Book Reviews
Review of The House Of Shells by Efua Traore
Mar
The House of Shells is a book that manages to be both emotionally powerful and culturally insightful. Set in a small village in West Africa, the story follows the journey of a young girl named Kiku, as she navigates the complexities of friendship, family, and superstition. Through Kiku’s eyes, readers are transported to a world that is both familiar and foreign, a world where the supernatural and the everyday exist side by side.
One of the things that make The House of Shells so special is the way that it explores the themes of friendship and trust. Kiku’s friendship with Enilo is the heart of the story, and the way that their bond grows and evolves over the course of the book is truly heartwarming. Traore writes about the friendship between these two young girls with such nuance and sensitivity that it feels as though you are right there with them, experiencing every joy and hardship alongside them.
Another notable aspect of The House of Shells is the way that it incorporates elements of superstition and folklore into the story. These elements serve to deepen the cultural context of the book and underscore the importance of tradition and heritage. The way that Traore seamlessly weaves together the supernatural and the real is truly impressive and adds an additional layer of richness to an already compelling story.
While The House of Shells may be marketed towards young adults and teenagers, it is a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Traore’s writing is evocative and immersive, and her characters are so well-drawn that they feel like real people. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of empathy and understanding.
In conclusion, I highly recommend The House of Shells to anyone looking for a book that will transport them to another world and touch their heart. It is a story that is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking, and it will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. Efua Traore has created something truly special with this book, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
About the Writer: Chiemele Cheta is the nicest person you have ever met is the best description of her. She would rather binge-watch 5 seasons of “how I met your mother” than watch a 2 hours movie. Also, she too like food.
