I love eccentric books. I love fantasy novels, even though I like to take a break from it sometimes. I love books that make me dream and wonder and fantasize. Most novels make me lose myself in my imagination, but when it comes to books that border on fantasy like this. Books that talks about a god, not just any god, a renowned Nigerian god falling in love with a mortal, forget it, I’m sold completely.
So, I’m a bit late talking about this book and I’m on a deadline, but I think I’ll practically combust if I don’t talk about this book right now. I finished reading Amber yester-night and I was in bliss. It took me about two hours to finish the entire novel, and I don’t think I put it down for a second. Without further ado, I’ll get to what exactly this amazing book is about.
So, our story begins with Sango, the god of thunder who wakes up to find out that his Ose is missing. His Ose is a double-edged weapon gifted to him by Olodumare – the supreme God. Sango is distraught and upon deliberating with his former wife, Osun, he discovers that a dubious trick has been done by his archenemy, Timi, to make humans forget him. Once the last human on earth forgets him, he will cease to exist.
All hope is almost lost. But then, just at the nick of deliberations, a human calls on Sango to strike her lover for what she considers the utmost act of betrayal and selfishness. Sangotoyin comes from a long line of fervent Sango worshippers, and now she invokes the wrath of Sango on her boyfriend of seven years, thus bringing the god into her life. The question is – Can she perform the utmost sacrifice of loving her god enough to die for him? And will that restore Sango's Ose to him?
That’s mostly it. Sorry if my summary appears a bit jumbled, but any more information would have led to unenjoyable spoilers. I’m sure you could already feel my enthusiasm from the first paragraph. I don’t know if I would have been this excited for this storyline if it wasn't set in my home land. But yeah, what Nigerian book lover wouldn’t want to read about the popularly revered god of thunder who falls in love with a human?
I loved this book for a lot of reasons. The storyline, the dialogue and the pacing. The book is just about 180 pages, so it’s easy to finish. With how interesting it is, you may not even notice when you get to the end. A god who can read your mind because, duh, he is a god, and can get you anything you want, because again – a god, and then indescribably gorgeous. What’s not to love?
Then the themes visited. Themes of love, selfishness, the supernatural, loss, jealousy, and hate. All of these were delved into in subtle but poignant ways. I learnt for the millionth time why you should never give up on yourself or your dreams for anyone, no matter what, because of how intensely it could come to haunt you later. Also, knowing when to let go in situations. Real life themes and lessons to be learnt. All in this iconic piece.
However, there are a few things that just didn’t sit right with me. I love Sangotoyin for all she stands for. Not being a wimp and giving up on her dreams of being a neurosurgeon because her stupid boyfriend of seven years suddenly has money and is now giving her an ultimatum to choose between her ambition or marriage, because according to him, he requires a full time housewife.
So yeah, she stood up for herself and her dreams, and I love her for it, but I find it a tad unrealistic how easily she accepted Sango in her life. Yeah, she was shocked initially, but it seemed to me that she was more worried about the fact that he could read her mind than the fact that she was talking and breathing beside an actual god. I’m not saying that she should have been awestruck forever but she just accepted it too easily like you would a random hot guy at work, not a god whose name you even bear and who your entire lineage worships. I don’t know. Just felt a bit off.
And another thing, the ending for me was a bit anticlimactic. I was waiting eagerly for that long awaited brawl between Sango and Timi. But it was all over with in a flash. I couldn’t even grasp what exactly happened. I expected to see the god of thunder in action. I wanted to see fists and a show of raw and unbridled power. But I was left starved and unfulfilled. A true bummer.
Through it all, Amber was a delightful read and I earnestly hope I read more Nigerian fantasy novels. This was too short for comfort and though I’m still in my short-books era, storylines like this deserve an extended plot. Giving this lovely book recommended to me by a beloved book girlie here on Hive a solid 7/10. Keep ‘em coming!
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