God of Mercy

by Okezie Nwoka

Homegoing meets Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Okezie Nwọka’s debut novel is a powerful reimagining of a history erased.

God of Mercy is set in Ichulu, an Igbo village where the people’s worship of their gods is absolute. Their adherence to tradition has allowed them to evade the influences of colonialism and globalization. But the village is reckoning with changes, including a war between gods signaled by Ijeoma, a girl who can fly.

As tensions grow between Ichulu and its neighboring colonized villages, Ijeoma is forced into exile. Reckoning with her powers and exposed to the world beyond Ichulu, she is imprisoned by a Christian church under the accusation of being a witch. Suffering through isolation, she comes to understand the truth of merciful love.

Reimagining the nature of tradition and cultural heritage and establishing a folklore of the uncolonized, God of Mercy is a novel about wrestling with gods, confronting demons, and understanding one's true purpose

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magical Realism, Africa, Historical Fiction, Nigeria, Audiobook

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2021

About the author

Okezie Nwọka (he/they) was born and raised in Washington, DC. They are a graduate of Brown University and attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop as a Dean Graduate Research Fellow. They are presently teaching and living in their hometown.

Reviews

[Jenny Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical realism novel set in an uncolonized Igbo village. An exploration on religion, colonization, family, class, abuse and forgiveness. Not an easy read but good.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book with its own unique rhythm that I don't mind saying it took me awhile to understand and embrace. Because the payoff is so entirely worth the sense of displacement in the early pages, any struggle I experienced back there on page 20 was well-rewarded on page 220.

This is the story of an Igbo girl in a fictional town in what I presume to be Nigeria, though it could be elsewhere in Africa. She lives in a small village which holds dear the gods of Earth, Sky, and Water. She cannot speak, which causes her to be considered, by her father at least, as defective and a sign of disrepute. When she discovers other skills, many are awed and others are frightened. Her father hopes to restore his good name by taking extreme action to neutralize her influence on his life.

What is magical in this book is the language in which it is written, an English with a certain lilt to it, engendered, no doubt, by the fact that Nwoka grew up speaking both English and Igbo; while his mastery of English is clear, it is his genius to be able to incorporate much of the musicality of Igbo into the other language, a feat of great skill. At first it was a bit off-putting, especially what felt like some very odd word choices and turns of phrase. But what becomes clear is that this self-assured first-time author was extremely intentional in his choices. Not a single word is amiss here, and Okezie Nwoka communicates with great clarity the reality of a life in rural Africa we can only imagine.

[Yasmin]

Whew! I’m not sure what to rate this book. It was so heartbreaking. While well written, i only had one emotion while reading it..anger! The ignorance of all the adults was ridiculous. And the supposed “ Christians” were anything but. A true example of folks believing ‘the white man’s ice is always better.’
While I’m happy I stuck with this book, I can’t say it’s because i enjoyed it. However, i think this book will make a good book club read/discussion.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing is certain that being different makes you stand out and when you stand out, you are threat, often to yourself and most of all to others.
God of Mercy, follows Ijeoma- a young girl from Ichulu, an Igbo village that despite the changing times is still set in their ancestral ways and they still worship and believe in the deities of water, sky and the land. From birth, Ijeoma is feared and seen as an outcast because she cannot talk, and when she starts to fly, her body slowly being lifted off the ground- then her people partly fear her and partly assume that she communicates with the gods. With changing times, colonization at it's peak she finds herself exiled into a Christian community and is labelled a witch and has to grapple with the beliefs of other people- just as she did as a child among her own people.
Reading God of Mercy was like finding a familiar face, friend and neighbor in the busy streets of a foreign country. The language and tradition, dialogue between the characters- was akin to watching afro-sinema ( if I may say so) and it was refreshing. However, there is a lot to unpack, to unravel in this story that transcends religion and culture but moves more to conflicts in beliefs, challenging beliefs and what it means when you are other than what the people around you know.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

[lucia meets books]

the only reason i'm dnfing this book is because i get distracted with the audiobook, my brain is not cooperating so i'll read this one once i get a physical copy/ebook

[teagan kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

received in goodreads giveaway

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is difficult to review this book because it was so hard to read. Not difficult to understand but hard to read about the mistreatment of many people because of religious beliefs. Nwoka does a great job of contrasting the Igbo religion practiced in Icthulu to the Christianity of the colonizers and colonized in Amalike. He paints Ijeoma as a loving, kind and sympathetic character and most of the Christians as fearful and cruel. There are themes of fear of change, fear or hatred of the "other" running throughout as well as a thread of greed for power or money that shows up in both villages or societies. The mercy is difficult to see, even when it is right under our noses.

