A review by chichio
Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda

dark reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The details of your family history are only now beginning to fill in with color, but the colors are harsh, severe, and you’re tempted to look away.

Unfortunately, this fell into the whole “some stories were excellent, others forgettable” issue that so many short story collections fall into. It was made abundantly clear when I’d read an excellent story that I’d have to leave behind for a story that was well written (on a line level) yet felt somewhat unfinished. I feel like the stories at the very beginning of the collection were far stronger than the ones near the very end. 

Favourite stories were: 

- Breastmilk 
- Contributions 
- Hollow (absolute favourite) 
- Things Boys Do