pickThis exceeded my expectations. Although, I think claiming that it is loosely based on the Hades/Persephone myth takes away from what it actually is. Ododo is a fascinating character to watch as she slowly tries to reclaim her agency. I listened to the audio and it was fantastic.
Picture books, People and Poetry are in my latest episode of Friday Reads… along with seaweed and literary prize shortlists:
https://youtu.be/aDmpBqd1CxI
pickInspired by the history of 15th century West Africa and the myth of Persephone, this well-plotted and rivetingly-told historical fiction is for fans of women‘s rights—but more importantly women‘s wrongs, troubled mother-daughter relationships, court intrigue, and underdogs who bite back. I do wish we‘d gotten more of Òdòdó‘s backstory so her character development was deeper and richer.
A medieval, West-African Hades and Persephone retelling? Yes, please. A lot to love in this one even if I felt it had the space to push out the character development a little more—and I would have taken anything more of the world it gave me.
Thoughts on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/u99PaJFNCo0
Some much needed morning reading—finding a few moments for myself before saying goodbye to my Grandma tonight and tomorrow. And this book is a perfect escape at the moment.
pickI loved this. Everything about it. Especially this cover. And it went to the beach, so, sorry not sorry if you borrow it and end up with extra sand in your life.
#Aardvark @AardvarkBookClub
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pickI found this to be a very entertaining story full of strong female characters. Òdòdó is a remarkable individual and I took delight in joining her on her journey. Sangoyomi is a masterful storyteller, using words to paint spectacular scenes and events. I also enjoyed the audiobook. The inflection and changes of pace effectively conveyed the various feelings, emotions and experiences of the characters, creating a tone that fit well with the story.
Our July 2024 selection is here: a classic slasher story with a twist, a sizzling thriller about a psychiatrist‘s descent into obsession, a bookish romance about a professor of literature caught up in a work of fiction, an anti-colonial space heist to save an alien civilization a lyrical tale exploring the true cost of one woman‘s fight for freedom, and a debut novel that explores how women shape themselves.
Masquerade | 
