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This Kind of Trouble
‘Where are the fragments of the life you have lived?’
2005
In Atlanta, Benjamin, a white-passing man of Nigerian heritage, is wondering what his life has been made up of, broken relationships, attempts to forge an identity from others’ memories.
In Lagos, Margaret, a Nigerian single mother, is trying to decipher and finally destroy the mental malaise that has troubled her for as long as she can remember, by winding her way through a complex family history.
Though they are no longer the twenty-somethings they once were when they met, and the 40 years that have passed since they last saw one another might suggest they are strangers, there is a deep and unsettling history that has bound them together since long before they were born.
1905
A well-respected chief in Umumilo village, Nigeria, Okolo has always followed tradition. Then three of the young village women – including his sister, who follows the white man’s God – are shrouded in scandal, and Okolo is forced to choose which path to take: that of least resistance, embracing the ways of the white man to save his village and his sister’s pride, or the other, preserving the ways that have sustained generations – but at what cost?
A beautifully crafted multi-generational story of family history and identity, This Kind of Trouble is a powerful debut that asks what makes up a life, and how when it’s broken, we might put it together again.
2005
In Atlanta, Benjamin, a white-passing man of Nigerian heritage, is wondering what his life has been made up of, broken relationships, attempts to forge an identity from others’ memories.
In Lagos, Margaret, a Nigerian single mother, is trying to decipher and finally destroy the mental malaise that has troubled her for as long as she can remember, by winding her way through a complex family history.
Though they are no longer the twenty-somethings they once were when they met, and the 40 years that have passed since they last saw one another might suggest they are strangers, there is a deep and unsettling history that has bound them together since long before they were born.
1905
A well-respected chief in Umumilo village, Nigeria, Okolo has always followed tradition. Then three of the young village women – including his sister, who follows the white man’s God – are shrouded in scandal, and Okolo is forced to choose which path to take: that of least resistance, embracing the ways of the white man to save his village and his sister’s pride, or the other, preserving the ways that have sustained generations – but at what cost?
A beautifully crafted multi-generational story of family history and identity, This Kind of Trouble is a powerful debut that asks what makes up a life, and how when it’s broken, we might put it together again.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2025
59 people are currently reading
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March 12, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you to Tiny Reparations Books and Penguin Random House for this e-arc via NetGalley! This is truly one of the most refreshing and notable books of 2025!
If the events of the life one lives is a a result of all past actions made by the people who came before you, the ones who are directly responsible for your coming into the world, are the consequences of their actions, whether folly, righteous, well-intentioned, malicious or simply careless, also for a person to bear in their own life? There's a thought-provoking epigraph before the first chapter of Tochi Eze's debut novel "This Kind of Trouble" that wrestles with the "Western" idea that not only should children, those innocents, not be responsible for the actions and the consequences of such actions committed by their forebearers, but that family is, according to fellow Nigerian author Tola Abraham Rotimi, everyone's first war. The two ideas, in contrast, really sets the stage for this incomparable, riveting novel that brings into focus what happens when tradition and modernity converge and wrestle with each other, what happens when the past and the present intertwine to create events that are fated and altogether mysterious, while also calling into question what makes a family. What does it looks like when a life is lived as the result of the actions taken by our ancestors? And what is a person's life in the context of those actions, some fated, some not? Are the connections each of us has to the past and the present, the ties we have to our family, home people, villages, our communities that produce us, shape us, house us and raise us, the moulds of our identity, the thing that gives us humans form and function?
Tochi Eze has weaved a truly magnificent, insightful tale that beautifully captures the complexity of family history, especially shining a light on the Igbo-Nigerian sense of family. Her story follows two key characters, whose stories are intertwined - a white-passing Englishman of Nigerian heritage, Benjamin Fletcher, and his ex-wife Margaret. Their shared connections and troubles predate their first meeting in the 1960's to their forefathers who come from the same Nigerian village, Umumilo, the start of all the troubles. Through three timelines starting in Umumilo during British-imposed colonization in 1905, Tochi Eze weaves and bobs from the fated events that lead to Benjamin and Margaret's coming together, moving to the "present-day" of the book which is in 2005 when the couple are in their sixties and have become estranged. Benjamin lives in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA while Margaret lives in Lagos, Nigeria, battling a mental illness seeming to be schizophrenia. She's constantly communing with spirits, which in the African religious/spiritual context spells something quite different than what Western medicine/people might understand to be happening.
Margaret has taken to heart the words of Umumilo's dibia, who has determined that all the trouble their family lineage faces is due to a curse in his communion with the gods and the ancestors that preside over the home people of Umumilo. Margaret's quest to seek healing and resolution for her family's troubles leads to a quasi-family reunion/reconciliation. In seeking to explore her fraught family history and committing to the payment the gods seek for clearing the path forward for her and Benjamin's direct lineage of family members, in particular their daughter, Nwando, her husband, Nosa and their son Chuka who attends boarding school. Tochi Eze really has a gift for showing the divergence in how the dibia vs. the psychiatrists treat the unsettling, violent events that Margaret believes has resulted in her spiritual disquiet and the discord in their lives. Is it schizophrenia or are the spirits of the ancestors and the gods the home people answer to communing with her about what needs to be done to correct the wrongs they've perceived as being committed by Benjamin and Margaret's ancestors?
Going back in time and reckoning with the events that led to their current situations, Tochi Eze doesn't give exact answers to all the questions Margaret and Benjamin both ask about each of their forebearers. As the reader, you'll have to make that decision for yourself. Besides being original, riveting and altogether unforgettable, I loved the focus on older characters, the dynamics of a family that's in discord and trying to make peace with each other, the focus on the impact of colonialism on indigenous values and ideas and the treatment of family as a sacred group of people who are related not only through lineage, but also a series of events. This is an extraordinary debut!
Thank you to Tiny Reparations Books and Penguin Random House for this e-arc via NetGalley! This is truly one of the most refreshing and notable books of 2025!
If the events of the life one lives is a a result of all past actions made by the people who came before you, the ones who are directly responsible for your coming into the world, are the consequences of their actions, whether folly, righteous, well-intentioned, malicious or simply careless, also for a person to bear in their own life? There's a thought-provoking epigraph before the first chapter of Tochi Eze's debut novel "This Kind of Trouble" that wrestles with the "Western" idea that not only should children, those innocents, not be responsible for the actions and the consequences of such actions committed by their forebearers, but that family is, according to fellow Nigerian author Tola Abraham Rotimi, everyone's first war. The two ideas, in contrast, really sets the stage for this incomparable, riveting novel that brings into focus what happens when tradition and modernity converge and wrestle with each other, what happens when the past and the present intertwine to create events that are fated and altogether mysterious, while also calling into question what makes a family. What does it looks like when a life is lived as the result of the actions taken by our ancestors? And what is a person's life in the context of those actions, some fated, some not? Are the connections each of us has to the past and the present, the ties we have to our family, home people, villages, our communities that produce us, shape us, house us and raise us, the moulds of our identity, the thing that gives us humans form and function?
Tochi Eze has weaved a truly magnificent, insightful tale that beautifully captures the complexity of family history, especially shining a light on the Igbo-Nigerian sense of family. Her story follows two key characters, whose stories are intertwined - a white-passing Englishman of Nigerian heritage, Benjamin Fletcher, and his ex-wife Margaret. Their shared connections and troubles predate their first meeting in the 1960's to their forefathers who come from the same Nigerian village, Umumilo, the start of all the troubles. Through three timelines starting in Umumilo during British-imposed colonization in 1905, Tochi Eze weaves and bobs from the fated events that lead to Benjamin and Margaret's coming together, moving to the "present-day" of the book which is in 2005 when the couple are in their sixties and have become estranged. Benjamin lives in Atlanta, Georgia in the USA while Margaret lives in Lagos, Nigeria, battling a mental illness seeming to be schizophrenia. She's constantly communing with spirits, which in the African religious/spiritual context spells something quite different than what Western medicine/people might understand to be happening.
Margaret has taken to heart the words of Umumilo's dibia, who has determined that all the trouble their family lineage faces is due to a curse in his communion with the gods and the ancestors that preside over the home people of Umumilo. Margaret's quest to seek healing and resolution for her family's troubles leads to a quasi-family reunion/reconciliation. In seeking to explore her fraught family history and committing to the payment the gods seek for clearing the path forward for her and Benjamin's direct lineage of family members, in particular their daughter, Nwando, her husband, Nosa and their son Chuka who attends boarding school. Tochi Eze really has a gift for showing the divergence in how the dibia vs. the psychiatrists treat the unsettling, violent events that Margaret believes has resulted in her spiritual disquiet and the discord in their lives. Is it schizophrenia or are the spirits of the ancestors and the gods the home people answer to communing with her about what needs to be done to correct the wrongs they've perceived as being committed by Benjamin and Margaret's ancestors?
Going back in time and reckoning with the events that led to their current situations, Tochi Eze doesn't give exact answers to all the questions Margaret and Benjamin both ask about each of their forebearers. As the reader, you'll have to make that decision for yourself. Besides being original, riveting and altogether unforgettable, I loved the focus on older characters, the dynamics of a family that's in discord and trying to make peace with each other, the focus on the impact of colonialism on indigenous values and ideas and the treatment of family as a sacred group of people who are related not only through lineage, but also a series of events. This is an extraordinary debut!
February 20, 2025
Within the first few pages, readers are drawn into the mystery of Benjamin and Margaret's relationship and what led to their separation. Eze masterfully reveals just enough information about Benni and Maggie, along with their ancestors' stories, to keep readers eagerly turning pages to uncover the details of the curse that has crippled Margaret for years.
For those unfamiliar with Nigerian culture, this book provides an accessible introduction to cultural interactions and speech patterns. The village scenes effectively convey basic customs, while each chapter's storytelling deepens our cultural understanding. The book weaves historical context throughout—particularly in depicting the relationship between the Nigerian village and English colonials.
Margaret emerges as a fascinating character. Her internal struggle—balancing ancestral cultural traditions with Christian beliefs while seeking answers in modern medicine—creates a relatable portrait of someone striving to protect her family while feeling constrained by limited solutions. Driven by fear, she pursues every possible avenue—therapy, medicine, spiritual cleansing—to safeguard her loved ones.
The ending illuminates the true nature of Benjamin and Margaret's characters and their deep affection for each other.
For those unfamiliar with Nigerian culture, this book provides an accessible introduction to cultural interactions and speech patterns. The village scenes effectively convey basic customs, while each chapter's storytelling deepens our cultural understanding. The book weaves historical context throughout—particularly in depicting the relationship between the Nigerian village and English colonials.
Margaret emerges as a fascinating character. Her internal struggle—balancing ancestral cultural traditions with Christian beliefs while seeking answers in modern medicine—creates a relatable portrait of someone striving to protect her family while feeling constrained by limited solutions. Driven by fear, she pursues every possible avenue—therapy, medicine, spiritual cleansing—to safeguard her loved ones.
The ending illuminates the true nature of Benjamin and Margaret's characters and their deep affection for each other.
August 10, 2025
3.5🌟 I love the combination of multi-pov and a non-linear timeline, which together serves to create a sense of suspense. This story, which comes to a head with Margaret and Benjamin but started long before they were born, asks several intriguing questions. The events of Margaret’s life- are they the will of the Gods, or are they a result of mental illness? Do these events stem from chance or, rather, fate? This book also had me reflecting on familial relationships, and which is more important- a shared name or shared blood? Overall, I found this to be an interesting read, despite it feeling slow at times.
November 11, 2025
I’m left with more questions than answers. I really enjoyed this read.
Read
August 15, 2025I was so excited to read this book, the synopsis instantly hooked me. However where I just read to, there is a character seeing demons and that’s a topic that I draw the line at reading about. So I am DNFing this book.
Thank you so so much Tiny Rep for this gifted book!!
Thank you so so much Tiny Rep for this gifted book!!
September 28, 2025
3.5
This novel follows the "two timelines format" which seems to be very popular these days - one in the early 1900s, one in the 2000s, with a few chapters taking place in the 1970s, and the classic format of the past storyline having an impact of some sort on the characters in the modern plotline.
