Somtochukwu’s writing is incredibly vivid and intense, bringing to life the struggles of the characters in a way that makes you feel every ounce of their pain, joy, and heartbreak. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities faced by this community individuals in Nigeria, and the violence, both physical and emotional, is written with such stark honesty that it sometimes feels too real. But that’s also what makes the book so powerful—it refuses to sugarcoat the truth, forcing the reader to confront the often brutal world the characters inhabit.
I finished the novel in a single day, unable to tear myself away from its pages. The emotional depth of the story is staggering, and I found myself haunted by it long after I closed the book. Somtochukwu’s exploration of love—both romantic and familial—is tender and delicate, yet it’s constantly at odds with the harshness of societal and internalized expectations.
The character of August still lingers in my thoughts, his complexities and struggles so well drawn that he feels like someone I’ve known personally. His journey is heart-wrenching, and the relationships in the story—particularly the one that drives the narrative—are portrayed with an authenticity that is both beautiful and painful to witness.
In the end, And Then He Sang a Lullaby is heartbreaking but incredible. It captures the rawness of life in a way few novels do, and Kayode Somtochukwu has proven himself to be an author to watch. This book will haunt me for a long time, and I suspect anyone who reads it will feel the same. If you’re ready for a poignant, soul-stirring experience, this is the novel to pick up.