[Erin Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really know what to expect with this book - I put a hold on it because it was a recommended book in the NYT I think. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it because I don’t normally like stories that have more of a fable feel. But it was hard not to get invested in Ijeoma’s story! Wanting to see her victory over the injustice done to her was a big driver for me to keep reading.

I struggled at first partly because I had to decide how to pronounce all these names in my head. They aren’t ones you can look up for the most part. There are Igbo words thrown in that I also had to look up. But it was overall a fun learning experience. The tone of the story is, like I said, kind of fable like. There are some unusual turns of phrase which may have been an attempt to give the English an Igbo feel.

The story is slow and meanders a bit in the middle. I started to lose steam, but it was worth it to push through.

I loved the theme of colonization and the way in which aggressive Christians tried to erase the religion of the people there. I loved that Ijeoma was not to be defeated.

One of my complaints is that it felt a little too similar to some of the icky parts of Christianity - just in that Ijeoma (it seemed to me) needed to learn to trust Chukwu no matter what. Like the Christian idea of “His ways are not our ways” or “He works in mysterious ways.” So submit to your suffering! That’s not very satisfying.

[April Artrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty complicated exploration of Igbo culture and religion, and Christianity and its colonizing aspects. A little over half the book takes place in a village that steadfastly follows Igbo traditions and gods, and in particular the story of the girl Ijeoma who is granted the power to fly by one of their gods. The other part of the book follows Ijeoma as she is imprisoned by a Christian church in a neighboring town, focusing on the abuse and attempted indoctrination she faces there as a non-believer. The latter is a pretty critical look at Christianity and its violent methods of prosyletizing, with maybe one sympathetic Christian character. Which, yeah, fair. But the depiction of Igbo culture/religion wasn't so clear-cut, with there being some criticism there as well, and internal conflicts among the villagers and even the gods. The most evident conclusion being the unfair pressure on this young girl with powers to be the savior of the village, and her family, and her being used to those ends. It was a rewarding read. The style of the writing is lit-fic-y, with lots of stream of consciousness and repetition. The language was beautiful, though the focus on it did come at the expense of more vivid characterization, so that the characters felt distant rather than engaging.

[Iza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical realism mi beloved. Loved the Igbo mythology and how it had hope and flaws, felt like love and family were always at the centre. Felt repetitive at times but enjoyed it overall!!

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't work for me. The character development was fair at best. I didn't care much for anything going on and took me ages to read. I was hoping I'd like it better. In the end had to dnf.

Thank you @netgalley for this arc in return for my honest opinion.

[LaBae · Rating 5 out of 5]

OD OF MERCY! Yes! Yes! Yes! I need so much more of Okezie. This author split me in two's...yes many many halves (lol) with this one. My absolute favorite read of the year!
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First off, this book came along with me on my travels to Puerto Rico and Botswana, Africa! I couldn't ask for any other read to take these journeys with me. Hmm...maybe I should have done a travel log. It's hard for me to excise myself from life's moments to document. I shall do better.
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Anyway! God Of Mercy is set in pre-colonial (read:untouched) Nigeria and follows the family of Ijeoma, a mute girl with inate psychic powers and the ability to fly at will. During her flights she sees visions of (unspecified) people. Of course, her family is chided due to her abilities and her father seeks her 'healing'. Ijeoma healed a barren woman and rescues a boy born with a full set of teeth. Yes, this story is everywhere! I love it so much!
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The majority of the story follows Ijeoma imprisoned in a Christian church with other children thought to be witches and devils. The church was led by a down-right evil pastor who eventually wished to use her gifts for his own gain.
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God Of Mercy will set your constitution afire as you witness this beautiful, gifted girl being abused and beguiled by church and society.
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I may have included Ijeoma in my prayers a time or two while reading. No major character attachments. 🤣 Get your hands on this one and enjoy!!!

