I really liked this book. It castes light on something I had no knowledge of and I was surprised at the most part for what a feelgood story it was.

Often, you read an autobiography and you don't really connect with the author as a child. With coconut, I felt connected to Florence from the start. Being ethnic myself, I can totally sympathise with some of the things she went through at school.

Again, I thought this book would be one thing but it was totally something else, in a good way. Florence details her childhood with her adopted mum "Nan", a white lady who dotes on her and then how she is taken to Nigeria by her parents, along with her siblings who are younger than her.

What follows for Florence is a baptism of fire into her own culture, in Nigeria she learns Yoruba, she learns how life is there and the customs of her ancestors, something she had no idea of when she was in London.

I like how Florence writes convincingly from the viewpoint of a child, this is not easily done.

This book is lonnnnng but I sped through it as I could not put it down. It is a perfect beach read.

4/5

Florence Ọlájídé has written a fascinating, emotional and enlightening memoir of her life as a young black child growing up in Britain in the 1960s and the conflicts she faced when she returned with her family to Nigeria, then again when she returned to England as an adult. A feisty, intelligent and outspoken child she struggled with the cultural differences, especially with how women and children are treated. Her portrayal of life in Africa and the Yoruba culture was absorbing and I felt myself rooting for Florence all the way, although the strong family love was evident throughout the story. It was interesting also to read of Florence’s struggle as an adult and mother with the difference in childrearing and educating when she became a teacher, then headteacher in London. A captivating read. Highly recommended.

We always think about the life of a biracial individual but rarely that of a bi-cultural one. This book was an emotional roller coaster. No matter what, it never seemed like she was ever able to fit in until she stopped trying to. There was a plan and when she let go of it, so many great things came her way and it exposed her to a world she didn't even envision for herself. This book taught me that if you stop trying to find a place to fit in or belong and you take chances you'll end up exactly where God planned for you to be.

This is an emotionally heartfelt story about what it's like growing up looking one way but raised by others who look differently from you. This memoir is deep with family love, what parents will do for their children, and how children can grow to question certain things about themselves, but then learn to embrace their differences and commonalities with other people. A come into their own life story. Beautifully written.

Thank you to the publisher/Netgalley for allowing me to read this book! I have only read 10% but I have decided that this book is better read in physical format, aka paperback or hardcover. Sometimes that happens for me. Some books just work better in one format, and I think I would like the book way more in paperback or hardcover. So I hope that this book will get a release in that, because for now it seems only Kindle. :(
I did enjoy what I read though! This is exactly the kind of book I am looking for/the kind book I would enjoy. So I am rating it a 4 star for what I read, I would love to see how the story continues.

In the 1960's white British foster families looked after Black children. One year old Florence was taken in by a woman she called 'Nan' and she was known to this family as Ann. When Florence was six years old she went to stay with her parents for the weekend and never returned to Nan, as the family then moved to Nigeria. Florence spent her childhood pining for Nan and for London and didn't feel like she fitted in in Nigeria. This is a really interesting memoir and examination of culture as she details the expectations of her Nigerian culture and how it contrasts with her childhood in the UK. I found this book definitely held my interest throughout and made for a really good read.

To say I was impressed is a little too tame of word. I am a big fan and I think the writing shows a style that really struck chords with me.

The story itself was scary and sad as well as uplifting. The story of her life was so full and it seemed to bring honour as well as horror as well.

I loved how you see a different culture in that of Nigeria and someone who feels that they are trapped between worlds.

I was impressed by the narrative and how strong the person is to go through life being torn from one place and being a foreigner in the place of her heritage.

What a great story and I think this is one of the best non fiction books I have read. It shows that cultural differences don't make things bad. They show that people from different cultures have a lot more in common than differences.

Amazing job.