Mesmerizing. The book read like a fable with underpinnings of stark reality. Like a dream all the more real after awakening.

The main character undergoes a change. He loses the very characteristic that defines him. What is his journey to reclaim it? Will he discover it was only the window covering for what lay beneath?

Love, loss, the struggle. And then...?

This book felt like a song.

This is a relevant and topical short novel that does indeed tread territory we've seen before but it's well written and thought provoking, if for nothing more than a reminder of life under a despot. Taduno's reaction to his situation- loss of recognition by all but the one he does not want= is sometimes annoying. The choice might seem simple to us but not so much to one who is muffled by the atmosphere. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to read a novel from an African writer- I'd like to see Atogun expand his wings.