As a writer, I appreciate the power of book titles. Some titles are self-explanatory in that they tell the gist of the story. Many are thought-provoking, drawing you in with curiosity. Inducing you enough to read the book. Other titles only make complete sense once you’ve turned the final page. Patience is a subtle Thief– falls into the latter category for me.
My experience with this book was more of a slow burn. The title did not give much to go on, and the plot line at the back had me questioning if this literature was for me. Granted, I struggled through the first chapters. However, as the story unfolded, I began to see the vision and fell in love with it. I was hooked.
Patience Is A Subtle Thief is a coming-of-age story about a rebellious, troubled young girl named Patience Adewale. Somehow, Abi Ishola, the author, masterfully immerses the reader into Patience’s world. Making her struggles and triumphs feel personal. As she continued to spin the yarn, I saw myself reflected by the characters in the book, which added to the book’s emotional depth. Through Patience, she had taken us on a self-discovery journey.
Despite being set in 1990s Nigeria, the book’s themes remain relevant today. Many African youths can resonate with high unemployment rates, political unrest, corruption, crime and hopelessness. This realism makes for a stimulating and compelling read.
I love how the author sheds light on the challenges faced by African women. Abi Ishola weaves a heart-breaking yet powerful narrative that showcases the resilience of women in a patriarchal society. As a result, when we see Patience grow and evolve throughout the chapters, you can’t help but root for her to win. Very beautifully written; you’ll need tissues.
I loved how the author immersed the reader into the story using vivid descriptions, creating a live image of the setting of Nigeria in the 90s. She also dipped us into Nigerian culture through language, food, and attire descriptions. The thrill and suspense kept me on the edge every time.
I would rate Patience is a Subtle Thief a solid 7/10. It is an engaging read. The chapters are short, making it a fast and easy read. However, the ending denied me closure. When I was done reading, I could not help but ponder, “Was all this worth it?” I also wondered, “Was there really no other option?”
As much as I appreciate a cliff-hanger, I felt confused. There were too many loose ends. So many questions remained unanswered. I am a sucker for a happy ending, and this one looked happy, even seemed happy, but it didn’t feel like it. Perhaps the author should have given us a bit of closure, having taken us through the whirlwind.
That said, I still highly recommend this book, especially for fans of African Literature. Grab your copy today.
If you’ve read it, share your thoughts in the comments.♥
Mourine Warui is a media and communication expert and seasoned writer. Her goal is to empower and offer solutions to everyday girl’s problems while provoking candid and authentic conversations. Other goals are to provide inspiration and entertainment to readers through creative, thought-provoking and edgy stories.
