John does not hold back: religious hypocrisy, rape, forbidden relationships, death, disgrace and feuds play out in a city where moral attitudes are shifting and public image is all important. There are vividly drawn setpieces, including full-blooded sermons and an action-packed wedding. But itdelights in everyday interaction too, making time for sibling banter and neighbourhood meetings, while nice moments of humour (“This is Nigeria. Something more scandalous will happen”) leaven the rising tension.
