What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by British-Nigerian writer Lesley Nneka Arimah

Something that needs to be highlighted about this transoceanic, dysphoric, Afrofuturist and Afropolitan author (because we love labeling people for it gives us a lot of information about the person in question. Joke) is her skillful way of creating and shaping her stories, characters, and interpersonal relationships.

Regarding the short stories, we find a rich and complex mix of narratives from different literary genres (there is something for everyone, of course): magical realism, science fiction, Afrofuturism, folk tales, coming-of-age, etc. The narrative voices, which are completely different and authentic, with identity and personality, make the characters complex, visceral, and original, and do not fall into monotony at the end and beginning of each story.

Many interpersonal relationships are in constant conflict, especially the mother-daughter relationship, which makes the father-daughter relationship stronger, more intimate, and solid.

And of course, in a collection that aims to touch several genres, the subject matter is also varied: the process of loss and grief, motherhood and forced motherhood, traditions, lesbianism, manipulation, racism, and a long and interesting etcetera.

If you are a lover of short stories, this book should definitely be on your bookshelves.

What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky