Before the Mango Ripens

by Afabwaje Kurian

In Rabata, everyone has secrets—especially since the arrival of the white American missionaries.

Twenty-year-old Jummai is a beautiful and unassuming house girl whose dreams of escaping her home life are disrupted when an unexpected pregnancy forces her to hide her lover's identity. Tebeya, an ambitious Dublin-educated doctor, has left prestigious opportunities abroad to return to the small town of her birth, and discovers a painful betrayal when she strives to take control of the mission clinic. Zanya is a young translator, enticed by promises of progress, who comes to Rabata to escape a bitter past and finds himself embroiled in a fight against the American reverend for the heart of the church and town.

United by their yearning for change, all three must make difficult decisions that threaten the fragile relationships of the Rabata they know. As tensions mount and hypocrisies are unveiled, the people of Rabata are faced with a question that will transform their town Let the Americans stay, or make them go?

Set against the backdrop of 1970s Nigeria teetering between post-colonial dependency and self-rule, Before the Mango Ripens examines the enduring themes of faith, disillusionment, and the search for belonging. Both epic and intimate, Afabwaje Kurian's debut announces a brilliant new talent for readers of Imbolo Mbue and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Africa, Audiobook, Literary Fiction, Historical, Religion

338 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Afabwaje Kurian is the author of the novel BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS, which was longlisted for the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize. She received her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Her short fiction has been published in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Callaloo, Crazyhorse, The Bare Life Review, and Joyland Magazine.

Reviews

[Stephanie C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going to do my best not to compare Kurian’s debut novel with Kingsolver’s gold standard “Poisonwood Bible”, so here goes…

Kurian’s story set in Nigeria in the late ‘60s vividly portrays the clash of cultures and values that beset Western missionaries when they attempt to impose their beliefs on others. She creates a cast of noble African characters against the corrupt foreign invaders, and we get a glimpse of how lowly she considers these Westerners to be. I can’t say she’s wrong as this was likely her perception formed from her experience and those around her.

Per one example: there’s the hypocrisy of Reverend Jim deciding to become a missionary to Africa during the 1960s after his wife Edna dies, simply because he wanted to feel important again and to assuage his grief over his wife’s death, not to mention wanting to repair his wounded reputation from being passed over for promotion by his Presbyterian church in America. He really has no heart in converting those he considers beneath him - they are black Africans, after all - but rather to use them as servants and slaves to build his church and be proud of the hundreds that he “saves” from the tribal villages.

Kurian portrays missionaries as drunkards, adulterers, swindlers, proud, power-hungry, deceptive liars who use the Bible as a means to become a god to the people they convert. I believe this to be an unfair, broad brush with which to paint all missionaries, though seeing from the eyes of the Nigerian author, this is obviously her unfortunate and true experience. This is why people hate religion and its hypocritical members because people believe that the few bad apples represent the many. This novel, while true to her experience, reinforces that perception.

To be fair, she does include Zanya who pretends to be saved unscathed from a burning fire in order to get the position of associate pastor so that he can then marry his beloved Nami. Understandably, he, too, craves being seen as something greater than the bastard child of his mother and thus hated by his own family. Zanya does, though, truly believe in his faith and his conversion is real, but his motives to ascend the ranks of priesthood are certainly less than pure.

Personally, I prefer Poisonwood Bible because there is some redeeming value in the missionaries as they come to understand the people and eventually adapt to the African culture rather than forcing the Africans to adapt to theirs. Kingsolver effectively allows the reader to see and empathize with both sides, whereas Before the Mango Ripens is pretty one-sided.

Setting that aside, Kurian’s writing style is eloquent, her cast of characters well developed, and Nigerian culture is beautifully portrayed. The novel is an effective companion to Poisonwood Bible, and as a stand alone debut, it’s quite good - just, not great.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ALC gifted by NetGalley

A profound and insightful exploration of identity, self-determination, and Christianity. I love that the author discusses how to separate one’s faith (especially Christianity) from white saviorism and colonialism, and how to reimagine a religion that actually serves non-white believers. I think for those who think a lot about the problematic of Christianity and the harm that white missionaries in BIPOC communities caused, this story will really strike a cord.

I also appreciate how fully-realized the characters are, especially the women in the story.

