In George Korede's Cracks in Black Gods, the death of Gabriel shatters the Adams family, leaving a trail of grief and fractured faith in its wake. His sister, Faith, flees her broken family and her crumbling beliefs, seeking solace in the arms of her Nigerian boyfriend, Femi. Femi, grappling with his own past traumas and the challenges of his immigrant experience, is forced to confront his definition of a good man. As Faith and Femi orphan themselves, their journey becomes a poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the precarious nature of hope amidst overwhelming darkness. Korede's novel examines the profound wounds of the heart, and our often-fragile reliance on love, religion, and belief systems in the face of adversity.
Review Cracks in Black Gods
Oh my goodness, you guys, Cracks in Black Gods is something else! George Korede has crafted a truly phenomenal story. From the very first page, I was completely hooked by Faith and Femi's journey. Their individual struggles resonated so deeply with me, and watching them navigate their pain and find their voices was incredibly moving. It's the kind of book that makes you want to hug your loved ones a little tighter.
The writing itself is stunning. Korede has a way of painting vivid pictures with words, making you feel like you're right there alongside Faith and Femi as they grapple with loss, grief, and the complexities of family. Their relationship, while central to the plot, never overshadows their individual growth and healing. We see Faith wrestling with her faith after a devastating loss, questioning everything she thought she knew. And Femi, a first-generation Nigerian navigating the pressures of his upbringing and his own family's dysfunction, is equally compelling. I especially appreciated how Korede explored the complexities of Femi's character; he wasn't always easy to love, his inner monologue sometimes revealing a bit of judgment and a desire to distance himself from his past. But that’s what makes him so real and relatable. We all have flaws, and seeing those flaws honestly portrayed made his journey all the more impactful.
The exploration of family dynamics in Cracks in Black Gods is masterful. Korede doesn't shy away from the difficult truths about dysfunctional families, the ways in which inherited trauma can ripple through generations, and how the parent-child relationship often involves a complicated interplay of love, authority, and ultimately, imperfection. The way the book portrays the "godlike" image we often have of our parents as children, only to later see them as flawed individuals, was particularly insightful. It's a universal experience, and Korede captured it perfectly. The book subtly challenges the idea of unconditional familial love, acknowledging that sometimes, distancing yourself is the healthiest option for survival and growth.
Beyond the central characters, the supporting characters – particularly their siblings – felt fully realized and contributed significantly to the overall narrative. The sibling relationships, particularly the bond between Faith and her brother, Gabriel, were beautifully depicted and added another layer of emotional depth to the story. The strength and support Faith and Femi offer each other amidst their struggles truly made me believe in the power of love and chosen family.
And while the book deals with heavy themes, it never feels overwhelming. It’s a powerful story, yes, but it's also a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. I found myself pausing several times throughout the book, just to process the emotions and the powerful insights it offered. If you’re looking for a book that will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after you finish reading, I wholeheartedly recommend Cracks in Black Gods. It’s a must-read.
Information
- Dimensions: 6.69 x 0.62 x 9.61 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 275
- Publication date: 2024
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