Title: The Icarus Girl
Author: Helen Oyeyemi
Copyright: April 11, 2006
Genre: fiction
Format: book Pages: 352
So I finally started this book that I’ve had since my birthday. I thought that this book might sound good if I read the entire book outloud. I decided that I give it a try. I wanted to hear my mouth try to pronounce the names and hear the words coming through my lips as opposed to just in my head.It started off fine and then challenges presented themselves when my kids arrived home from school early on half days or my husband working from home. So finding time to read out loud needed to be scheduled. Early mornings mid-day when the kids are at school are the prime times when I was able to do this. I was successful for much of the reading of this book.
Quick Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Jessamy “Jess” Harrison, age eight, is the child of an English father and a Nigerian mother. Possessed of an extraordinary imagination, she has a hard time fitting in at school. It is only when she visits Nigeria for the first time that she makes a friend who understands her: a ragged little girl named TillyTilly. But soon TillyTilly’s visits become more disturbing, until Jess realizes she doesn’t actually know who her friend is at all. Drawing on Nigerian mythology, Helen Oyeyemi presents a striking variation on the classic literary theme of doubles — both real and spiritual — in this lyrical and bold debut.
My Thoughts:
I had heard about Helen Oyeyemi about a few years back and then last year on Booktube. Then a show that I watch that talks to author’s about books interviewed her. So my approach to this author and her works is to take the opportunity and the time to explore all of her writings to date in the order published. I don’t always do this but I would like to see how she evolves as a writer from book to book and what similarities or common themes she may have throughout her books. I also really wanted to just hear her stories and learn more about Nigeria and it’s people through her stories. Of course my other motive was to support a black female author.
This book was written by Oyeyemi while she attending college and published at the age of 19 started out very strong. I felt very engaged while reading this story. There were a few areas where the pacing slowed a bit too much but she was building up background information. I think she did a great job of trying to convey the feelings of a biracial child trying to find friendship and ward off bullies. The main character, Jess was a bit of an introvert but wanted to try to figure out how to navigate the world of friendships. Oyeyemi did include the challenges that a young girl of mixed race growing up in a predominantly white environment.
I really enjoyed the way that Oyeyemi included so much detail that help to bring the story to life. For example, I like the description of the grandfathers wrinkles and the lighting in the room and the aromas that she smells when she arrives in Nigeria for the first time. She captured the senses well.
One thing that bothered me about in this book was her portrayal of Jessamy’s father. He is a British white male and his wife is a Nigerian woman and he came off as very weak to me in the book. There’s were many instances where I just wanted him to have a backbone. The first few instances of that happening in the story I just brushed off as him being a person who wants to avoid conflict and keep the peace. But after a while it just felt like it felt like it was a deliberate characteristic she intended to portray. Perhaps to balance out the stronger characteristics of the wife (Jess’s mom). I do wish she provided more background information of the father. Perhaps that would have brought to light the reasoning for his behavior.
I found the story very interesting and the only thing is the ending that bothers me. I will leave that for any of you that decide to reads it to see what you decipher. I would love to hear from anyone that has read it because I’m not really sure but there was a bit confusion on my part with the ending.
Overall, I would recommend the book and look forward to reading her other books.
Happy reading!
Belinda
I love seeing the old cars in the parade. The owners are always so proud and friendly. It adds to the charm of the parade.
The boys wanted to walk down to where the memorial is in the town center to hear the talk. So off we went and I couldn’t resist taking a photo of our shadows as we walked. I love the sprinkling of leaves.
As we got there we managed to find a spot that was unfortunately closer to the back of the crowd so I could barely see the speakers. But I could hear them when they approached the microphone. So while I was listening, a part of me was peekint to see the people standing behind the speaker and noticing not one person of color or female for that matter. So I drifted off into thought and complained about the lack of diversity. When all of the sudden the crowd shifted and I couldn’t see the speaker anymore and he began to introduce his keynote speaker. Well what do you know, he introduced Lieutenant Colonel Gayle-Bennett as the keynote speaker and as he began to talk, I was thrilled to find the speaker was a female and African American. Below is a little bit I pulled off the internet about her:
Well I have gone and done it again. Went MIA on my Happy Monday Musings. I had every intention of sitting down and writing a post on Monday but it was Halloween and I started day one of the 21-day Clean Gut Cleanse (later on that). I went away for the weekend to Newport Rhode Island with my family and neglected to shop prior to Monday for the cleanse. So grocery shopping and preparing for Halloween to the front stage. But let me slow down and catch you up before another Monday sneaks up on me.
First, we took the boys and my in-laws to Newport Rhode Island for a weekend getaway. I had visited a few years ago for a sister’s weekend with my sister Bernadette ansd boy did we have fun. But aside from me it was everyone else’s first visit. Saturday was a bit windy and cool so I had planned an indoor activity to keep things moving. I found a glass blowing place that teaches you how to blow glass and we made our own ornaments.
We all weren’t sure what to expect but was so pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Being a crafter, I knew this would be something we would all remember and have something amazing to look at and remind of our special time.
The guy that taught our lesson was really fun and relaxed so that helped set everyone at ease.
We drove around to peek at the mansions (we are saving them for another visit) and then rode along Ocean Drive to “oh and ah” over the amazing views and the enormous homes. We had lunch at Panera because it’s Apollo’s favorite. Then I even researched and found a local comic book store to take Nick to see. He was quite pleased. Then we checked into The Marriott and it didn’t disappoint with the ocean view, modern furnishings and amazing balconies. The boys love staying in hotels so that in itself is always a treat.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend! I will do better next week. I’m still reading like crazy and need to put up a review.