Arinze Ifeakandu’s short story collection God’s Children Are Little Broken Things is frustratingly good. The collection of nine stories focused on queer life in Nigeria drops readers into complicated lives often riddled with secrets. I found myself frustrated simply because the stories were too good to slip out of. We’re introduced to protagonists, their lovers, and their families with such rich detail it’s hard to remember we’re only 5 pages into their world. You’ll find yourself relating to characters as if they’re a best friend who promised to cut their situationship off or a mother who just can’t understand you despite her best efforts.
Over the course of nine stories, Ifeakandu shows the complexities of LGBTQ+ relationships and how they’re treated in contemporary Nigerian society. Some are celebratory while others are chaotic and full of drama, as in any romance. The author also plays with language, switching between Hausa, Igbo and English depending on the characters’ familiarity, although this should not discourage monolingual English speakers. This book is great if you’re not keen on long-winded stories or prefer something you can pick up and put down. And if you’re like me, you’ll come away wanting to know so much more about the characters’ worlds.
You can request a print edition of God’s Children Are Little Broken Things print here or borrow the ebook or digital audiobook from Hoopla.
Written by:
Allison Woodley
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant
Hoboken Public Library Blog 
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