The audiobook is done really well. The narrator captures the different personalities of local Nigerians and white missionaries perfectly!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS by Afabwaje Kurian

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the audiobook

Dele Ogundiran does a great reading of this novel. I also paired with the book.

Set in Nigeria in 1970s just after the nation’s independence, Afabwaje Kurian has written a debut novel with flawed characters on all sides trying to find their place and identity in a new post colonial nation. Explores themes of — faith, racial and cultural tensions, authority and power, disillusionment, hope, and the search for belonging. Secrets start to be unveiled as this story unfolds and people start pushing back against colonialism.

A beautifully written debut novel and immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was surprised this was a debut as it was so well written and I am excited to see what this author does next.

[Scott Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. The author does a great job of creating a morally complex plot without relying on relatavism to cause the reader to question the situations the characters are faced with. When is the right time? What is the right reason? How dependent is the future on these questions? Is it coming, regardless? Are we ready for it? And what role are we to play? Do we get to choose?
All of this set against the backdrop of the post-colon8al transition of the newly independent Nigerian nation creates even more drama for the questions the characters face. The multiple points of view really make everyone, characters and readers, have to consider these questions in ways they may have not had to before.

[Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in early 1970s Nigeria, after the Civil War, primarily in a Christian mission run by Americans. Tensions increase as Nigerians struggle to do what is right for the native population rather than give in to what the Americans believe is best for them. What complicates things is Zanya, the mission translator who believes he deserves to be the pastor, is dishonest. However, the Americans have their own failings and coverups as well.

Overall this is a well written story with strong character development. At the same time, I think the story would have been better with fewer characters and diversions. A good example is the character of Tebeya, a Nigerian doctor whose story diverts unnecessarily into a side story about taking in an orphan. While I can appreciate the idea that it’s meant to indicate hope for the future of Nigerian women, this was already implied by Tebeya herself, and focusing only on her role in the mission clinic would not have reduced her importance.

[MaryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Before the Mango Ripens
Author: Afabwaje Kurian
Narrator: Délé Ogundiran
Length: 11 hrs, 17 mins



Afabwaje Kurian’s captivating debut novel, Before the Mango Ripens, examines the problematic history of Western Missionaries, the “white savior complex,” and colonialism in 1960’s Nigeria. In the township of Rabata, three individuals grapple with questions of identity, ambition and their place in a land where its inhabitants are fighting to have agency over their health care, career choices and spiritual expression. Jummai is a beautiful but naive house girl eager to find a way out of her difficult home life, Tebeya a Dublin-educated doctor frustrated by gender politics, and Zanya a translator who finds his idealism tested as mounting hypocrisies are exposed.

Before the Mango Ripens first grabbed my attention when it was long listed by the Aspenwords Literary Prize, an award that features an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue. I felt the author captured the layers and complexities of this age long problem, and kept me invested in the outcome of her characters. Ogundiran’s narration was exceptional in conveying the nuances of each characters, and helped me track the large cast of characters.

This book belongs on your TBR if you’re interested in contemporary social-political issues, or are a fan of The Poisonwood Bible.

Many thanks to the author @Afabwaje, narrator @Delebiz, @HighBridgeAudio, and @NetGalley for the pleasure of listening to this in exchange for an honest review.

[JSN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic work of historical (and literary) fiction. Captures the spirit of 1970s Nigeria, with a well-researched and keenly observant voice. Kurian strikes the difficult balance between the epic scope of a postcolonial church finding its footing amidst the presence of Western missionaries, and the intimate portrayal of flawed characters on all sides who are wrestling with their own places of un-belonging in the world. Before the Mango Ripens is the novel you've always wanted to read, a classic in the making. Though her debut novel, Kurian writes with the authorial control of someone far beyond her years.

[Elba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian takes place in 1970 Nigeria soon after independence. American Missionaries provide faith, medical care, and education in Rabata. Before the missionaries came Nigerians had their own way of life. The novel deals with the push against the oppression they feel.

[Jane Appel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, well fleshed characters, gorg writing…… but somehow lured me to sleep everytime I picked it up

[Gabby Sequeira Lucero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in a village in Nigeria whose community members are making decisions of whether or not to keep white missionaries in power. It was engaging enough and I looked forward to reading it each time I had the chance, but if the book has disappeared from my shelf, I wouldn’t have been too torn up about it.

