An Independent Best Books for Summer Pick, this powerful and lyrical story features a deeply relatable central character whose love drives him to war. Set against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, it explores the emotionally resonant themes of heartbreak and sacrifice. The narrative follows young Obi in a south-east Nigerian village in 1939, where he dreams of joining the colonial army to impress his sweetheart, Rose, and support his family. However, when Rose becomes pregnant by another man, Obi's heart is shattered. As he is sent to fight in the Burma Campaign, he grapples with the mystery of Rose's lover, leading to a tragic series of events when the man's identity is revealed. The author, acclaimed for her previous work, skillfully intertwines the harsh realities of war with the innocence of first love, illustrating how pursuing one's heart may not always yield the best outcomes. With a gritty boy's-eye view, the story resonates universally, capturing the lingering impacts of colonialism and the complexities of love and loss. Critics have praised it as stunning, emotionally resonant, and wholly beguiling, marking it as a significant addition to contemporary literature.
