Freshwater

Content warnings for this book: self-harm, manipulation.

Freshwater has one of the most unique premises I have read in a while! The plot follows main character Ada throughout her upbringing in Nigeria to her move to America for university studies. Ada is a particularly nuanced character because she is a ‘spirit child;’ after a traumatic childhood experience, she is taken over by two spirits. The spirits, Obanje (a term used in Igbo culture), are considered malicious, intending to hurt family and relationships.

 As a result, the Obanje are often the narrators throughout the novel, lending a rare literary device: the collective plural narrator! (As an author myself, I seriously appreciate the use of this device in the context of this novel! It fits perfectly.) I really love that we get the perspective of the Obanje in this book, because it gives a fresh edge to the narration—it’s not often that a book is narrated by villains! Being inside the minds of evil spirits is fascinating, and I could spend weeks analyzing the Obanje’s the language and motives. Not only this, but we see character growth and development of the Obanje alongside Ada as she enters womanhood! So interesting!

As you can probably tell, I thought this book was beautifully done. I love the angle and the writing style.