Nwaanyi Ije

Come traverse the world with me

Here Comes the Sun , But Will It Shine on These Women? 

Here comes the sun book cover

Ah! brace yourself! Prepare to embark on a whirlwind journey of a heart gripping tale of love and woe, struggles with self esteem, survival and the abandonment of marginalized communities by their governments in “Here Comes the Sun.”

This book was recommended to me by the ever wonderful OpinionsOfaBookLover, who is simply brilliant at recommending interesting reads. She goes through the fluff so you don’t have to. Thanks Sis!

In the vibrant setting of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dennis-Benn immerses us in the lives of her characters residing in the River Bank shanty town. Through their stories, she unveils the raw reality of Jamaican life, peeling back layers beyond the picturesque facade of tourist attractions. With unflinching honesty, Dennis-Benn delves into themes of race, class, sexuality, and gender, painting a compelling portrait of the complexities that shape the island’s society.

“Here Comes the Sun” revolves around the dynamic of a family: Delores, the mother, along with her daughters Margot and Thandi, with Margot being the elder sibling. Their narrative not only exposes the harsh realities of poverty within the black Jamaican community but also delves into the profound effects of colorism and the exploitation of women within the tourist industry.

There’s a pithy saying that “morality is a luxury good”, indeed Margot’s character exemplifies this notion. As a determined young woman, she grapples with life’s challenges, striving to break free from the constraints of poverty and patriarchy. On the flip side, Thandi serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing children to experience their own struggles and hardships.

The stoic advice on parenting & children is to “understand that your children are their own persons, with unique thoughts, experiences, and desires. They must find their own way in life, and it may not always align with your vision”

Delores, on the contrary, is a character I struggle to extend forgiveness to. While it’s often said that hurt people hurt others, there’s no justification for a mother who robs her child of innocence under the guise of financial struggles. The narrative vividly illustrates the cycle of generational trauma, handed down from Grandma Merle to Delores, and then to Margot.

I found Verdene to be a highly dispensable character. It was challenging to justify her significance to the overall plot. Despite having a strong bond with her mother, the backstory didn’t suggest a particularly close relationship that warranted her complete abandonment of her life in England to return to her mother’s house in Jamaica. There, she endured being treated like a leper, encountered continuous hostility, and had no source of income except for the insurance money left by her mother.

From the exploitation of women in the tourist industry to the devastating impact of colorism on the lives of black Jamaicans, Here Comes the Sun exposes the ugly underbelly of paradise with vivid clarity that is both heartbreaking and illuminating.

For Bibliotherapy:

If you don’t understand what Bibliotherapy is, you can go ahead to read my post about it here.

We will explore the themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom through this book which offers insights and lessons that can resonate with us on our own personal journeys.

  1. Identity and Self-discovery
    • As we follow Margot, Thandi, and Delores on their journey, we come face to face with the complexities of identity. Margot navigates her sexuality and desires, while Thandi battles with her self-esteem in a society that idolizes values Eurocentric beauty norms.
    • Think back to those moments in the book where characters wrestles grappling with their identities. How did their struggles resonate with your own journey of self-discovery?
  2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
    • You can’t help but be moved by the resilience shown by the characters in “Here Comes the Sun” when life throws them curveballs. Just look at Charles – despite the odds stacked against him, he never gave up. He drew strength from his love for Thandi and his unwavering determination to carve out a better future.
    • Reflect on moments in your own life when you’ve had to dig deep and summon resilience in tough times. What tactics did you use to overcome obstacles? And how can you draw inspiration from the characters in the book to navigate your own challenges?
  3. Pursuit of Freedom and Liberation
    • At its heart, “Here Comes the Sun” is all about the quest for freedom and breaking free from the shackles of society. Margot dreams of escaping the confines of poverty and patriarchy, while Thandi seeks to defy colorism and societal expectations. Their journeys serve as a powerful reminder to fight for our own freedom and agency, no matter the obstacles.
    • Think about those pivotal moments in the book where characters boldly pursued liberation. How can you channel their courage and determination into your own pursuit of freedom?

Whether you’re embracing who you truly are, finding strength when life gets tough, or chasing after your dreams of freedom and liberation, I hope this book sparks inspiration and empowers you on your journey of healing and self-discovery. Always remember, you’re not alone, and your story is important—it’s worth sharing with the world.

Until our next conversation,

Nwaanyi Ije

Shaped by Our Past, Healed by Stories: A Look at “The Housebroken Women”

Housebroken women book cover

I got sent this book by the author to review and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when I saw the book cover but my curiosity was piqued because what story could be told about four housebroken women?

The plot delves into the raw and complex realities of four women: Itunu, Stephanie, Ekomobong, and Rose, each navigating their own struggles and aspirations in a world that demands conformity and perfection.

King’s strength lies in her ability to craft characters that feel achingly real. One might perceive Itunu as ungrateful for having a husband who showers her with gifts and money, Ekomobong as selfish for wanting to have her cake and eat it too with Alex, Rose as a spineless doormat under Ike, or Stephanie as a wannabe social climber. However, fate is neither a wicked goddess nor a benevolent deity; it just is.

Sometimes in life, we consider ourselves to be better than our neighbours in one way or another, but this book holds a mirror to our faces, showing that especially as women, we share more in common than we might think, education and pedigree notwithstanding.