We follow Benjamin and Margaret, a separated couple from Nigeria, who reconnect through their daughter, and their ancestors, Okolo who worked with the British to bring peace to his village after tragedy, and a small group of women, including his sister Priscilla, shunned by the village after an affair with a white man.
Margaret believes that her current problems come from a curse linked to the events that took place in the village in 1905, she hears voices and is convinced that the villagers are trying to show their anger for marrying Benjamin in the first place.
I enjoyed the novel... But the link between the two stories was explicit straight away so I didn't feel there was a lot of suspense and so a lot of the chapters on Margaret trying to understand her ancestors felt a bit redundant because the reader already knows. It was well written but not particularly memorable I'm afraid.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
This novel follows the "two timelines format" which seems to be very popular these days - one in the early 1900s, one in the 2000s, with a few chapters taking place in the 1970s, and the classic format of the past storyline having an impact of some sort on the characters in the modern plotline.
We follow Benjamin and Margaret, a separated couple from Nigeria, who reconnect through their daughter, and their ancestors, Okolo who worked with the British to bring peace to his village after tragedy, and a small group of women, including his sister Priscilla, shunned by the village after an affair with a white man.
Margaret believes that her current problems come from a curse linked to the events that took place in the village in 1905, she hears voices and is convinced that the villagers are trying to show their anger for marrying Benjamin in the first place.
I enjoyed the novel... But the link between the two stories was explicit straight away so I didn't feel there was a lot of suspense and so a lot of the chapters on Margaret trying to understand her ancestors felt a bit redundant because the reader already knows. It was well written but not particularly memorable I'm afraid.
Free ARC sent by Netgalley.
August 8, 2025
Thank you to Tiny Reparations Books and Penguin Random House International for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review #gifted #PRHInternationalPartner
In many ways, THIS KIND OF TROUBLE reminds me of the storytelling prowess of great African writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Yaa Gyasi. It’s an intensely emotional, character-driven multigenerational family saga with a splash of “is it or is it not?” magical realism. Some pacing issues and a somewhat unsatisfying ending make this fall just short of my favorites list, but it’s still a formidable debut for 2025, and well worth checking out.
What is THIS KIND OF TROUBLE about? A formerly married couple, Benjamin and Margaret, whose ancestors come from the same Nigerian village. Some interconnected drama reverberates across generations, and, as senior citizens, Benjamin and Margaret have to reconcile the harm they’ve done themselves, one another, and others if they want a chance at ensuring the happiness and health of their children and grandchildren.
As with many canonical Nigerian writers, Eze’s prose is sharp, constrained, yet powerfully evocative. In the space of a few sentences she can masterfully and confidently delineate the edges and textures of each character—their quirks, worries, and values.
This in particular leant a hypnotic, “fable-like” air to the chapters set in Benjamin and Margaret’s grandparents’ timelines, in the tiny Nigerian village of Umumilo at the turn of the twentieth century, when British colonial influence was beginning to make its way into Nigerian society. It was a bit confusing at first to keep track of what was happening in those chapters and what they had to do with Benjamin’s and Margaret’s chapters, but Eze’s prose meant that it was easy to persevere.
I did wish that the ending had been a tad bit more satisfying, as the buildup was slow and didn’t feel like everything was fully resolved. Despite that, though, THIS KIND OF TROUBLE is still one of the strongest debut novels I’ve read this year. I am so excited for more people to check out this book, and can’t wait to see what Tochi Eze has got for us next.
In many ways, THIS KIND OF TROUBLE reminds me of the storytelling prowess of great African writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Yaa Gyasi. It’s an intensely emotional, character-driven multigenerational family saga with a splash of “is it or is it not?” magical realism. Some pacing issues and a somewhat unsatisfying ending make this fall just short of my favorites list, but it’s still a formidable debut for 2025, and well worth checking out.
What is THIS KIND OF TROUBLE about? A formerly married couple, Benjamin and Margaret, whose ancestors come from the same Nigerian village. Some interconnected drama reverberates across generations, and, as senior citizens, Benjamin and Margaret have to reconcile the harm they’ve done themselves, one another, and others if they want a chance at ensuring the happiness and health of their children and grandchildren.
As with many canonical Nigerian writers, Eze’s prose is sharp, constrained, yet powerfully evocative. In the space of a few sentences she can masterfully and confidently delineate the edges and textures of each character—their quirks, worries, and values.
This in particular leant a hypnotic, “fable-like” air to the chapters set in Benjamin and Margaret’s grandparents’ timelines, in the tiny Nigerian village of Umumilo at the turn of the twentieth century, when British colonial influence was beginning to make its way into Nigerian society. It was a bit confusing at first to keep track of what was happening in those chapters and what they had to do with Benjamin’s and Margaret’s chapters, but Eze’s prose meant that it was easy to persevere.
I did wish that the ending had been a tad bit more satisfying, as the buildup was slow and didn’t feel like everything was fully resolved. Despite that, though, THIS KIND OF TROUBLE is still one of the strongest debut novels I’ve read this year. I am so excited for more people to check out this book, and can’t wait to see what Tochi Eze has got for us next.
September 15, 2025
I really enjoyed reading This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze! This historical fiction has alternating timelines, from Benjamin in Atlanta 2005, the Kinsmen in Umumilo 1905 and Margaret in Lagos 2005. I really enjoyed how the story flowed from generations and the lasting myths or curses that can affect a family for decades. It was heartbreaking at times to read about Margaret dealing with her mental heath and its influence on her family members. I’d definitely be interested to read this author’s next book! This was a great debut novel!
Thank you to the publisher for my copy!
Thank you to the publisher for my copy!
August 25, 2025
Benjamin, a half-Nigerian living in the US, goes back to his roots in Lagos and has to face his once love-of-his-life after receiving an unexpected call.
Alternating between two timelines and spanning continents, the story transcends what seems like a love story between Benjamin and Margaret, whose ancestral come from the same village. As this estranged couple survive the consequences of the past, floundering between tradition x modernity amidst a changing world, Eze examines the impact of colonialism, westernization, race, culture and religion, specially in the Nigerian community.
