Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The romantic, academic, and family struggles and the difficulties that Akosua (Sue) faced definitely resonated with me. Even with a major head injury, Akosua was still able to navigate her family complexities, cultural identity, and the blurred lines between history, memory, and imagination.

While I did enjoy this novel, it was very touching and beautifully written, it was a bit slow and I found myself trudging through the book more than I anticipated. I definitely found myself putting down the book more often than I wanted to. However, the book did come together at the end, making it an enjoyable and memorable read for me :). Definitely read it if you get the chance!

I can say that I enjoyed this book. It was not what I expected it to be but it was an interesting book nonetheless. I wanted more backstory from certain characters because I felt as though it started but then it stopped. this book was also very slow an didnt pick up til half way. The book left me thinking there will be a second book....

I read this book in one sitting. The beginning pulled me completely in and did not want to let me go. I was very intrigued by Akosua and her problems. Akosua showed great character growth in this short novel. I was pleased with the ending and looking forward to more stories from this author.

I can say that I enjoyed this book. It was not what I expected it to be but it was an interesting book nonetheless. I wanted more backstory from certain characters because I felt as though it started but then it stopped. Maybe there will be a second book coming soon so I can figure out more of everyone’s stories instead of just Akosua.

It wasn’t my genre, but it’s a very nice book about someone’s journey.
The ending felt flat and that is the reason why it doesn’t have 5 starts, but then again, I’m used to having a more closed ending.
It has a bit of romance, drama, mystery, and medical terms.
I would recommend giving it a try.

TW: sexual assault, depression, brain trauma

This book is very well done. We follow Akousa, a Ghanaian American Masters student in New York, recently single and very confused. Then one day she slips, falls in the shower, and bumps her head. She ends up concussed and thus begins a sequence of events that bring her back to herself.

This book is about the fracturing that happens when being from two places at once; the heaviness of expectations that immigrant parents have for their children; what it means to love and to lose, and which losses you want to define you and which you refuse to regret. Akousa made me think; she goes through the motions but doesn’t lose sight of herself. Honestly, I liked her very much.

My favourite aspect of this book was the disability representation. There is extensive discussion about migraines and what that feels like as a result of her concussion. To me, those were very relatable as I struggle with recurring migraines and know the feeling of being pulled under by it.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it in advance.

This was a different approach to a novel but I found the main character so... different. She didn't fall into the normal tropes that novels like this take and I could appreciate that.

3.5/5 stars rounded down.

This novel follows Akosua, a Ghanaian American grad student, finding herself facing recent life fallouts from romantic, familial, and academic setbacks. After a head injury, she's forced to confront her tumultuous past and uncertain future. As a head injury and recent traumas resurfacing cloud her judgment, Akosua navigates a landscape of family complexities, cultural identity, and the harsh realities of growing up—all while facing the blurred lines between history, memory, and imagination.

For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. It has a summary that I found very interesting and something that could be creatively taken in many directions. There were a lot of touching, beautifully touching parts of the story, especially towards the end.

However, the execution of this concept just wasn't very enjoyable for me. The plot felt lackluster and the storyline often felt like it was going around in circles. The book didn't truly pique my interest until about the 85% mark, where the plot picks up. Up until that point, though, I found it hard to pick the book back up and continue reading.

That said, I am glad I stuck it out as I did enjoy the ending more than the rest of the book.

One of the best books I have ever read. I will recommend it to my book club. The story is so well written and the characters are also fantastic.