Calling all fans of sister stories, How You Grow Wings is captivating! I listened to almost the whole thing on a road trip, and I was always looking forward to the story – but not the driving! I have a sweet spot for sister stories, so this one was perfect for me! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Sisters Cheta and Zam couldn’t be more different. Cheta, sharp-tongued and stubborn, never shies away from conflict—either at school or at home, where her mother fires abuse at her. Timid Zam escapes most of her mother’s anger, skating under the radar and avoiding her sister whenever possible. In a turn of good fortune, Zam is invited to live with her aunt’s family in the lap of luxury. Jealous, Cheta also leaves home, but finds a harder existence that will drive her to terrible decisions. When the sisters are reunited, Zam alone will recognize just how far Cheta has fallen—and Cheta’s fate will rest in Zam’s hands.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
How You Grow Wings is an emotional story which will take you through sadness, anger, and love all at once. It’s a story about the ways that society upholds traditions and practices and how no one will speak up. Onoseta not only examines this from a society perspective, but also the individual in the family. Above all, the family in How You Grow Wings is complex, painful, and emotional. Told from both sister’s POVs, I could see their lives, their pain, and their struggles. Some times it was difficult to listen to, mostly because of how heart wrenching it was.
The narration of Weruche Opia & Nneka Okoye only added to the emotions. All the ways the sisters misunderstand each other. Show their love, resentment, and guilt. The ways in which our roles are defined in opposition and I felt the theme of sisters feeling like they’re in competition so fiercely. The sister relationship is certainly my favorite aspect of How You Grow Wings. It’s my kryptonite every time. But at the same time, Onoseta also details a story about the hands of fate which shape our lives. How society can call us ‘good’ or ‘bad’ when they’re both chafing under the pressures and control of family.
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Suffice it to say, How You Grow Wings was heart breaking. It’s a story about sisters – seriously how many times can I mention it? – but also betrayal, obedience, and family. About how we can hide behind the veneer of good, of what people expect of us. And how we can try to make our own path. Find How You Grow Wings on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, Libro.fm, Google Play & The Book Depository.