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Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold by Bolu Babalola [arc review]

This book is being pushed hard. After I agreed to post it on Instagram I also got a copy from work in


two different formats. It has a great cover, an enticing title, and the premise - mythical tales retold - grabbed my attention instantly.

Blurb:

A high-born Nigerian goddess, who has been beaten down and unappreciated by her gregarious lover, longs to be truly seen.

A young businesswoman attempts a great leap in her company, and an even greater one in her love life.

A powerful Ghanaian spokeswoman is forced to decide whether she should uphold her family’s politics or be true to her heart.

In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places.

With an eye towards decolonizing tropes inherent in our favorite tales of love, Babalola has created captivating stories that traverse across perspectives, continents, and genres.

Sadly however, as it often goes with debut novels, some of it was good, some of it was terrible. And overall, I can't say I personally was too impressed. That being said, if you like short stories that are a little bit drier than your usual romance novel than this will be right for you. I needed more...well, everything. I think it will also help if you don't know much about the original tales. I don't know all but the few I do I had issues with the way they were retold. It can be hard to see your favorite characters given a different light. 

Started well, but as the book progressed it got boring. Some stories had vivid engaging descriptions, others were bland, made little sense, and bored me. But that is always the danger on a collection of short stories right?

Overall this was a 2 for me. Not great, not bad.

Find the books at: GoodReads - Inklings Bookshop

In support to indie stores who are struggling right now no link will be added to that giant online store that shall not be named. The indie store above is offering free shipping at this time! Give an indie a helping hand! Thanks :) 


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