Unfortunately I just couldn’t get into this one. I feel like it’s definitely one I want to come back to at some point. I enjoyed the narration and the storyline set up. It was just a bit slow moving. Thank you for the opportunity to read!

Thank you NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

I never got into this. I zoned out and had to restart chapters a few times because I was just a bit bored. I just think the way this is written isn’t for me. And the characters just made me frustrated most of the time.

I picked up BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS by Afabwaje Kurian due to its Aspen Words longlisting and I’m glad for the push. Set in a small Nigerian town in the 1970s, the novel explores the clash between the local population and the Westerners of the mission compound who come to work, minister, serve, doctor, and convert. Kurian’s decision to tell the story from many different viewpoints works especially well here to illustrate the degrees and nuances of white saviorism, from benign (but still paternalistic) to malicious. The characters all felt very realistic, especially in how gender modulates the experiences of both the Nigerian and Western women compared to the men.

The narrative hit close to home in many ways, as I think about these themes—decolonizing faith, the relationship between missions and imperialism—all the time, and also because I did a nine-month research fellowship with a big NGO in western Kenya that valued local partnership and leadership, during which I wrestled (and continue to wrestle) with the complexities of cross-cultural expectations, differences in morality and norms, and various unexpected power dynamics. This book captures those undercurrents so very well.

BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is in conversation with Imbolo Mbue’s HOW BEAUTIFUL WE WERE and Scholastique Mukasonga’s KIBOGO (a favorite), though more accessible than the latter for a popular audience, so I think it would especially appeal to readers who are interested in but new to perspectives on the intermarriage of colonialism and missions.

Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian is a beautifully layered coming-of-age tale steeped in cultural richness and emotional depth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a small village, the story follows a young protagonist grappling with tradition, family expectations, and self-discovery. Kurian’s evocative prose and keen attention to detail bring the setting and characters to life, while the symbolism of the ripening mango adds poetic resonance. A heartfelt exploration of identity and growth that lingers long after reading.

this was brilliant! it took me a while to properly dive into the story as there are quite a few different perspectives, but once i did, i was 100% in. i was most impressed by the dept that each character had to them despite the novel being focalised through so many different individuals. i really felt for each major character and was fully invested in their fate, particularly the women who i thought were portrayed especially well.

the themes of colonialism, faith and identity are explored with great nuance and i love how the novel looks at the same problems from so many different perspectives.

the narration by dele ogundiran worked extremely well for me too and added a great warmth to the characters’ voices.

I enjoyed the complexity of the characters in this story and the struggle for understanding as they navigate the role of the missionaries in Rabata.

A story of tensions between natives and white American Christian missionaries in 1970s Nigeria. The story's dynamics are interesting and engaging. I read parts of this book in print and listened to others on audio. The audiobook narrator, Délé Ogundiran, does an incredible job and really brings the story and its characters to life.

(spoiler alert -- no major plot points, per se, but there are spoilers in this review, especially concerning over-arcing themes)

I thought I would like this book a bit more than I did, but even so, it was still easily a 3-star book. Let's break it down into likes and dislikes:

We'll start with likes:

- The characters were very well-written and believable. I've never lived in this kind of environment, but I have friends who moved here to America to get away from these kinds of places. And from everything I've heard, the characters make perfect sense in the context of the story.

- The theme of "white man knows best" being completely overturned was beautiful. Again, unfortunately, from what I hear, the missionaries who go to these countries do often feel that their way is the only way. And while I, myself, am a Christian, I hate the idea that missionaries immerse themselves in a cultural with rich roots and heritage and try to completely change it. So, seeing that blow up in their faces was.... enjoyable.

- There were some good storylines that held my interest quite well.

- The writing itself was good. Very eloquent.

Now, for things I didn't love:

- There were far too many characters and storylines, and FAR too much time was spent on them when they weren't central to the story. In audio format, especially, it was hard to keep track of who was who. I'd often find myself having to go back and relisten because I thought a storyline was happening to a certain character, and it made no sense with their previous storylines. Turns out, I had the wrong character in mind.

