Fireflies of the Lagoon

by Tunde Leye

264 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2024

Reviews

[Temi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I loved how rich and fast paced it was, it felt like I was watching a Yoruba movie. Only thing is I wish it was longer tho

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

💚Book Review💚

Fireflies on the Lagoon by Tunde Leye

This book took me to 19th-century Lagos. The whole thing felt like a game of chess,moves, counter moves, and plenty of betrayal.

At the center was Prince Kosoko, fighting hard for the throne. His long beef with Eletu Odibo, the kingmaker, kept the tension high. Then there was Efunroye Tinubu, who was a smart and formidable woman, and Opo Olu, stuck between staying loyal and chasing power.

Everything kept shifting, alliances breaking, new ones forming, and then you had the colonial people in the background, just waiting to stir trouble.

It felt dramatic, rich, and giving full Yoruba culture.

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time we are in Lagos, sitting with Tunde as he narrates the story of Ekò and its pre-colonial war before the end of the slave trade and one of its prominent battles for the throne spanning years and telling the tale of some of the most influential people in its history.

[Ife · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting retelling of an aspect of Lagos’s history. I like how fast-paced the book is without feeling rushed.
I enjoyed this!

[Olanrewaju Olamide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should have been longer and bigger.

[Lope Orire · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Tunde Leye book so far.
Out of the three I’ve read, Fireflies of the Lagoon stands out the most. A beautifully layered historical fiction set in 1851 Lagos — rich, bold, and filled with unforgettable characters.

Opo Olu stole my heart, and Efunroye? Easily the woman behind the power.
Kosoko, I love you… till you break my heart.

An absolutely great read. 👏🏾📚