An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma

Then there is man. As flawed as he will ever be.

I can imagine this is the first African Lit I’m reading and rating 5 stars. It took me so long to read because of many detracting agents, but I overcame all finally to wrap it up.

I’ve read this particular author before. The Fishermen. A very strong story with similar themes to this one: reincarnation. The world and the storytelling style are what sets this author above all of the writers of modern African Literature that I’ve ever read.

Even if it’s a very different kind of book from the epic fantasy that I exclusively read, it has a background strength that just tells you that the author is good, and you cannot deny it.

I cannot say too much without giving away spoilers. There is pain. In large, small doses. Then there is life. As plain as a full moon in November. Then there is man. As flawed as he will ever be.

The ideologies on show are controversial, debatable, some would say. Not everyone believes there is an ethereal world, a duality of life, or the existence of a guardian angel. But even if you’re skeptical or are in outright denial, it promises a mystifyingly chilling reading experience.

World-class.