[Natsomji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. You know when you finish reading a book and are left with a satisfied void? That's how I feel right now. I just put this book down and had to write a review. I'm not even sure where to begin because I'm still processing so much of it. This book is poetic prose, it tells a story not just by it's writing but in it's rhythm. It puts you in the mind and heart of the protagonist.

And the story, let's talk about the story. This is like a modern day Achebe. There are layers upon layers upon layers of meaning that I will need time to digest. I found myself in tears toward the end of the book because of how beautiful the story was, how vulnerable, how merciful. There were some turns of phrase that literally giving me goosebumps.

This book will win awards and it will be the gift I find every bibliophile over the next several years.

[Katie (DoomKittieKhan) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a style that evokes a fable, 'God of Mercy' is the story of a young girl named Ijeoma who can fly. In her village of Ichulu, Ijeoma's people resist the growing tide of colonialism and pray to the gods of their ancestors. Mostly they pray for protection and for answers. Ijeoma can't understand if her inability to speak is a blessing or curse from the gods and if her levitations are the same. When Ijeoma becomes friends with the ova (outsiders) of her village she herself is cast out and is consequently swept up into the congregation of Pastor Nwosu. Within this congregation, Ijeoma is imprisoned and accused of being a witch. Switching, narrative styles, we follow Ijeoma's journey through her diary entires. We experience the abuse inflicted upon her and the trials she faces under the eye of the white man's god.

'God of Mercy' is not an easy book to read or to understand. I feel like any review I could possibly write would lack dimension and inevitably miss aspects that are central to these Nigerian characters and stories. What I can tell you is that this is so much more than a story about the evils of colonialism, religion, and missionaries. That it is more than generation trauma, enforced gender roles, and traditional mindsets. Through Ijeoma we can also turn a questioning eye on her surroundings and look inside ourselves for answers and understanding.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 4 out of 5]

God of Mercy is a novel that vividly displays humanity’s fallacies, failures, and a glimmer of hope in a rural African setting.

The villagers of Ichulu celebrate their colonial liberation in the retelling of their willful rejection of the White’s religion (Christianity), language (English), lures of modernity, and the influence of commercialism. The Ichuluans remain isolated in the forest, retaining their native tongue (Igbo), and worshiping the “traditional” gods; venturing to neighboring villages infrequently and only when necessary. They are entrenched in a strict belief system that offers virtually no concession for exceptions; one where little mercy is granted regardless of circumstances.

Far from idyllic, theirs is a world ruled by an established patriarchal hierarchy offering privilege and dominance to a certain segment of their society while stifling another. When a natural disaster occurs followed by a miraculous event involving a mute village girl, Ijeoma, the tribal leaders immediately seek an understanding from their gods to explain the calamity and this reversal of fate for one once ostracized and thought cursed (due to her inability to speak).

Ijeoma’s father is not pleased with his god’s answers (via the village’s dibia). He forsakes his daughter, banishing her from the village to another god for healing in hopes his fate will improve. Thrown to morally corrupt, self-righteous Christian evangelicals who instantly label the child a witch (because she can perform a truly miraculous act and the pastor can not). These adults torture and exploit her and other children to exorcise "demons" and enforce Christian teaching. The scenes are rendered via the eyes of a disabled child (who does not understand English) whose innocence is graphically and brutally taken from her. Ijeoma pleads for protection and mercy from the god of her people while being forced to renounce them and embrace Christianity/Jesus which is causing her nothing but pain, loneliness, confusion, and suffering.

