I'm not really sure what Smith wanted me to take away from this book. There's a lack of focus, like someone threw some vague plot points at her & challenged her to write a story including dance (but not too much), a famous Australian pop star, the Gambia, and no less than 2 preachy characters.
I have zero connection or interest in our unnamed narrator. Her childhood friend was annoying but interesting and sadly her timeline was underexplored.