[NaTaya Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

(spoiler alert -- no major plot points, per se, but there are spoilers in this review, especially concerning over-arcing themes)

I thought I would like this book a bit more than I did, but even so, it was still easily a 3-star book. Let's break it down into likes and dislikes:

We'll start with likes:

- The characters were very well-written and believable. I've never lived in this kind of environment, but I have friends who moved here to America to get away from these kinds of places. And from everything I've heard, the characters make perfect sense in the context of the story.

- The theme of "white man knows best" being completely overturned was beautiful. Again, unfortunately, from what I hear, the missionaries who go to these countries do often feel that their way is the only way. And while I, myself, am a Christian, I hate the idea that missionaries immerse themselves in a cultural with rich roots and heritage and try to completely change it. So, seeing that blow up in their faces was.... enjoyable.

- There were some good storylines that held my interest quite well.

- The writing itself was good. Very eloquent.

Now, for things I didn't love:

- There were far too many characters and storylines, and FAR too much time was spent on them when they weren't central to the story. In audio format, especially, it was hard to keep track of who was who. I'd often find myself having to go back and relisten because I thought a storyline was happening to a certain character, and it made no sense with their previous storylines. Turns out, I had the wrong character in mind.

- I felt like the portrayal of ALL the missionaries was unrealistic. While I believe absolutely that there are some shite people who go into mission work for the wrong reasons, I do not, for the life of me, believe that ALL of them are that way. I know many WONDERFUL people who have done mission work, and to learn that they behaved like these missionaries did would shock me to the point of .... just... unbelievable flabberghastedness. (Yes, I know that's not a word. Haha.) But yeah. I think the portrayal of 99.9999999% of the missionaries being shite was totally unfair.

Overall, not a bad book, though it did have its flaws. I'm not upset that I read it, though.

[Christine Goodendorf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this one.

[Riane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I feel about this one to be honest - ok without being great is the sum total of my current thoughts.

Thanks to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Tosin O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read!!! I felt myself willing for more when I got to the end and saw 'acknowledgement'. I legit checked the pages post-acknowledgement to see if there was a glimpse into the future of Rabata.
The book was definitely captivating and the images were so vivid in my mind as I read the words in the book.
Highly recommend.

[Serendipity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from the Aspen Words Literary Prize. It's set in Rabata in 1971, a time when the leadership of many institutions in Nigeria was being assumed by Nigerian nationals. But not in Rabata. The church is still led by Reverend Jim, an American missionary, with another American as his assistant. Zanya, a translator for the missionaries, is keen to become a pastor, but Reverend Jim has doubts about his readiness and suitability. Tension between them is increased when local labourers go on strike and Reverend Jim, who has no willingness to meet their demands, tasks Zanya with getting them back to work. At the mission clinic, Western trained Nigerian doctor Tebeya is ready to take on more control and responsibility, and harbours increasing concerns about Nelson, the American doctor in charge, because his alcohol use is affecting his ability to do his job safely. And then there is Jummai, who works as a housemaid for a missionary couple, and becomes unexpectedly pregnant.

Colonialism, white saviourism, religion, and cultural conflict were key themes, and I thought they were explored in depth and with nuance. The limitations, hypocrisies, and weaknesses of the American characters were highlighted, but they were fully rounded, and it was possible to understand what motivated and drove them, without necessarily agreeing with them. Meanwhile, it was easy to sympathise with the Nigerian characters and get behind their goals while recognising that they had flaws and weaknesses of their own. There was a wide range of supporting characters who I felt were also well drawn. There were no flat stereotypes or one-note archetypes to be found. The plot was multi-faceted with several major storylines seamlessly interwoven with many more minor story threads to create a rich, satisfying story. The setting was strong, and the atmosphere of tension between individuals and more widely between the missionaries and the Nigerians came across strongly.

I listened on audio, and the narrator did an excellent job, mastering different accents and managing to convey the personalities of different characters via intonation and other techniques. Sometimes in audiobooks it can be easy to lose track of which character was speaking and that was not the case here since the voice of each character was distinct.