Beneath the public personas we present are our real selves, flaws and humanity exposed. The biggest takeaway from this book is that we should all have more compassion for ourselves and for others.

The book is available for purchase here.

For Bibliotherapy:

If you don’t understand what Bibliotherapy is, you can go ahead to read my post about it here.

We don’t choose our families or childhoods, yet they profoundly impact who we become.

In a world that favors strength, grit, and hustle culture, admitting emotional damage feels like weakness. Self-awareness is the first step towards personal change, and bibliotherapy provides a window into others’ experiences, helping us to better understand our own challenges.

This novel goes beyond physical abuse, revealing the scars left by verbal attacks and unmet needs. Rose, once vibrant, withers under Ike’s constant belittling. Brume’s self-esteem crumbles under his materialistic wife’s relentless criticism.

More importantly, the book explores how parenting styles ripple through generations. Ekomobong’s inability to confront her past prevents her from being the mother her child desperately needs. We also see how Rose’s clinging to a broken marriage hinders her child’s development, while Jamike’s mistreatment of Itunu drives their son to a desperate act, out of fear of turning out just like his father.

“The Housebroken Women” reminds us that self-awareness in parenting is crucial. It also highlights the power of stories to illuminate our choices and the importance of loving others for who they truly need to be loved, not how we expect them to be.

By acknowledging our emotional wounds and learning from others’ struggles, we can break free from the past and build a brighter future. Ultimately, it’s up to us to be aware of our own choices, the impact they have on our lives, and learn to love people in the way they truly need.

Until our next conversation,

Nwaanyi Ije

Finding Purpose in Unexpected Places: A Gentleman in Moscow Review

If there ever was a book that could transport you effortlessly through time and space, “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles is it. From the moment I picked up this novel, I found myself immersed in the captivating world of Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov, a man sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel in the wake of the Russian Revolution. And let me tell you, dear readers, what a journey it was!

Towles’ writing style is nothing short of exquisite. With prose so rich and evocative, you can practically smell the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting through the hotel’s corridors and feel the chill of the Russian winter creeping in. Every page is a delight to read, drawing you deeper into the opulent yet confining world of the Metropol Hotel.

But it’s not just the setting that makes this book so enthralling; it’s the characters. Count Rostov is a true gentleman in every sense of the word – witty, charming, and possessing a quiet resilience that is simply admirable. As we follow him through the years of his house arrest, we are treated to a cast of unforgettable characters, from the precocious Nina to the enigmatic Anna Urbanova, each adding their own layer of intrigue to the story.

What struck me most about “A Gentleman in Moscow” is its exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite being confined to the walls of the hotel, Count Rostov manages to find beauty and meaning in every moment, teaching us valuable lessons about grace, resilience, and the importance of human connection.

In conclusion, “A Gentleman in Moscow” is a literary masterpiece that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of exquisite prose, or simply someone in search of a damn good story, this book is not to be missed. So do yourself a favor and embark on this enchanting journey through time – you won’t regret it.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

For Bibliotherapy:

If you don’t understand what Bibliotherapy is, you can go ahead to read my post about it here.

This book is best for people who are at a crossroad in life, whether some midlife crises, dealing with frustration in their personal life, career, a loss of status/identity coupled with economic upheaval.

There’s no shortage of difficulties in the human existence but then, we are, because these three virtues, faith, hope and charity have assisted and carried man through the most harrowing times.

Life is full of struggles but alas, as long as there’s movement, there’s almost always light at the end of the tunnel. In the first few years that Count Rostov was imprisoned in the Metropol hotel, he took it in stride but later was on the verge of committing suicide. By some divine providence which he allowed lead him, he found love, true friendship, a sense of purpose and even a daughter, all in a restricted space, proving that perseverance can lead to a bright future.

Let us learn from Count Rostov and persevere in the face of adversity. Our existence adds color to the world, and we should rejoice and be glad in our days, even if it may seem like our lives are confined and limited.

With Love,

Nwaanyi Ije

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

This book literally held me by my neck until I was done reading.

I didn’t want to drop it!

Its captivating storytelling ensnared me in a web of intrigue and emotion, compelling me to stay engaged until the very end.

If there was anything greater than 5 stars, I’d give it to this book. Wilkerson’s masterful narrative skill effortlessly guides readers through the intricate lives of the book’s diverse characters, leaving an indelible mark on the soul.

We can actually learn a lot about real life from reading fiction.

One important lesson I took away from this book is the importance of having conversations with your loved ones no matter how difficult the level. It does take two people to build and mend a relationship but when the two aggrieved parties are full of pride and ego waiting for one or the other to reach out and apologise, days, months then years go by and the chasm that ruptured the relationship gets wider.

Another lesson is that we also can never truly know what kind of hurts/burdens that people carry, that’s why “Be Kind” is just not a suggestion.

It was sad that Covey didn’t get to know what really happened to her mother but thankfully for us readers, we had some sort of closure 😄.

The most compelling aspect of “Black Cake” was its portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the weight of their pasts, Wilkerson’s characters found redemption in the bonds of family and community, offering a message of hope and healing in the face of adversity.

Thumbs up to Charmaine once again for such spectacular writing. I wish her more successful publications. If you want to get lost in a book, I’d recommend you pick this up and read. Instagram review is right here.

With Love,

Nwaanyi Ije

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