When the ancient ways linger as a pillar of the thoughts, the characters challenge the looks of fierce judgements, the boundaries often set by religion and legacy. The story covers relevant themes while diving into the mystery of their grandparents, with a dash of magical realism and suspense. The back-and-forth and initial scattered narrative might demand reader's perseverance at first, however, Eze's intention becomes clear, quite well-executed through a confident prose. This book is not a feel-good book, rather, I was heavily sad by witnessing the gravity and complexity of mental health. And I am still digesting that ending...
THIS KIND OF TROUBLE is a solid debut, a multigenerational family saga that invites deeply emotional reactions. I am eager to see what Eze writes next.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Tiny Rep books . All thoughts are my own ]
Alternating between two timelines and spanning continents, the story transcends what seems like a love story between Benjamin and Margaret, whose ancestral come from the same village. As this estranged couple survive the consequences of the past, floundering between tradition x modernity amidst a changing world, Eze examines the impact of colonialism, westernization, race, culture and religion, specially in the Nigerian community.
When the ancient ways linger as a pillar of the thoughts, the characters challenge the looks of fierce judgements, the boundaries often set by religion and legacy. The story covers relevant themes while diving into the mystery of their grandparents, with a dash of magical realism and suspense. The back-and-forth and initial scattered narrative might demand reader's perseverance at first, however, Eze's intention becomes clear, quite well-executed through a confident prose. This book is not a feel-good book, rather, I was heavily sad by witnessing the gravity and complexity of mental health. And I am still digesting that ending...
THIS KIND OF TROUBLE is a solid debut, a multigenerational family saga that invites deeply emotional reactions. I am eager to see what Eze writes next.
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Tiny Rep books . All thoughts are my own ]
December 11, 2025
This was a long, laborious read for me. Very odd given that’s it’s a historical fiction novel rooted in colonial Igbo-land, with multiple timelines and lead voices. Tochi Eze explores power, family and faith so intelligently, but so much of the plot is left as a question, much like the end. Which is incredibly dissatisfying as a reader.
This Kind of Trouble follows Benjamin and Margaret, whose pasts weave them together in what Benni regards as “forbidden love”. Mistakes of their forefathers haunt them both individually and collectively over the course of their lives, pushing them to atone for it by making the ultimate sacrifice. It’s an interesting premise, and there were laugh-out-loud, ludicrous moments, but the book lacks a certain oomph somehow.
This Kind of Trouble follows Benjamin and Margaret, whose pasts weave them together in what Benni regards as “forbidden love”. Mistakes of their forefathers haunt them both individually and collectively over the course of their lives, pushing them to atone for it by making the ultimate sacrifice. It’s an interesting premise, and there were laugh-out-loud, ludicrous moments, but the book lacks a certain oomph somehow.
August 2, 2025
generational trauma, here i come!
i enjoyed this debut a lot, even though the first 30-40% i was mostly confused but addicted.
with its many characters and wide range of eras/periods, 'this kind of trouble' kept my attention and intrigued me with every chapter. i think i enjoyed the 1900s chapters more, probably because of how different the times were, but i still loved the book as a whole.
3.75 stars from me
thank you netgalley and penguin group dutton for this arc.
i enjoyed this debut a lot, even though the first 30-40% i was mostly confused but addicted.
with its many characters and wide range of eras/periods, 'this kind of trouble' kept my attention and intrigued me with every chapter. i think i enjoyed the 1900s chapters more, probably because of how different the times were, but i still loved the book as a whole.
3.75 stars from me
thank you netgalley and penguin group dutton for this arc.
November 24, 2025
i appreciate what this story was trying to do but i struggled to relate to the characters or story in any meaningful way. however, the themes explored were very interesting and leaves food for thought!
September 20, 2025
It came together in a rushed way towards the end .
I am satisfied but it really dragged some situations.
I am satisfied but it really dragged some situations.
December 8, 2025
The rating is because of the writing as the story drifted for me. I felt it had a lot of potential at the start then tailed off. I enjoyed the writing around the village which formed the backdrop of the ancestral talk.
September 1, 2025
DNF - I really struggled to connect with the characters and there is no interesting plot halfway through.
November 7, 2025
A riveting debut novel. I'm a huge fan of multigenerational stories that span different eras.
Although the topics are quite dark, the author's prose is beautiful and makes you want to know more. I thought the contrast between the Western world vs Traditional African viewpoint on what we would consider a mental illness vs a generational curse was so well done and thought provoking.
Although the topics are quite dark, the author's prose is beautiful and makes you want to know more. I thought the contrast between the Western world vs Traditional African viewpoint on what we would consider a mental illness vs a generational curse was so well done and thought provoking.
March 26, 2025
Estava com saudades de uma história nigeriana. Foi ótima a leitura, mas o livro perde um pouco o ritmo no final.
July 22, 2025
This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze
Publication Date: August 5/25
A compelling debut novel exploring family, community and the invisible threads of history. This is a powerful multigenerational novel that follows a family’s attempts to outrun a curse placed on their ancestors. Spanning Nigeria, London and the US, the story centers on Benjamin and Margaret, whose passionate romance is overshadowed by their tribal clan who forbids their marriage due to tragic events that befell their grandparents.
Initially the forbidden love feels heady and tantalizing, but it slowly unravels into something darker. Margaret begins to feel the heavy weight of the ancestral curse. Is it the anger of the ancestors or is it a slow devolution of her mental health? Benjamin unwilling to support the changes he is witnessing in Margaret, abandons her and his young daughter. Decades later, he is reluctantly drawn back into their lives when Margaret becomes convinced that the curse is now threatening their grandson, Chuka.
Eze’s novel is rich with themes of identity, family, community and duty. Margaret emerges as a
fierce independent woman - one who builds a successful career and raises a child alone during a time when single motherhood was heavily stigmatized. The novel explores the complexity of family relationships especially within the communal traditions of Igbo-Nigerian culture, where the boundaries between life, death, spirits and ancestors are deeply intertwined.