For me this was a rich, thoroughly satisfying read. I loved the complex characters and the geopolitical setting which provided them with some meaty conflicts which the author explored in depth and with nuance. Many thanks to @netgalley and @highbridgeaudio for the ALC.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑩𝑬𝑭𝑶𝑹𝑬 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑶 𝑹𝑰𝑷𝑬𝑵𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒇𝒂𝒃𝒘𝒂𝒋𝒆 𝑲𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏

Out November 26th by @highbridgeaudio (offered to me via @netgalley) this was gorgeously narrated by Délé Ogundiran who perfectly switched accents from Nigerian to American to others. It was a seamless listening experience that added to my enjoyment of this story.

The story is of a trio of characters in 1970's Rabata Nigeria, where a particular American reverend is trying to build a church, a mission clinic is teetering with an aged doctor, and an unexpected pregnancy has few options. There is growing tension between the western philosophies and local traditions, levels of respect and derision becoming more visible.

This was a deeply moving story told from the Nigerian perspective, which most of the missionary stories I have heard are not. I do believe this novel shows how motives can be twisted and use religion for personal gains. This is not new, nor has it stopped, but this gave one specific look at the harms such western missions have done. It was heartbreaking to me as I do hold dear my faith and hate to see it used for power and domination instead of love and self-sacrifice.

Even though the story was difficult at times to hear, it was elegantly told. I won't forget Jummai, Tebeya, or Zanya.

I highly recommend this in audio, as Ogundiran truly brought this story to vivid life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. Coming from a colonised culture myself, there are certain elements in this book that rang very true. The characters are well drawn, both the missionary families, and the locals.

If the story were to be edited to leave out a fair bit of extraneous detail, I think it would work better. As it is, the reader is left trying to sift through the nuances, and the timelines, as well as to understand why so many secondary characters are given what feels like excessive space in this story.

That notwithstanding, it is worth reading to understand what it is to be on the receiving end of the 'white man's wisdom' and his lack of self awareness (especially with respect to how Africans perceive him). A book with a lot of promise that fell down a bit on the delivery.

I did like the African characters, especially Zanya and the woman at the clinic (not sure how to spell her name, but she was compelling). It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[RDH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook for review. The audiobook is 11 hours long, Narrated by Délé Ogundiran.

Three characters' lives are affected by the arrival of white American missionaries in Rabata, Nigeria. This epic tale of historical fiction covers the late 1960s. The themes of religious superiority, colonialism, paternalism, sexism, and women's autonomy are weaved throughout this novel.

The narrator does an excellent job, heavy on the Nigerian accent and seamlessly switching to English. However, there were a few times when I found it hard to understand what was being said.

I listened to the audiobook for at least 6 hours in one day, and quickly finished the book as it was very enjoyable. The events kept my interest, and the story is so engaging, that the reader can't help but become invested in the character's lives. While this is fiction, I can imagine this being a true story. Dramatic and engaging, highly recommend it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is beautifully written and dives into a fascinating part of Nigerian history. I loved how it explored the intersection of race, culture, and religion, along with themes of identity and coming-of-age.

The author pulls you in right from the start and weaves in the characters' backstories and secrets without slowing down the plot. You’re never quite sure who to root for, which I appreciate in a book—it’s a sign that the characters are nuanced and well-developed. It’s the kind of book that keeps you engaged, and I found myself finishing it quickly. It leaves you thinking about the characters and wondering what’s next for them long after you’ve turned the last page.

Hopefully, this book inspires more people to explore African history and reflect on the lasting impact colonialism and European countries have had on the continent.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1971 Nigeria in a community with American missionaries, this story centers the people of Rabata and the effect of the Americans who claim to be there for good reasons in their church, their school, their hospital. Kurian posits the question of when is best for the Nigerians to take on the leadership of these spaces from the white people, and also asks was their presence a good thing to begin with. This book definitely has an agenda to show the negative aspects of American missionaries and aid in the form of colonialism, and I’m certainly glad to have that perspective. It’s particularly troubling to read this book in the same week that state-supported international aid from the US is being gutted and canceled. I am not someone intricately involved in the international aid community, but I can imagine my friends who are would have a lot to say about the themes of this book.

