Praise for Before the Mango Ripens
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“BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is one of those rare novels that seems to capture the whole world between its covers. Afabwaje Kurian choreographs and cross-cuts among so many elements of language and beliefs, cultures and histories, and she does so on so many scales."
— Paul Harding, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of TINKERS
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"BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS offers an irresistible invitation into a deeply imagined 1970s Nigeria, one that feels so real you could walk into it. Kurian builds an intricate world and leaps effortlessly between perspectives to inhabit a wide-ranging cast of compelling characters. A miracle of a book that makes room to both question faith and restore it."
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— V.V. Ganeshananthan, author of BROTHERLESS NIGHT
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“Line by exquisite line, BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS unfolds with wisdom and a masterful sense of patience, teasing out a cast of characters whose mounting confessions will have you ripping through the final pages. This is a story centered on faith, yes, and also one of the most seductive novels I've ever read."
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— Dawnie Walton, author of THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV
"BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is a novel of riveting depth and scope. Lit--as in the conflagration that sets things off and never lets you go, and, yes, as in contemporary parlance meaning excellent--this book is a masterful achievement of craft and soul. This is what you call a tour de force!"
-DK Nnuro, author of WHAT NAPOLEON COULD NOT DO
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“What an absolute joy to read: vibrant, immersive, and lyrical…In this tale of the intricate intersection of faith and identity, Afabwaje Kurian is a keen and elegant observer."
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— Claire Lombardo, New York Times bestselling author of THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD and SAME AS IT EVER WAS
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“BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS is a beautifully rendered debut novel by a novelist who writes well beyond her years. Afabwaje Kurian's lyrical prose, original characters and uncompromising storytelling will keep you hooked from start to finish."
— Regina Porter, author of THE TRAVELERS
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"Afabwaje Kurian is a visionary writer, effortlessly tackling matters of race, class, gender, and postcolonial identity with compassion and wit. An entire world springs forth from Kurian’s singular, unforgettable characters. An immensely impressive debut: entertaining, wise, and unendingly perceptive about human nature. Read this novel right now!"
— Jean Chen Ho, author of FIONA AND JANE