The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi

I have wanted to read this forever, and although it’s only a novella it doesn’t disappoint.

Beautifully written using fairy tale elements in a brilliant way. After all the very first line is: There is no water in the city of lies. Lies packed on top of lies, layered meanings abound, I sure I have spotted only a few of them. Clever uses of foreshadowing like, the tale within a tale. A compelling hero telling a simple but compelling tale with a bittersweet ending.

Delivering on excellent world building and the tight story means there is plenty of mystery to chew over. It presents a world that is almost dystopian in its critique of unregulated capitalism and ruling class corruption. I loved the blending of African stylings into the story in a way that I think is very accessible to readers, I could have done with more, but it was interesting to see how he used those elements.

Remarkably good, an author to watch out for, that is really all there is to say.