Time was unforgiving, it didn’t stop, not even to give people a chance to scrape themselves off the floor if they’ve been shattered.
Page 38
In a nutshell
Two lives in Nigeria, each on the opposite side of the economic divide.
Wuraola, Doctor, golden girl and daughter of a wealthy family.
Eniola, a young boy forced to beg for his family who can only dream of a bright future.
A spell of good things tracks the lives of these two people, sharing their hopes, dreams and struggles – because at the end of the day, we all have our struggles.
Book Club Notes
When a book has that white square on its cover that announces it as shortlisted for the Booker Prize, the expectations of it being good are high. A spell of good things did not disappoint. It is breathtaking in its rawness – refusing to hide the ugliest part of life and society. You feel for Wuroala and Eniola’s struggles and when Eniola is beaten at school for failing to pay his fees, you feel not only his pain and embarrassment but the anger that kids can be punished for something that is not their fault. This book gives you insight into the gaping divides in society, Nigerian culture and the shared humanity between every person.
Read If
You have an interest in African authors and stories that are set on this continent. Or, if you want a good, emotional book that will move you and have you holding your breath to find out the ending.
Rating
Writing – 10/10
Character Development – 8/10
Plot Twist – 8/10
Shareability – 10/10
The Nitty Gritty
Published by: Canongate, distributed in South Africa by Jonathon Ball
Genre: Fiction, Drama, Politics
ISBN: 978-1-83885-607-6
Pages: 332
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A note on our book ratings
Storyline: How good is the storyline? Is it believable and complex or does it make you shake your head in its ridiculousness?
Writing: How well written is the book? Do you find yourself wowed by the writing or unimpressed?
Character Development: Do the characters evolve and grow through the book and are they multi-dimensional?
Plot Twist: Were you able to predict the end, or did the author give you some surprises along the way to keep you on your toes?
Shareability: How likely are you to share the book?
Ayodamola
November, 18, 2025I’m the CoverGirl of this book ???