The novel skillfully shifts between three timelines: the era of British colonization in the early 1900’s in Umumilo, the ill fated love story of the 1960’s, and the present day urgency surrounding Chuka. Through these interwoven narratives, Eze examines the impact of colonization, the tension between traditional spirituality and Christianity, the struggle between maintaining cultural and community traditions vs embracing modernity.
At its heart, this is a story about family - its strengths, expectations and its burdens. Eze thoughtfully portrays the complexity of relationships through marriage, parenthood and the cyclical nature of children caring for their elders. The novel also offers a nuanced exploration of mental health raising the question: is Margaret truly suffering from a psychological condition or does she possess a deep, spiritual connection to her ancestors, one that demands reconciliation for past transgressions?
While I found the themes deeply resonant and the storytelling evocative I struggled to connect with the main characters on an emotional level, which slightly diminished my engagement with the narrative. Nevertheless this is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading future work.
Publication Date: August 5/25
A compelling debut novel exploring family, community and the invisible threads of history. This is a powerful multigenerational novel that follows a family’s attempts to outrun a curse placed on their ancestors. Spanning Nigeria, London and the US, the story centers on Benjamin and Margaret, whose passionate romance is overshadowed by their tribal clan who forbids their marriage due to tragic events that befell their grandparents.
Initially the forbidden love feels heady and tantalizing, but it slowly unravels into something darker. Margaret begins to feel the heavy weight of the ancestral curse. Is it the anger of the ancestors or is it a slow devolution of her mental health? Benjamin unwilling to support the changes he is witnessing in Margaret, abandons her and his young daughter. Decades later, he is reluctantly drawn back into their lives when Margaret becomes convinced that the curse is now threatening their grandson, Chuka.
Eze’s novel is rich with themes of identity, family, community and duty. Margaret emerges as a
fierce independent woman - one who builds a successful career and raises a child alone during a time when single motherhood was heavily stigmatized. The novel explores the complexity of family relationships especially within the communal traditions of Igbo-Nigerian culture, where the boundaries between life, death, spirits and ancestors are deeply intertwined.
The novel skillfully shifts between three timelines: the era of British colonization in the early 1900’s in Umumilo, the ill fated love story of the 1960’s, and the present day urgency surrounding Chuka. Through these interwoven narratives, Eze examines the impact of colonization, the tension between traditional spirituality and Christianity, the struggle between maintaining cultural and community traditions vs embracing modernity.
At its heart, this is a story about family - its strengths, expectations and its burdens. Eze thoughtfully portrays the complexity of relationships through marriage, parenthood and the cyclical nature of children caring for their elders. The novel also offers a nuanced exploration of mental health raising the question: is Margaret truly suffering from a psychological condition or does she possess a deep, spiritual connection to her ancestors, one that demands reconciliation for past transgressions?
While I found the themes deeply resonant and the storytelling evocative I struggled to connect with the main characters on an emotional level, which slightly diminished my engagement with the narrative. Nevertheless this is a great debut novel and I look forward to reading future work.
November 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
When I finished reading Tochi Eze’s This Kind of Trouble, I became deeply aware of the mental illness known as schizophrenia. It’s easy to assume it’s a “white man’s illness” — maybe because of how foreign the name sounds — but when we look closely at Africans living with the condition, it becomes clear that schizophrenia is no respecter of race. The most chilling part? It can be hereditary. This kind of trouble, indeed.
This outstanding debut, spanning a hundred years, tells the story of Margaret, a middle-aged woman living with schizophrenia. Through the voices of Margaret, her estranged British husband Benjamin, and their kinsmen, the narrative traces the lineage of these characters back to their ancestors, showing how the events that took place in the village, Umumilo echo down generations.
In Umumilo, a mysterious figure impregnates virgins, and among the victims are Adaora, the intended bride of the great wrestler and chief, Okolo and his younger sister, Priscilla. When the culprit is finally discovered, it sets off a chain of events that brings ostracization, death, shame, and separation.
Fast forward to 2005: Margaret is plagued by terrifying visions and unexplainable experiences. Her hallucinations, paranoia, and memory lapses leave her tormented and isolated, until she begins to believe what the village Chief Priest said, that her family is being punished by the gods for an unatoned ancestral sin. Still, we see a woman battling mental illness while striving to build a meaningful life as a single mother after being abandoned by her husband.
The novel’s tone underscores a haunting theme, that the sins of the forefathers may indeed be visited upon the descendants. It’s a powerful and important work because it portrays mental illness in a way that’s rarely done in African fiction, especially schizophrenia. It also raises difficult questions: Is it ever right to defy tradition for the sake of forbidden love? And when tradition and science collide, which one should prevail?
Culturally, the book is richly rooted in Igbo life, painting vivid scenes from both the colonial and modern eras. It’s refreshing to see this blend — something that recalls the literary spirit of Achebe’s generation, yet feels entirely new. Tochi Eze maintains an air of intrigue throughout, keeping you wondering whether the sins of the fathers truly revisit the children, or whether sometimes, life is just painfully simple.
One of the most resonant themes is family, beautifully captured in this excerpt from page 160:
“This was also what family meant, stones strapped to your back, a log of wood you had to drag behind you... But family was also the place where shame could be deposited.”
Tochi Eze’s storytelling is remarkable. This Kind of Trouble is an amazing debut, deeply cultural, emotionally layered, and unforgettable.
When I finished reading Tochi Eze’s This Kind of Trouble, I became deeply aware of the mental illness known as schizophrenia. It’s easy to assume it’s a “white man’s illness” — maybe because of how foreign the name sounds — but when we look closely at Africans living with the condition, it becomes clear that schizophrenia is no respecter of race. The most chilling part? It can be hereditary. This kind of trouble, indeed.
This outstanding debut, spanning a hundred years, tells the story of Margaret, a middle-aged woman living with schizophrenia. Through the voices of Margaret, her estranged British husband Benjamin, and their kinsmen, the narrative traces the lineage of these characters back to their ancestors, showing how the events that took place in the village, Umumilo echo down generations.
In Umumilo, a mysterious figure impregnates virgins, and among the victims are Adaora, the intended bride of the great wrestler and chief, Okolo and his younger sister, Priscilla. When the culprit is finally discovered, it sets off a chain of events that brings ostracization, death, shame, and separation.
