Rating: 4 Stars
Published: January 31, 2023 by HarperVia
Pages: 400
Genre: Literary Fiction
Buy: Amazon.com
This book has been on my radar for quite a while now as I enjoyed reading the author’s debut novel – ‘Of Women and Frogs’ (now retitled ‘The Teller of Secrets). I guess this was the right time to read this story and I am so glad I did.
The story follows Lola, 21-year-old Ghanaian girl, living ‘the life’ in Dakar, Senegal with a great job, lovely friends, and a somewhat interesting life just fresh out of university. Then she meets Armand, a US Marine stationed at the US embassy in Dakar and falls in love. Lola shortly after discovers she is pregnant and decides to head for America to start a life with Armand despite the disapproval of her family and this is where the real story begins. Lola arrives in America and finds herself stranded and at the mercy of good Samaritans and friends then ends up becoming one of the many undocumented immigrants in America. We follow Lola on a long journey as she fights to earn a living for herself, take care of her children, and stay sane in the face of numerous adversities.
When I finished reading (actually listening) this book, I said to myself, this is a story that will stay with me for a very long time. Because I didn’t read reviews of the book before I started reading it, I went in somewhat blind (I’m not sure I actually read the entire blurb), I only knew it was an immigration story so when the story began to unfold as Lola encountered one challenge after another, I just kept screaming “oh not again” and my heart just kept on bleeding for her.
I think the fact that I now live abroad and understand the difficulties immigrants face in foreign countries even when they are legal immigrants, it made Lola’s story feel really real and relatable. I have also gotten to a certain age where I can empathize with and understand the choices that young men and women make albeit unwise, especially the aspect surrounding Lola’s relationship with her mother which from my perspective now, I can understand why Lola needed to prove herself but also on the other hand, why her mother was very angry and unhappy with Lola’s decisions and being a typical African mother she made sure she told her off at every opportunity. Therefore, instead of judging some of Lola’s poor decisions, I found myself rooting for her and her children.
Another interesting thing the author brought to the fore in this story is the role “the church” played in Lola’s life – both good and bad (and this includes the Christian school she later worked for), and as a Christian in a foreign country this is also a perspective that I can fully relate to which I don’t hear people talk about. Apart from the obvious difference in the way the west understands what “brothers and sisters in Christ” truly means compared to Africans, the ignorance usually displayed is alarming. I am glad this was something the author touched on.
Lastly, I was moved by the kindness that was spread across this story. Her friends from Senegal, Orga and Mindy were the best – everyone needs an Orga in their life. I was reminded of a line in a poem I wrote some time ago which says “Sometimes, it is only in lack, you will recognize kindness”, Lola who had never really lacked anything before in her life was able to experience the real meaning of kindness where people provided her with shelter free of charge, paid her bills, gave her money, supported her daily with a newborn, represent her in court, etc. It was amazing to read and a reminder that no matter how many terrible people we meet, we must remember that there are also so many wonderful people out there as well but most importantly, we should be one of them.
I highly recommend this book because I loved it. I think people in diaspora find it more relatable as I have seen from the reviews I read after I finished reading. However, I urge you all to read Lola’s story as there is so much to take away from this story. Also, check out the author’s other book as well – ‘The Teller of Secrets’ while you are at it. Well-done Bisi Adjapon for gifting us this amazing story. I look forward to more thought-provoking and engaging stories from you.
P.s I listened to the audio book on Audible, and I believe this made my reading experience more divine. Kudos to Anniwaa Buachie, the narrator, I enjoyed listening to your voice.
Also available in eBook and audiobook formats on Everand.
Thanks for stopping by.
The Author:
Bisi Adjapon is the author of The Teller of Secrets (first published as Of Women and Frogs), A Washington Post, Essence, ALA, Boston Globe, Ms Magazine’s top 20 novel in November 2021. Her second novel, Daughter in Exile, will be released January 31st, 2023. Her work has featured in publications including McSweeney’s Quarterly, Aljazeera, New York Times and Washington Times. As an International Affairs for the US Foreign Service, she won the Civil Rights Award for Human Relations. She divides her time between the USA and Ghana.
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