- I felt like the portrayal of ALL the missionaries was unrealistic. While I believe absolutely that there are some shite people who go into mission work for the wrong reasons, I do not, for the life of me, believe that ALL of them are that way. I know many WONDERFUL people who have done mission work, and to learn that they behaved like these missionaries did would shock me to the point of .... just... unbelievable flabberghastedness. (Yes, I know that's not a word. Haha.) But yeah. I think the portrayal of 99.9999999% of the missionaries being shite was totally unfair.

Overall, not a bad book, though it did have its flaws. I'm not upset that I read it, though.

A look at missionaries who run a church in Nigeria makes you think about the pros and cons and made me think self-rule is preferable. A little slow, but a good story.

✨ Book Review: Before the Mango Ripens ✨

A beautifully character-driven story set in 1970s Nigeria, Before the Mango Ripens explores themes of pure vs. corrupt motivations. While it touches on the overreach of missionaries, the heart of the novel lies in its flawed yet deeply human characters. Their struggles and how they handle their missteps form the book’s emotional core.

📖 Who’s it for?
Fans of historical and literary fiction—stick with it through the slow start, and you’ll be rewarded.

📝 My Ratings
• Plot: 3
• Writing & Editing: 4
• Character Development: 5
• Narration: 5
• Personal Bias: 4

⭐ Final Score: 4.2

Thank you Afabwaje Kurian, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for my advanced listening copy! Before the Mango Ripens is out now!

Would you pick this one up? Let me know your thoughts! 📚

#BeforeTheMangoRipens

BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS by Afabwaje Kurian

Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the audiobook

Dele Ogundiran does a great reading of this novel. I also paired with the book.

Set in Nigeria in 1970s just after the nation’s independence, Afabwaje Kurian has written a debut novel with flawed characters on all sides trying to find their place and identity in a new post colonial nation. Explores themes of — faith, racial and cultural tensions, authority and power, disillusionment, hope, and the search for belonging. Secrets start to be unveiled as this story unfolds and people start pushing back against colonialism.

A beautifully written debut novel and immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was surprised this was a debut as it was so well written and I am excited to see what this author does next.

Book Review: Before the Mango Ripens
Author: Afabwaje Kurian
Narrator: Délé Ogundiran
Length: 11 hrs, 17 mins



Afabwaje Kurian’s captivating debut novel, Before the Mango Ripens, examines the problematic history of Western Missionaries, the “white savior complex,” and colonialism in 1960’s Nigeria. In the township of Rabata, three individuals grapple with questions of identity, ambition and their place in a land where its inhabitants are fighting to have agency over their health care, career choices and spiritual expression. Jummai is a beautiful but naive house girl eager to find a way out of her difficult home life, Tebeya a Dublin-educated doctor frustrated by gender politics, and Zanya a translator who finds his idealism tested as mounting hypocrisies are exposed.

Before the Mango Ripens first grabbed my attention when it was long listed by the Aspenwords Literary Prize, an award that features an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue. I felt the author captured the layers and complexities of this age long problem, and kept me invested in the outcome of her characters. Ogundiran’s narration was exceptional in conveying the nuances of each characters, and helped me track the large cast of characters.

This book belongs on your TBR if you’re interested in contemporary social-political issues, or are a fan of The Poisonwood Bible.

Many thanks to the author @Afabwaje, narrator @Delebiz, @HighBridgeAudio, and @NetGalley for the pleasure of listening to this in exchange for an honest review.

Not sure how I feel about this one to be honest - ok without being great is the sum total of my current thoughts.

I only listened to 1/4 before it was archived but it had a compelling start and strong narration. I’d be interested to finish it sometime!

Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook for review. The audiobook is 11 hours long, Narrated by Délé Ogundiran.

Three characters' lives are affected by the arrival of white American missionaries in Rabata, Nigeria. This epic tale of historical fiction covers the late 1960s. The themes of religious superiority, colonialism, paternalism, sexism, and women's autonomy are woven throughout this novel.

The narrator does an excellent job, heavy on the Nigerian accent and seamlessly switching to English. However, there were a few times when I found it hard to understand what was being said.

I listened to the audiobook for at least 6 hours in one day, and quickly finished the book as it was very enjoyable. The events kept my interest, and the story is so engaging, that the reader can't help but become invested in the character's lives. While this is fiction, I can imagine this being a true story. Dramatic and engaging, highly recommend it.