Fast forward to 2005: Margaret is plagued by terrifying visions and unexplainable experiences. Her hallucinations, paranoia, and memory lapses leave her tormented and isolated, until she begins to believe what the village Chief Priest said, that her family is being punished by the gods for an unatoned ancestral sin. Still, we see a woman battling mental illness while striving to build a meaningful life as a single mother after being abandoned by her husband.
The novel’s tone underscores a haunting theme, that the sins of the forefathers may indeed be visited upon the descendants. It’s a powerful and important work because it portrays mental illness in a way that’s rarely done in African fiction, especially schizophrenia. It also raises difficult questions: Is it ever right to defy tradition for the sake of forbidden love? And when tradition and science collide, which one should prevail?
Culturally, the book is richly rooted in Igbo life, painting vivid scenes from both the colonial and modern eras. It’s refreshing to see this blend — something that recalls the literary spirit of Achebe’s generation, yet feels entirely new. Tochi Eze maintains an air of intrigue throughout, keeping you wondering whether the sins of the fathers truly revisit the children, or whether sometimes, life is just painfully simple.
One of the most resonant themes is family, beautifully captured in this excerpt from page 160:
“This was also what family meant, stones strapped to your back, a log of wood you had to drag behind you... But family was also the place where shame could be deposited.”
Tochi Eze’s storytelling is remarkable. This Kind of Trouble is an amazing debut, deeply cultural, emotionally layered, and unforgettable.
July 9, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. It's a story of 2 descendants of families in a Nigerian village, where, 100 years before the events described in the book, an odd event happened. The event haunts the two protagonists' lives, and seems to make any potential happiness they might want elusive. At its core, the story is about the sins of the fathers lying on the shoulders of their sons and daughters. It is also a story about the tension between the older beliefs and gods, and Christianity (or lack of faith, altogether). This tension explodes in particular when the pivotal event of the story happens in the early 20th century - as the old and the new collide, with the coming of the "white man" to the village at the centre of the book.
I liked the premise and found the structure of the book quite compelling. The writing and plot development were actually quite exciting, and the characters (especially the two protagonists) were well defined and minutely articulated. The latter two's psychological profile was especially well crafted.
However, I really struggled with the book. There are probably two main reasons. First, I am not sure why I should care about the events. Having finished the book, I'm not sure that there was anything interesting or empathy inducing in what I read. I'm not sure whether this is because of the writing, which didn't make me feel enough, or because of the ambivalent attitude to the villagers' traditional faith and traditions. There just wasn't anything happening that I felt any affinity to - it felt not universal enough, and too far away from any experience I could make myself care for. Secondly, as mentioned, I struggled with the overtones of ghosts, spirits, and their ilk. The book seems to be saying that there is something to it, and that these can and should co-exist with any modern beliefs. It gives credence and validity to a horrid system that is cruel, terrifyingly violent, and misogynistic. It just turned any empathy I might have off.
I don't think the book is for everyone. Perhaps Nigerians or Africans more broadly might find more in it to like or be interested in. Otherwise, I think this book lacks the universality of experience that makes great literature.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I liked the premise and found the structure of the book quite compelling. The writing and plot development were actually quite exciting, and the characters (especially the two protagonists) were well defined and minutely articulated. The latter two's psychological profile was especially well crafted.
However, I really struggled with the book. There are probably two main reasons. First, I am not sure why I should care about the events. Having finished the book, I'm not sure that there was anything interesting or empathy inducing in what I read. I'm not sure whether this is because of the writing, which didn't make me feel enough, or because of the ambivalent attitude to the villagers' traditional faith and traditions. There just wasn't anything happening that I felt any affinity to - it felt not universal enough, and too far away from any experience I could make myself care for. Secondly, as mentioned, I struggled with the overtones of ghosts, spirits, and their ilk. The book seems to be saying that there is something to it, and that these can and should co-exist with any modern beliefs. It gives credence and validity to a horrid system that is cruel, terrifyingly violent, and misogynistic. It just turned any empathy I might have off.
I don't think the book is for everyone. Perhaps Nigerians or Africans more broadly might find more in it to like or be interested in. Otherwise, I think this book lacks the universality of experience that makes great literature.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2025
I raced to request an ARC of this book when I saw it because I've been a fan of the author's work for many years and read her newsletter. When I received it, I practically gobbled it up and had a few bleary-eyed mornings because I said, "One more page," way too many times the night before.
This story is different. It's about Margaret and Benjamin, whose love seems destined to fail because of things that happen decades before they are born that aren't within their control. This book is a poignant meditation on how our personal histories affect our lives even when unaware of what has happened before us.
I really liked the plot of this one and how the characters were intertwined. I enjoyed the parts of the book set in Igboland in the early 1900s and bore witness to the struggle between the people and their colonisers. I'm a sucker for books set in that timeline, and it reminded me of Things Fall Apart in a very good way.
Margaret & Benjamin's marriage falls apart because of her mental health struggles, and an ancestral curse supposedly causes the struggle. Even though they don't believe this, it deeply affects their lives, and they become estranged. When Margaret senses that her grandson might become a victim of the same curse, she decides to take action and fix things, and Benjamin, whom she hasn't seen for decades, comes from Atlanta to join in the rites.
If you're looking for clear answers, clear endings and a clean resolution, you won't find it here, and that's exactly why I love this book so much. Here, art imitates life. Nobody usually knows why or what will happen in life, and the author did a great job of portraying that tension. I also like how the delicate subject of mental health was handled here. It didn't take away Margaret's complexity; sometimes you love her and sometimes you hate her.
Definitely pick up this debut if you're looking for a fresh, unique voice and perspective.
This story is different. It's about Margaret and Benjamin, whose love seems destined to fail because of things that happen decades before they are born that aren't within their control. This book is a poignant meditation on how our personal histories affect our lives even when unaware of what has happened before us.
I really liked the plot of this one and how the characters were intertwined. I enjoyed the parts of the book set in Igboland in the early 1900s and bore witness to the struggle between the people and their colonisers. I'm a sucker for books set in that timeline, and it reminded me of Things Fall Apart in a very good way.
