Member Reviews

So I consumed this book all in one sitting, but as someone who isn't into lots of smut in my books, I was able to skip a good quarter of the book. Objectively judging the parts I did read, this is a short story collection about finding love and partnership in modern-day Nigeria. From Kuku's stories, the dating scene in Nigeria sounds worse than the dating app scene in the Bay, which is already a nightmare, so I don't blame the protagonists of these stories from doing their best to fight (hypothetical) tooth and nail for love, financial security, and happiness. It was easy to identify with them, as someone who's definitely been unlucky in love and around the dating circuit and since I was reading this in bed at midnight, there was a lot of "fuck yeah!" and "hell no!!" muttered under my breath as I was reading.

If you have a higher tolerance for smut than I do (which is pretty easy), you'll enjoy "Nearly all the Men in Lagos are Mad."

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the digital ARC, NetGalley!

This book of short stories gives a glimpse into the modern life and relationships in Lagos, often portraying resilient women dealing with frustrating men. It is funny, X-rated at times, and reads extremely well.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very unique collection of short stories taking place in Lagos. I laughed out loud regularly and enjoyed the time reading immensely.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of the best collections I have read in a while! I usually am cautious about the collections I choose to read; I do not regret picking up this one. I will definitely be buying the physical copy to add to my library. I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book of short stories! I found myself anticipating the next story. "What nonsense will the men of this book pull next?". Some of the stories were harder to get through than others, but that truly boils down to the reader. It was a fun read and I look forward to Damilare's future works.

Was this review helpful?

This was a quick read, and while I enjoyed these short stories, they will not stick with me. I kept wanting more to happen, whether that was more character backstory, more motivations, or more consequences. It also felt like the majority of the stories had the same issues, which I guess makes sense since it's about all the men in Lagos being mad. I just wish they were mad in different ways? I do look forward to reaching a full novel from this author, because maybe these issues would have been resolved if the author had more space to tell one story.

Was this review helpful?

I am simply in awe, though I feel a little more work on future writing projects is needed. This was so raw in its entirety. The short stories were well put together and flowed as if they were a needle and thread. I highly recommend this to readers going through a reading slump to remind them of the passion they have for reading.

Was this review helpful?

I could not finish this book. If I had read to the end of the description given and seen the word "raunchy" I would saved the publisher and myself time and not requested it. I suppose the fault is mine. This book is indeed very raunchy. Not for me.

Was this review helpful?

really interesting and fun stories. thanks so much for the ARC, I would recommend this one. one of my favs was the pastor's wife, as well as the wealthy wives of gay men group.

Was this review helpful?

I'd give this a 2/5. I enjoyed the short stories but I wish most of them had more depth! I'd recommend this to people looking to get out of a reading slump or needing to reach a quick reading goal.

Was this review helpful?

Although there is humor in these tales, the author delivers an unflinching depiction of the indignities and heartbreak woman suffer in the name of love, duty and domestic neutrality. We all know these women and we recognize their humanity in the choices they make both good and bad. The strength they must call on simply to survive can uplift us all.

Was this review helpful?

WHAT IS THIS FABULOUSNESS? Five stars for the right readers, which include the whole world. Anyone who gives it less, for shame!

In all seriousness, this was comedic gold. It’s bold and brave and different and will definitely be polarizing. I can’t see it being anything less than a “Loved it/Hated it” with nothing in between.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Every so often, when I dive into a book by an author I do not know well, I brace myself and approach their work "blind," so to speak. With a title like, Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad, my first response was, "that can't be so."

And yet, here we are, with ALL of the characters in the story being full of foolishness! Some felt like true stretches of imagination, yet others seemed like men I've encountered in my cities in the US.

All in all, it was an entertaining and attention grabbing collection of stories. Some slower than others, some more long winded than others, but ultimately, a solid read for someone who may need a break from the lovey-dovey, perfect, happily ever after world of romance. You will roll your eyes, you may even scream at a few, but that's how you know a book has truly done what it came to do.

Was this review helpful?

One of my favorites from this year. Damilare Kuku is a master with the pen. While I found some stories more entertaining and *crazy* than other ones, all of them were engaging and masterfully written. No notes.

Was this review helpful?

Wow!

I usually don’t read short stories but there’s a first time for everything! Each story was the perfect length and full of humor and spice! I love love learning about different cultures and Nigeria is full of culture.

I would love to read some of these short stories as full length, especially the first one. I had questions! I’m loving the US cover.

Was this review helpful?

A promising debut. I hesitate to label this book misandrist but there are no men characters of redeeming value, none. So while the book is entitled Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad. In these 12 short stories, all the men are mad. Undoubtedly these characters represent some real life bad actors but the humor and sharp wit and downright absurdity of this collection raises it to four stars. She often uses the second person narrative, which I believe only skillful writers can pull off effectively, hence my first sentence.

I am certain we will hear from Damilare Kuku again as she has clearly demonstrated her talent. The collection starts strong with a witty story that adds a touch of sad shame, but that story gets the reader invested and you are already priming yourself for more. And Ms. Kuku delivers right up to the end with a story that seems set apart from the rest of the collection because there isn’t any humor, which carries the bulk of these stories. That last story, Independence Day is whoa! So despite this book deserving the misandrist label, it’s a fairly entertaining read. Thanks to Netgalley and Madobe books for a DRC!

Was this review helpful?

This. Was. Messyyyyyyyy.

Some of the stories felt a bit too long but overall I enjoyed this book of short stories.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited about this book but it was a real mixed bag. Some of the stories were well developed but other seemed like rushed rough drafts. I was having trouble getting into it because I never knew if the next story was going to be good or not. I felt like it needed more time and a better editor.

Was this review helpful?

Very strong stories. These are different that I usually find, and I enjoyed the author's writing style and imagination. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fun read. Some of the stories made me laugh out load and others had my mouth hanging open. Each of the stories dealt with Women in Lagos that are either dating or married too Nigerian men. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but it turned out to be entertaining through and through. Each story had its own vibe and held its own. At some points, I was thinking that I had gotten to the best story in the book, but then I would read another story and it would either be just as enjoyable/interesting or it would surpass the previous story.

Was this review helpful?