BOOK REVIEW : LAGOON BY NNEDI OKORAFOR

lagoon

Every once in a while a novel comes crashing in from the left field burning  like falling star with pure white hot brilliance.  A novel so brilliant and beautifully written, it makes you wonder if you can do it any justice in a review. 

When something resembling a meteorite crashes into the ocean three strangers each isolated by their own problems must come together to save not only themselves but the fate of the world as well.  Bound together by Ayodele, a visitor from beyond the stars these three will embark on the most wondrous adventure since The Wizard Of Oz.  

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There are literally hundreds of novels out there that deal with first contact, the majority of these deal with the scientific and military consequences of first contact in a first world country, so what would happen if first contact was made not in the US but in an underdeveloped country that is plagued with poverty, and  social unrest?

This is main main narrative thrust of this fabulous novel.  Instead of populating the novel with loads of men in Black suits and white lab coats, Okorafor's novel focuses on the human condition with amazing success.  

This is a novel that is full of rich metaphors that the author uses with great success to explore some fascinating insights into the nature of what makes us human and what makes us tick. 

As the story unfolds, and secrets are revealed, the story's main narrative is kept afloat with some powerful side plots which deal with the aftermath of the first contact.  As our group of adventures encounter dangerous gangs, social deprivation and crazy religious orders Okorafor's uses her unique writing style to maintain a thrilling, and at times fanciful narrative, that will keep the reader on a crest of wave of excitement.  


At times the his book reminded me of Joseph D'lacey's Black Feathers,  particularly in its use of religious allegory, and like Joseph's book Okorafor's novel does this with a light touch, that never feels heavy handed or over done.  

Lagoon is a triumph of a novel, it is  an evocative thought provoking read, full of beautiful writing that will lift your spirits one minute only to dash them like a piece of flotsam against a coral reef the next. 

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