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A Spell of Good Things

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A Spell of Good Things

By: Ayobami Adebayo
Narrated by: Ore Apampa, Babajide Oyekunle
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About this listen

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023

MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2023: the Observer, Guardian, Financial Times, Stylist, the Express and Oprah Daily

Ayòbámi Adébáyò, the Women's Prize-shortlisted author of Stay With Me, unveils a dazzling story of modern Nigeria and two families caught in the riptides of wealth, power, romantic obsession and political corruption.

Eniola is tall for his age, a boy who looks like a man. His father has lost his job, so Eniola spends his days running errands for the local tailor, collecting newspapers and begging, dreaming of a big future.

Wuraola is a golden girl, the perfect child of a wealthy family. Now an exhausted young doctor in her first year of practice, she is beloved by Kunle, the volatile son of family friends.

When a local politician takes an interest in Eniola and sudden violence shatters a family party, Wuraola and Eniola's lives become intertwined. In this breathtaking novel, Ayòbámi Adébáyò shines her light on Nigeria, on the gaping divide between the haves and the have-nots, and the shared humanity that lives in between.

©2023 Ayobami Adebayo (P)2023 Canongate Books Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political World Literature Africa

Critic Reviews

"A moving story, skilfully told, about Eniola, a boy whose future has been snatched away from him, and Wuraola, a talented, overworked junior doctor, whose intertwined narratives combine to produce an insightful portrait of an unequal and deeply divided society moving towards a terrible crisis. A Spell of Good Things is both gripping and memorable." (Pat Barker)

"Adebayo’s mesmerizing prose is suffused with heart and sharp emotions. Every page of this book was a pleasure to read. Even the hard parts. A Spell of Good Things is a triumph of storytelling." (Chika Unigwe)

"All characters matter in Ayobami Adebayo’s intricate, haunting and timely fictional exploration of classism and sexism set in Nigeria’s election season." (Sefi Atta)
All stars
Most relevant  
Love this so much
The story was well written
The performances 10/10
All the Yoruba words pronounced correctly
Almost lyrical in its narration
Wonderful!

Amazing story! Superb Narration

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A detailed weaving of two storylines that gradually gathers pace and complexity. The personal stories of the two central characters expose the political and economic pressures faced by the families who navigate a highly patriarchal and corrupt society. Tender in parts, Adebayo exposes the brutal consequences of inaction and corruption. Heartbreaking storytelling as the two central characters’ lives intersect. Absolutely compelling reading.

Heartbreaking

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