I think there’s a huge tendency for books that are short story compilations to be sad. I think it’s because is most reflective of our reality. Or maybe it’s because of the uncertainty. Because in real life, as long as you’re breathing, you can’t clearly say that your life is a happily ever after. You can’t also, in all honesty say, “and he stayed happy for the rest of his life,” unless, of course, that person has drawn his final breath, and only then can you truly attest to happily ever afters. Because that’s just how life is. You can be so happy till you’re not. Then happy again, then not.
I’m still very much in my book slump, but I’ve gotten a lot of clarity in the last few days that has made me realize that this yearning to be out of the slump does not help, rather, I should take it one step at a time. One word at a time. One line of a chapter at a time till I rediscover myself and invariably get back fully on my feet. So, I was wondering what I’d put out for the #mondaybookprompt by the Hive BookClub Community, since this week’s question was:
What is the most underrated book you’ve read recently, and why do you think more people should discover it?
Because, you see, I haven’t read any book yet that I’ve not already reviewed. I do have one that I’ve read though, but I intend to review it as a collection. However, in my contemplations, I came across this book. It was one of the short-story books recommended to me by a Hiver, so that I could get out of my book slump and I’d ignored it for a while. Was it because of the aesthetics, I wasn’t sure. But by reviewing this book, I hope said Hiver knows how much she’ll remain valued in my eyes for these beyond-amazing recommendations.
Perfect Little Angels by Vincent Anioke
This amazing piece is a debut novel published on the 9th of April, 2024. It is a liberating piece by an author that was finalist for the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers (Writers’ Trust of Canada). It is about 200 pages long and contains 14 short stories. It is vastly set in Nigeria.
In a boarding school, a staff is set out for revenge against his students brewing tension to a piping-hot level, a young boy must complete his final rites to manhood and fulfilled masculinity, but the very process in itself is daunting. An addict seeks a fresh start and new beginnings in a pottery class. Two lovers in harrows of dreams and hopes struggle to find themselves and meet their self-expectations. Atop a hill, surrounded by filth and grime, two lovers dare to embark on a secret romance cloaked with a cloud of danger. The innate human desires of love, connection, acceptance, self-worth and identity are deeply sated in these Nigerian stories.
I'm not sure what to say. I’ve been on a journey of far too many stories that near what I call literary perfections. I don’t know if it’s truly underrated, but I know it’s not talked about enough. I’m on Booktok most of the time, but I know that if you completely conform to solely the books recommended there, with their similar tastes and genres, you’ll miss out on some truly precious gems out there. Gems that are in the form of short stories. Gems that are in the form of Perfect Little Angels by Vincent Anioke.
Anioke writes with such profound level of tenderness and candour. His style is soaked with humanity that permeates every line in the book. There’s such attention to detail and exacting filling of inner truths in a way that isn’t too descriptive or cumbersome for the reader. You flow with the words and the words, in turn, flow through you. The life and personality he breathes into his characters are so life-like. They are complex in the realistic way that we humans are complex. And it makes you feel for them, want to root for them, and most of all, understand with them in the best ways.
The themes explored are just right and relatable. Perfect Little Angels may have accolades but I feel like it is not rewarded enough, and I also think that not enough people have read it. It’s the kind of book that falls into the category of, it is when you see it, that you’ll see it, if that makes sense. Why do I think more people should discover it? Maybe it’s because I think we’ve yearned and thirsted for a reality outside ours so much so, that now we’ve lose sight of our innate identity. Of what makes us, us.
So, this is a fresh book for that. Of course, you’re met with the usual pain, hope, longing, love, loss and all the other things deep emotions, but you’re promised a good time. That’s for sure. Or at least, a worthwhile time. Giving Perfect Little Angels, a 4.8 /5 stars because it’s just that amazing.
Jhymi🖤
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