Margaret & Benjamin's marriage falls apart because of her mental health struggles, and an ancestral curse supposedly causes the struggle. Even though they don't believe this, it deeply affects their lives, and they become estranged. When Margaret senses that her grandson might become a victim of the same curse, she decides to take action and fix things, and Benjamin, whom she hasn't seen for decades, comes from Atlanta to join in the rites.
If you're looking for clear answers, clear endings and a clean resolution, you won't find it here, and that's exactly why I love this book so much. Here, art imitates life. Nobody usually knows why or what will happen in life, and the author did a great job of portraying that tension. I also like how the delicate subject of mental health was handled here. It didn't take away Margaret's complexity; sometimes you love her and sometimes you hate her.
Definitely pick up this debut if you're looking for a fresh, unique voice and perspective.
September 2, 2025
2.5 stars rounded down
This book explores how long-buried events from a century ago continue to cast shadows over the present, shaping lives and relationships across generations. The narrative delves into the influence of both traditional and modern religious beliefs as well as the absence of faith revealing how they stir inner conflict and generational tension.
At the heart of the novel are Margaret and Benjamin, though the roots of their story run deeper, beginning long before their time. The book raises thought-provoking questions: Are the strange turns in Margaret’s life dictated by divine intervention, random chance, mental instability, or perhaps fate itself? It also prompts reflection on what truly defines family—biological ties or simply a shared name.
Despite its strong character development and solid writing, the story felt emotionally flat. While the novel clearly aimed for emotional impact, it left me unmoved. The characters, though well-crafted, didn’t resonate with me personally, and I struggled to find them relatable or engaging. The pacing was slow, and although the ideas were intellectually stimulating, the overall experience felt dull. I reached the final page wondering what I was supposed to care about—the romance, the plot, or even the characters themselves.
Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book explores how long-buried events from a century ago continue to cast shadows over the present, shaping lives and relationships across generations. The narrative delves into the influence of both traditional and modern religious beliefs as well as the absence of faith revealing how they stir inner conflict and generational tension.
At the heart of the novel are Margaret and Benjamin, though the roots of their story run deeper, beginning long before their time. The book raises thought-provoking questions: Are the strange turns in Margaret’s life dictated by divine intervention, random chance, mental instability, or perhaps fate itself? It also prompts reflection on what truly defines family—biological ties or simply a shared name.
Despite its strong character development and solid writing, the story felt emotionally flat. While the novel clearly aimed for emotional impact, it left me unmoved. The characters, though well-crafted, didn’t resonate with me personally, and I struggled to find them relatable or engaging. The pacing was slow, and although the ideas were intellectually stimulating, the overall experience felt dull. I reached the final page wondering what I was supposed to care about—the romance, the plot, or even the characters themselves.
Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 19, 2025
This Kind of Trouble (thank you #gifted @tinyrepbooks @prhaudio ) explores mental health and the way the past affects our present through the lens of a Nigerian family.
It travels from 1905 in a small village where three virgins somehow become pregnant, and the fallout when the village learns how this happened. To the 1960s, where Margaret and Benjamin- both characters descended from those villagers- fall in love. To 2005, when Margaret struggles with hallucinations and Benjamin wants to reconnect with the daughter he abandoned.
It's about the things we do for family. The unknown consequences of our actions.
Eze's debut was full of fantastic quotes. "Perhaps it began with Benjamin himself those forty or so years ago when he'd moved to Lagos, that city damp with heat, aflame with postindependence ambition, unconscious of its chaos."
Benjamin's abandonment of his mentally unwell wife and infant was hard for me to get over though.
I paired the print and audio. Narrator Diana Yekinni's accent really brought the family to life. Unfortunately, there are quite a few time jumps and a larger cast, which made the book a bit harder to follow on audio. I ended up rereading a few sections in print to make sure I caught it all.
And the ending? It left me with questions about what exactly had happened. But maybe that would make this great for a book club. 3.5 stars
It travels from 1905 in a small village where three virgins somehow become pregnant, and the fallout when the village learns how this happened. To the 1960s, where Margaret and Benjamin- both characters descended from those villagers- fall in love. To 2005, when Margaret struggles with hallucinations and Benjamin wants to reconnect with the daughter he abandoned.
It's about the things we do for family. The unknown consequences of our actions.
Eze's debut was full of fantastic quotes. "Perhaps it began with Benjamin himself those forty or so years ago when he'd moved to Lagos, that city damp with heat, aflame with postindependence ambition, unconscious of its chaos."
Benjamin's abandonment of his mentally unwell wife and infant was hard for me to get over though.
I paired the print and audio. Narrator Diana Yekinni's accent really brought the family to life. Unfortunately, there are quite a few time jumps and a larger cast, which made the book a bit harder to follow on audio. I ended up rereading a few sections in print to make sure I caught it all.
And the ending? It left me with questions about what exactly had happened. But maybe that would make this great for a book club. 3.5 stars
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August 6, 2025This debut is a multigenerational book filled with mess, magic, and deep emotion. Set between 1960s Lagos, 2000s Atlanta, and a Nigerian village shaped by secrets, This Kind of Trouble follows Margaret and Benjamin, two lovers torn apart by family, culture, and a haunting past neither of them ever fully escapes.
Now, years later, their grandson Chuka is acting out, and the past, spiritual, personal, and ancestral is knocking. What unfolds is a layered, soulful exploration of what happens when old wounds go unhealed and love never gets the closure it deserves.
I loved how Tochi Eze weaved together romance, history, and spiritual inheritance. Her writing is lyrical, grounded, and so Nigerian in the best way, rich with tension, legacy, and truth. Some parts moved slow, but the payoff? Whew. Emotional and unforgettable.
This book reminds us that some kinds of trouble don’t start with us, but it’s still ours to reckon with. Healing requires going back, naming it, and choosing love anyway.
If you’re into stories about family, forbidden love, and the power of naming your lineage, This Kind of Trouble belongs on your TBR.
