Review:THE PRIVATE JOYS OF NNENNA MALONEY| www.gscene.com

PAGE’S PAGES BOOK REVIEWS BY ERIC PAGE

OKECHUKWU NZELU

THE PRIVATE JOYS OF NNENNA MALONEY

(www.hachette.co.uk, £16.99).

OKECHUKWU NZELU

I read this in one go, it bounced along with the narrative possessing me, keeping me enthralled and entertained in equal measure. What a fun read, with some seriously contemporary takes on modern UK life. The book follows protagonist Nnenna Maloney growing up into a possibly queer woman and seeking more understanding of her Igbo-Nigerian culture and of her absent father. Her searching and wanting some insight (and answers), straining her relationships with her mother Joanie. Around these two swirl a selection of warm characters, all on their own journeys of self-expression, seeking meaning in their intersectional identities. Set in present day Manchester, which forms the backdrop for Nnenna’s adventures, this northern metropolitan voice is endlessly funny. Sharply observing the contradictions of modern urban life, sharing a delighted love of the city of Manchester, and of its weirdly adorable residents, Nzelu’s voice, original and so beautifully bold, gives us insight into Nnenna’s world as she finds some answers, but unfurling more questions on race, sexuality, class and the whys and hows of belonging. The book gives a warm, deep insight into how what you are doesn't define how you can or should be, but done with wit and some redemption along the way.