is Ebinimi’s story but it is about a lot more than him. It is an exploration of the dynamics between working-class people as they undertake a colorful tour of Yenagoa, one of Nigeria’s lesser known cities, while using humor, sex and music as coping mechanisms for the everyday struggle. It is a modern classic tale of small lives navigating a big city.

Review

I absolutely loved this hilarious book! While reading, I had a great laugh and a great many gasps too at the plot twists! I loved the way the plot just flowed and how easy it was to read.

I also loved the fact that this book is set in Yenagoa which is not a common setting in books set in Nigeria and I absolutely love the Niger Delta pidgin in the book!

The end of this book shock me well, I no go lie! But I loved the ending! Arghhh!

Check out my full review on this book and my rating of it by clicking the link below:

Book Review: Homegoing

Title: Homegoing

Author: Yaa Gyasi

Published By: Penguin Random House UK

Release Date: 2016

Genre: Historical fiction, saga, novel

Format: Paperback

Length: 300 pages

Synopsis

Effia and Esi: two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader’a wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow: from the Gold Coast of Africa to the plantations of Mississippi; from the Missionary schools of Ghana to the dive Bars of Harlem. Spanning continents and generations, Yaa Gyasi has written a miraculous novel – an intense heartbreaking story of one family and, through their lives, the story of Africa itself.

Review

A miraculous novel indeed!

I absolutely enjoyed this book and it stoked the fire in me to read more historical fiction and non-fiction which I’ve always loved!

The plot of this book easily flowed and told heart breaking stories of the characters. I like to think of the entire book as a collection of short stories which although are independent are intertwined by family.

I also loved the fact that each of the chapters were written in third person narrative but centering on each character. It was easy to understand and written according to the time it was set it.

The author did a phenomenal job with research on the Ghanaian history and explored deep themes in this work cutting across racism, discrimination, the trans Atlantic slave trade and domestic slave trade.

The prints in the paperback I bought are tiny and admittedly, some patience is required to read and finish this book. It’s not one of those books you can just start and drop intending to pick up in a couple of weeks. I advice that you read it all at once.

To see my verdict on this book, watch my full book review on the book my clicking on the link below:

JUN-LY BOOK HAUL (OR THE BOOKS I BOUGHT AND RECEIVED IN JUNE AND JULY)

Hi guys!

SO I’ve been on a social media/youtube break for a couple of weeks; taking time to just refresh and rest. I am excited to be back bringing you book-ish content!

Today, I share the books I bought and received in the months of June and July or as I call it, my JUNLY Book Haul!

Enjoy!