Now, years later, their grandson Chuka is acting out, and the past, spiritual, personal, and ancestral is knocking. What unfolds is a layered, soulful exploration of what happens when old wounds go unhealed and love never gets the closure it deserves.
I loved how Tochi Eze weaved together romance, history, and spiritual inheritance. Her writing is lyrical, grounded, and so Nigerian in the best way, rich with tension, legacy, and truth. Some parts moved slow, but the payoff? Whew. Emotional and unforgettable.
This book reminds us that some kinds of trouble don’t start with us, but it’s still ours to reckon with. Healing requires going back, naming it, and choosing love anyway.
If you’re into stories about family, forbidden love, and the power of naming your lineage, This Kind of Trouble belongs on your TBR.
September 6, 2025
A kind of trouble, indeed. Two lovers, Margaret and Benjamin cursed by the weight of their ancestral past. A literal curse forbids them from being together and as they choose to stay together regardless, they must reckon with understanding the events that even led to this curse in the first place.
This is a novel with multiple timelines that intersect to tell one story. I learned so much about Igboland in the 1900’s and as a Nigerian, this is the kind of historical fiction I love. The writer writes so poetically and through Margaret and Benjamin’s lives we see how the actions of people from the past can still actively mold and transform the present.
There’s also a lot of themes around mental illness and how this is treated or perceived in Nigeria. It also sheds light on a lot of cultural customs and ways of being that were heavily stripped away due to colonialism.
I liked this book because it wasn’t just a clear cut story, even the themes of magical realism are compelling, it keeps you spellbound till the very end and I think there’s something for everyone in this.
This is a novel with multiple timelines that intersect to tell one story. I learned so much about Igboland in the 1900’s and as a Nigerian, this is the kind of historical fiction I love. The writer writes so poetically and through Margaret and Benjamin’s lives we see how the actions of people from the past can still actively mold and transform the present.
There’s also a lot of themes around mental illness and how this is treated or perceived in Nigeria. It also sheds light on a lot of cultural customs and ways of being that were heavily stripped away due to colonialism.
I liked this book because it wasn’t just a clear cut story, even the themes of magical realism are compelling, it keeps you spellbound till the very end and I think there’s something for everyone in this.
April 18, 2025
This one was just okay for me. The concept had so much potential, and I was genuinely intrigued by the multi-generational storyline. But overall, I felt like the execution didn’t quite land.
The ending, in particular, left me scratching my head—it felt rushed and unclear. Was the curse actually broken? What happened next? I was left wanting a bit more resolution.
While I really appreciated the dive into the family’s history, I would’ve loved to see a stronger tie-in to the justice themes that were hinted at. Some plot points felt unnecessary or underdeveloped, and that took away from the overall impact.
The structure also made it a bit hard to follow. There were so many shifts in location and time that I struggled to stay grounded in the narrative. A more consistent timeline might’ve made the story easier to connect with emotionally.
That said, I still think the story idea was genuinely interesting—it just didn’t come together in the way I hoped.
The ending, in particular, left me scratching my head—it felt rushed and unclear. Was the curse actually broken? What happened next? I was left wanting a bit more resolution.
While I really appreciated the dive into the family’s history, I would’ve loved to see a stronger tie-in to the justice themes that were hinted at. Some plot points felt unnecessary or underdeveloped, and that took away from the overall impact.
The structure also made it a bit hard to follow. There were so many shifts in location and time that I struggled to stay grounded in the narrative. A more consistent timeline might’ve made the story easier to connect with emotionally.
That said, I still think the story idea was genuinely interesting—it just didn’t come together in the way I hoped.
August 15, 2025
3.75 stars rounded up! The non-linear structure of this book initially made my head spin, but once I got a handle on the characters, I was sucked into the family's relationships. Tochi Eze draws the reader deep into questions of generational trauma, mental health, and the lasting effects of these on people and their descendants.
The pacing did feel a bit slow at first, and the character development could be a bit uneven. I wanted to know everything about some characters and others I could sort of take or leave. Still, those minor issues were mostly eclipsed by the depth of the story overall. Two days after finishing, I’m still thinking about the history, family dynamics, and cultural aspects of this book. This is a good debut and I’m eager to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The pacing did feel a bit slow at first, and the character development could be a bit uneven. I wanted to know everything about some characters and others I could sort of take or leave. Still, those minor issues were mostly eclipsed by the depth of the story overall. Two days after finishing, I’m still thinking about the history, family dynamics, and cultural aspects of this book. This is a good debut and I’m eager to see what she writes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 20, 2025
***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***
This novel spans a wide range of time and place, and it takes some time to connect the various pieces and to understand how they come together. The structure really detracted from my ability to do so, and that in turn negatively affected my reading of it. Some books can seamlessly switch between times and perspectives, but this one didn't quite manage it. The style and structure did not mesh well. That said, the story itself was interesting in that it explored different perspectives and approaches to what some might call spiritual possession and others might call schizophrenia. It brought up questions of what we owe to the past and what it means for the future.
This novel spans a wide range of time and place, and it takes some time to connect the various pieces and to understand how they come together. The structure really detracted from my ability to do so, and that in turn negatively affected my reading of it. Some books can seamlessly switch between times and perspectives, but this one didn't quite manage it. The style and structure did not mesh well. That said, the story itself was interesting in that it explored different perspectives and approaches to what some might call spiritual possession and others might call schizophrenia. It brought up questions of what we owe to the past and what it means for the future.
August 24, 2025
Are you reading about the inner workings of a mentally unstable person with schizophrenia or the results of a generational curse? I feel like the author leaves it up to you to decide! Personally, I don’t know and that’s why I like the book and enjoyed reading it. Margaret’s character draws you in and anyone who’s met an older religious Nigerian woman has wondered about their mental state- this story is not too far fetched.
The nonlinear story telling and multiple perspectives are sometimes hard to follow but it’s a rich story that takes you on a ride - love, justice, pride, mental health, trauma, religion, intergenerational differences, identity, etc
The nonlinear story telling and multiple perspectives are sometimes hard to follow but it’s a rich story that takes you on a ride - love, justice, pride, mental health, trauma, religion, intergenerational differences, identity, etc
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