Another winner from the Aspen Words Literary Prize. It's set in Rabata in 1971, a time when the leadership of many institutions in Nigeria was being assumed by Nigerian nationals. But not in Rabata. The church is still led by Reverend Jim, an American missionary, with another American as his assistant. Zanya, a translator for the missionaries, is keen to become a pastor, but Reverend Jim has doubts about his readiness and suitability. Tension between them is increased when local labourers go on strike and Reverend Jim, who has no willingness to meet their demands, tasks Zanya with getting them back to work. At the mission clinic, Western trained Nigerian doctor Tebeya is ready to take on more control and responsibility, and harbours increasing concerns about Nelson, the American doctor in charge, because his alcohol use is affecting his ability to do his job safely. And then there is Jummai, who works as a housemaid for a missionary couple, and becomes unexpectedly pregnant.

Colonialism, white saviourism, religion, and cultural conflict were key themes, and I thought they were explored in depth and with nuance. The limitations, hypocrisies, and weaknesses of the American characters were highlighted, but they were fully rounded, and it was possible to understand what motivated and drove them, without necessarily agreeing with them. Meanwhile, it was easy to sympathise with the Nigerian characters and get behind their goals while recognising that they had flaws and weaknesses of their own. There was a wide range of supporting characters who I felt were also well drawn. There were no flat stereotypes or one-note archetypes to be found. The plot was multi-faceted with several major storylines seamlessly interwoven with many more minor story threads to create a rich, satisfying story. The setting was strong, and the atmosphere of tension between individuals and more widely between the missionaries and the Nigerians came across strongly.

I listened on audio, and the narrator did an excellent job, mastering different accents and managing to convey the personalities of different characters via intonation and other techniques. Sometimes in audiobooks it can be easy to lose track of which character was speaking and that was not the case here since the voice of each character was distinct.

For me this was a rich, thoroughly satisfying read. I loved the complex characters and the geopolitical setting which provided them with some meaty conflicts which the author explored in depth and with nuance.

I really wanted to like this book. Coming from a colonised culture myself, there are certain elements in this book that rang very true. The characters are well drawn, both the missionary families, and the locals.

If the story were to be edited to leave out a fair bit of extraneous detail, I think it would work better. As it is, the reader is left trying to sift through the nuances, and the timelines, as well as to understand why so many secondary characters are given what feels like excessive space in this story.

That notwithstanding, it is worth reading to understand what it is to be on the receiving end of the 'white man's wisdom' and his lack of self awareness (especially with respect to how Africans perceive him). A book with a lot of promise that fell down a bit on the delivery.

I did like the African characters, especially Zanya and the woman at the clinic (not sure how to spell her name, but she was compelling). It gets 3.5 stars for potential.

Out November 26th by @highbridgeaudio (offered to me via @netgalley) this was gorgeously narrated by Délé Ogundiran who perfectly switched accents from Nigerian to American to others. It was a seamless listening experience that added to my enjoyment of this story.

The story is of a trio of characters in 1970's Rabata Nigeria, where a particular American reverend is trying to build a church, a mission clinic is teetering with an aged doctor, and an unexpected pregnancy has few options. There is growing tension between the western philosophies and local traditions, levels of respect and derision becoming more visible.

This was a deeply moving story told from the Nigerian perspective, which most of the missionary stories I have heard are not. I do believe this novel shows how motives can be twisted and use religion for personal gains. This is not new, nor has it stopped, but this gave one specific look at the harms such western missions have done. It was heartbreaking to me as I do hold dear my faith and hate to see it used for power and domination instead of love and self-sacrifice.

Even though the story was difficult at times to hear, it was elegantly told. I won't forget Jummai, Tebeya, or Zanya.

I highly recommend this in audio, as Ogundiran truly brought this story to vivid life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This book was very detailed and I enjoyed the richly developed characters that all intertwined together. There are multiple layer to this book and the audiobook was very well narrated. Highly recommend this book!

this book was ok. i think it's not best on audio, but on the page. there were so many characters to keep track of but it felt like none of their stories had space to be fleshed out. I did like the narrator though.