There was a lot to unpack in this novel and it would be a great choice for book clubs because it explores conflicting themes and a myriad of great discussion topics: freedom versus oppression, old versus new gods (is the latter a regurgitation of the former), the desire to preserve traditions in an evolving world, the treatment of women and children in male-dominated societies, the role of religion in colonization, the need to adapt/change for survivability, human caste systems, and so much more. A very good debut - recommended for the patient and insightful reader.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this reminded me of the first time I read Things Fall Apart because the narrative structure is not what I'm used to and it took me a bit to settle into both. God of Mercy has a lot in common with TFA, but it has been modernized to reflect an updated look at power structures, resistance, and the power of belief. The outcome of the strained father daughter relationship central to the narrative is much more satisfactory to me in many ways, though much like TFA, I'm not sure any of the outcomes are ones most of us would welcome into our lives.

[The Book Gawdess]

I'll be honest. This book was a bit hard for me in the beginning. The writing was hard to grasp. However, once I got the hang of it, I found this to be an enthralling story

Thanks Astra Publishing House for the opportunity to review this book

[Yanique Gillana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I am grateful to Astra Publishing House for sending me an advanced copy of this book for review.

This book had many great aspects that I really enjoyed, but ultimately there were some things that really did not work for me. Let's start with the positive points. The setting was great and really provided a wonderful backdrop for a story steeped in Igbo culture. The topics covered were numerous and loaded. We explore colonialism and the effect that foreign religions have on cultures when they come up against local beliefs. The religious fanaticism that we actually see in many post-colonial countries was accurately presented here, and we also get to see the corruption and politics that go hand-in-hand with that. The story also shows how this religious indoctrination happens even when the people involved do not benefit at all but are oppressed instead. And we see characters that represent people who turn a blind eye to the oppression and believe themselves innocent of the atrocities committed. So much to discuss here, I can see why people could love this, but still there were problems.

The story was not balanced. So much time was spent on the descriptions of physical abuse and torture of children. While this is a reality of the story, the in depth and continued descriptions of adults torturing children was not needed (in my opinion). There were almost no contradicting viewpoints or "normal" people presented in the story, but rather every character seemed to have lost their minds to this religious fanaticism, or was directly victimized by it. This made the story have a hopeless atmosphere and made all of the characters unappealing as people. The characters..... apart from our main character, there was no character development or depth at all. All of the other characters felt one dimensional and uninteresting.

Combining these issues with the plot points that were introduced then quickly abandoned, left us with a very heavy handed and unbalanced story that had potential but failed to deliver. I did not think this was a bad book, I but it was not a great reading experience.

[Julie Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

God of Mercy centers on a young Igbo girl named Ijeoma who stands in the crossfire of tradition and change. We witness her juggling her growing yearning to embrace her spiritual gift and destiny with her enduring desire to be loved by her emasculated, insecure father who shuns his mute daughter. There were many themes and topics that I was both excited to see unfold after reading the synopsis and surprised to encounter, especially the conflict between old and new religions, that made this book a compelling read.

But I'm disappointed to say that the character development, writing style, pace, and plot all fell a bit flat for me. I felt that the first few parts dragged a bit with insufficient development on Ijeoma's personality, motives, and inner thoughts that made her who she was. I thought that her being mute would serve as a heavy, poignant juxtaposition to the rich inner world that the author would create for the reader. But it's almost like she's an afterthought and the limelight was lit more on her disgruntled father, exiled cousin, and the deeply entrenched traditions that forced Ichulu's people to make reluctant decisions for the sake of maintaining customs.

Then all of a sudden, everything just hit like a ton of bricks in the last few chapters, and the plot felt extremely rushed and unearned. I had so many questions around why characters (especially the newer ones introduced in later chapters) were the way they were, and some of their decisions seemed forced to make the plot work. It's like watching a movie and feeling like certain things just happened too easily, and you know why they made the story turn that way, but you're still irked that they weren't subtle enough to prevent you from noticing. Why was the pastor's wife nice? Why did Ikemba make the decisions he did in the way he did? How was Ijeoma able to "trick" people for nine long years that she was a certain type of person? There were way too many unanswered questions that took me out of the moment, and I couldn't enjoy and relish the ending that was undoubtedly meant to be a big payoff.

I'm sad that this didn't work out for me, but I hope that for many others, it will. Wishing this debut novel the best of success. Thank you to the publisher for making this ARC available through Netgalley!

