Chosen as our bookclub read for May. The blurb on the back says:

A decision she makes on her eighteenth birthday will affect the course of Ayodele's life. How will she choose? One path will send Ayodele to Europe, to university - and to the pain of first love. Another will have her travel the globe after suffering an immeasurable loss. Yet another will keep her in Africa, a mother and wife in a polygamous marriage. In each of Ayodele's possible futures, we see how the interplay of choice and fate determines the shape of our lives. What part of us would be different if we had made other decisions? And what part of us would stay the same?

This was a really interesting book exploring how different choices can lead lives in very different directions. I liked the recurring characters throughout which helped weave the book together and provided some interesting options for outcomes. However, as the book was split into three I don't feel there was enough depth to the stories in some cases, which meant sections of Ayodele's life felt missing at times. I liked the way the book was put together with the introduction and then the three different stories following, but because the last story was the end to me it felt a bit unfinished - I almost wanted a bit of an analysis at the end to bring it all back together! A good read though and one that seemed very different to other books I've read by African authors. Also an interesting insight into life in the Gambia.

The Lass O'Gowrie bookclub read for May, reading next!

An ok read, not something that I'd usually read but as an introduction to African authors this was quite good.

On it's way to Abi-Gibby. Hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for sending this book to me

Just an ok read, am now sending it off as part of the HGG2014

Thank you Abi-Gibby, for the package with this book. a sweet pocket calendar of Cornwall, and some sweetpea seeds! All very usefull and much appreciated!

Read this at last. I liked the idea of exploring several different possible endings of a decision.
I also like how Dayo Forster writes. I had never heard of this author before.

set aside for the Alphabet VBB .

Received from round 13 of the Alphabet VBB. I like the look of this, thank you!

Growing up in Gambia, the strong-willed Ayodele looks at patterns in the paint on the ceiling thinking that she can see images of the future. Determined to flout tradition and her mother, she decides to lose her virginity on her 18th birthday. But who will she choose to lose it with? The book tells three stories of the path of Ayodele's life depending on her choice: one where she goes to university in London but has her heart broken, one where her happiness is torn away in a tragic accident, one where she has a fatherless child and a polygamous marriage. The stories explore the options open to Gambian women, managing to cover family issues, religion, friendship and love.

Sent to Icila as my RABCK for November. Enjoy!

Arrived in Brittany, thank you greenbadger !

The best part for me was the introduction.
I didn't see choices, rather "spur of the moment" events with dramatic consequences. At the same time there are always a lot of chance lurking at every corner so you never know.
I was amazed at the apparent easiness to study abroad and travel the world for the Gambians.

Bonne année Paulo ! Bonne lecture !

The book arrived today, safe and sound.
Thank you for sharing.
Merci, Icila. Greetings from Porto Santo :-)