[LNP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Mango Ripens offers a deeply thoughtful, authentic, balanced, and compelling portrayal of the conflict that arises between Christian missionaries and local communities. In this context it carefully probes the relationships between class, race, culture, and faith. From the first page, I was drawn in by the vivid and colorful description of Rabata, Nigeria and it's community. I truly loved how the author so charmingly and methodically peeled back the layers of each character, chapter by chapter, revealing more complexity. Halfway through, I couldn't put it down! This book made me pause and reminded me that we are all messy, and all in need of grace, mercy, and compassion. This was a phenomenal book and I am looking forward to seeing more from this author.

[the great gretsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was brilliant! it took me a while to properly dive into the story as there are quite a few different perspectives, but once i did, i was 100% in. i was most impressed by the dept that each character had to them despite the novel being focalised through so many different individuals. i really felt for each major character and was fully invested in their fate, particularly the women who i thought were portrayed especially well.

the themes of colonialism, faith and identity are explored with great nuance and i love how the novel looks at the same problems from so many different perspectives.

the narration by dele ogundiran worked extremely well for me too and added a great warmth to the characters’ voices.

[Marie-Ange Janvier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book! This one is about American missionaries that live in Nigeria during the time this country gained its independence. I like this book because it showed the close proximity of Christianity with colonialism. The lines are blurred especially when the native of the country are gaining their autonomy and authority. You see everyone has a vested interest in keeping and seizing power. There are a lot of characters which can be puzzling in the beginning. However, each character brings depth and a compelling perspective on what it means to have a dream in a post colonial country and demonstrate the true meaning of living according to Christian values. No one is perfect and spared from their ambition which comes with the meaning of the title of the book “ Before the mango ripens” what were the birds eating before? Or as the theme of the book suggests, what was the Nigerian town traditions or customs before the missionaries came and even what were the lives of the missionaries beforehand too? Complex and great book!

[Rachel Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the Mango Ripens is a fantastic character driven story that takes place in 1970s Nigeria. On the surface it is about the overextending of missionaries. However, my primary takeaway was the in-depth focus on pure versus corrupt motivation. All the characters are flawed and have made missteps. It’s how they handle them that forms the core of this book. I would recommend this to historical and literary fiction readers with the encouragement to push through the slow start.

Plot - 3
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 5
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 4.2

[Jude Jatau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Mango Ripens is a well crafted story that keeps you captivated from the first paragraph until the final pages. Afabwaje Kurian does a great job of world building to pull you right into 1970s Nigeria. She offers a unique perspective of conflict as you learn more about each character and their motivations. I found myself connecting and empathizing with several characters in Rabata throughout this exciting read. Afabwaje Kurian is an excellent storyteller and I highly recommend this book.

[Caroline (readtotheend on IG) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in 1970s Nigeria and we can see the tensions between the white American missionaries and the community they are there to serve and themes of faith, identity and cultural tensions are explored. I always thought Korean culture and Nigerian culture had a lot in common and it appears a history of missionaries is also something they both have in common. This felt long at times and one of the main characters, Tebeya and her storyline didn't really seem that necessary for the rest of the story. I preferred to read this one in print.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would like this book more than I did by the end of the book. It’s set in early 1970’s in a village in Nigeria. There are so. Many. Characters! I found it hard to remember who was who. The story revolves around some doctors in the mission hospital as well as several ministers in the mission church. Unfortunately the white people don’t come out in a good light, but then again neither do the black people. I did finish but had lost interest by the end and am relieved to be done and on to other books.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, deeply felt, and funny! One of my fastest reading experiences this year - I didn't want to put it down, and I ended up reading it in three sittings. Kurian is a brilliant writer, and I was thrilled to see how intricately each thread (of many!) came together in the end. Couldn't be more excited for her next book!

[BookBrowse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Mango Ripens is an ultimately hopeful story about people pushing back against colonialism. It points to the ways in which oppressive systems are harmful to everyone, and might leave readers interrogating their own roles in these systems.
-Jillian Bell

Read the full review at: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/review...

[Veronique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful story and beautiful prose, it was a pleasure to dive into Jummai, Tebeya, and Zanya’s lives for these 330 pages. Anytime I would put it down I would be thinking about the beautifully described settings and the vivid characters that were so well described and differentiated that I could really hear their different voices.