// for more, check out Cups of Tea, my book review blog //

[J Kuria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so bleak! 😩

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars!
I was given a free advanced readers' copy of this book from NetGalley and Astra House, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Astra House for giving me the opportunity to read and review a book outside my comfort zone!

I understand what this book was trying to do, but it didn't land for me. The author's writing style is incredibly unique, and reflects the cadences of Igbo in the words of English. The style takes a while of getting used to, but pulls the reader in and immerses them fully in the story.

However, unfortunately that's all I can say for this book. I wasn't impressed with the character development of anyone except Ijeoma, the main character, and even then I struggled to connect with her. The style of writing and plot created significant distance between the reader and the main character through her muteness and her actions, and even more distance between the reader and other characters whose actions were not particularly well explained - and more often told, rather than shown.

The book had an inherently interesting plot, with an Igbo girl who could fly and who was shunned by her family, and who found herself taken away to be persecuted by Christians in a neighbouring town, but it didn't extend much beyond this. There were a lot of musings on religion, and I learnt more about the Igbo religions in this book than I have ever before, but it bothered me that the book continued to condone the use of religion, in general, as a reason for mistreating people. If it made a different statement, I fear it was too subtle for me to notice and appreciate.

This is a very specific book, set in a very specific period, and dealing with very specific issues of religion and culture. I found it difficult to pay attention for long periods of time because I have little patience for religion in general, and the characters were not well-written enough to keep me attached to them. This book felt like something written by an author with more interest in the big ideas than in the characters discovering them, and that's where it let me down.

[Misse Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

God of Mercy is Okezie Nwoka’s debut novel centered around rich cultural tradition and steeped in the exploration of a history erased by the powers of colonialism and a war between gods.

The story is centered around main character Ijeoma and is the reimagining of an uncolonized Igbo village where the worship of gods is absolute. For a very long time, the people’s strict adherence to tradition has kept them free of the huge influence of globalization. So when it is discovered that Ijeoma can fly, it sparks more than just tension in her village. She is accused of being a witch by her father and the Christian church and sent into exile. Her existence is the breeder for a war that will confront and expose all that is wrong as we journey with Ijeoma and others like her.

This story was often very difficult to read but a necessary exploration nonetheless. It is drenched in overtones of suffering through isolation, physical and mental abuse, child abuse, starvation, food deprivation, kidnapping, murder, exile, imprisonment and forced conversion. And yet it is also shadowed with moments of hope, understanding, truth and knowledge.

I enjoyed the storytelling overall. It is worth a read. Thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[A.J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books I didn’t love reading but I’m glad I read. I will never fully be able to explain that feeling more than that. The last 30% saved the book for me because up until then I was kinda bored. I like believing some people are good and love is worth something tho and I think the ending kinda gave that vibe

[Maisy Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

God of Mercy is a profound exploration of religion, faith, and compassion from a gifted storyteller. Okezie Nwoka creates a richly imagined pre-colonial landscape that is at once otherworldly, tragically human, and completely unforgettable.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, this book took me a long time to get into. I was confused on page one; three words new to me that all started with the letter I! I took this as a sign that this was a book that would open my eyes to a whole new world so I took a deep breath and read only when my concentration was focused. Once I got the rhythm of the English used, I could appreciate its beauty and how well it represents this other world in rural Africa. The language suits the world we enter that challenged my ideas of tradition and culture and the concepts of what’s “good” and what’s “bad”.

The town at the center of this novel takes on a life of its own and I would consider it a main character. Many actions taken by other characters are done so because that’s how Ichulu does it. Living a life at the mercy of all the various Gods was very interesting and not the easier and I enjoyed the education into how much of the world sees life. The idea of community based around the traditions of this town was intriguing and the loyalty of its occupants was awe inspiring.

This book was SO worth the effort. I loved the story of Ijeoma as she is forced to leave all she knows for a world so far from home. Her trials and tribulations as her culture clashes with a Christian church are heartbreaking to read. Her friendship with Chinwe was heartwarming and her letters to her Gods were so sad. I would have liked more of her story.

This is an amazing debut and now that I’ve gotten used to the writing style I look forward to more from this talented new author. I would advise that you need to be quite awake to read as there are many characters and the names are quite a challenge, at least they were for this scatterbrained reader. I’d have loved a glossary and/or family tree to remind me which God was which. I might also suggest working on the pacing a bit – some descriptions, such as the introductory description of the church service, could, in my opinion, have been shorter without losing anything.

If you enjoy a challenging read with a reward, this is the book for you!
Thanks, Astra and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ave M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

God of Mercy is a poignant exploration of faith, family, and the enduring power of human resilience. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial Nigeria, the novel delves into the complex lives of a family grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event.

The novel centers around the concept of faith and its role in healing wounds and fostering forgiveness. Nwoka explores the complexities of religious belief, particularly in the face of suffering and injustice. The protagonist's journey of faith serves as a metaphor for the human experience, demonstrating the power of hope and resilience.

Family bonds are a central theme in God of Mercy, highlighting the importance of kinship and support. The novel examines the ways in which family dynamics can be both a source of strength and a source of conflict. Nwoka also explores the role of community in shaping individuals' lives and providing a sense of belonging.

The novel is set in post-colonial Nigeria, and the lingering effects of colonialism are a recurring theme. Nwoka explores the ways in which colonialism has shaped the country's culture, politics, and economy. The characters' experiences reflect the challenges faced by many Nigerians as they navigate the complexities of a post-colonial society.

God of Mercy is a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of faith, family, and the enduring power of human resilience. Nwoka's exploration of post-colonial Nigeria and the complexities of the human experience make this a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

[DearBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

"God Of Mercy," is an Igbo mythology that centers around lead character, Ijeoma, who has God-like powers. Her family fears her, her community doesn't understand her, so she is put through extreme tests to prove herself worthy of love.

Pastor Nwosu is a religious quack. He oversees a ministry that is corrupt, abusive, and cult-like. He is always bullying people from the pulpit.

Meanwhile, Ijeoma is captured and cast away to a "christian" prison called The Manestification Quarters. Pastor Nwosu is the minister over this "house of gode." People who don't understand Ijeoma's gift fear that she is a witch. While in prison she receives lessons along with other children and hopes Ikemba, the pastor's assistant, will teach her how to write.

Ijeoma is constantly praying to Chukwu and others God's to give her strength and to deliver her back to her home of Ichulu." Obi Iroatu, the king who reigns over Amalike is a very wicked man. His family makes millions off of killing kids and selling their organs. King Obi Iroatu has plans for Ijeoma that puts her life in danger.

The plot development was great. You definitely want to read this book.

[Tobi J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really want to like this book, but I just don’t.

It’s rich in Igbo mysticism, spirituality, and religiosity, but I wanted so much more from the story.

What did I just read? Is it a coming of age story? A tale of perseverance and overcoming limiting beliefs? An unfolding family drama? (smh at her bitch ass ignorant father and his bruised ego) Critique of Christianity/religion? (If so, don’t they all suck? One side is leaving newborns in an “Evil Forrest” to die because they’re “cursed,” the other is punishing & abusing innocent children for being “demon possessed” because they won’t accept Jesus as their almighty savior?)

A love story-ish? (spoiler - I’m confused, did she sleep with ole boy/ her “kin” when they were in his obi in the land of the osu? Did she really get pregnant or was I tripping when I read that? because it’s never mentioned again. And, what the hell was that “relationship with rebel leader turned Jesus Freak?!)

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ijeoma is a bit of a problem. Her muteness causes a confrontation with the next village over, and when she begins to fly it causes all sorts of issues for her father, who is very worried about disturbing the local order. Finally she is banished to a church who tries exorcism.

A pretty dense novel about traditional live vs colonialism and the colonial abuses of Christianity. Pretty solid all around.

[Shell Ballenger]

Type of read: Commuter Read.

What made me pick it up: Suggested based on past reads and the cover art caught my eye.

Overall rating: I'm not rating as this was a DNF. I just couldn't get into it. I found the structure difficult to follow and the language used repetitive and unnatural. I do plan to pick this one up again in print, hoping I'll be able to get further in a different version.