A Spell of Good Things

Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s novel is a sweeping, emotionally charged portrait of two Nigerian families whose lives intersect across deep social divides. Through the stories of Eniola, a boy navigating poverty and political corruption, and Wuraola, a young doctor balancing personal and family expectations, Adébáyọ̀ exposes the fragility of opportunity in a society shaped by systemic inequality. Her prose is vivid and compassionate, offering a detailed exploration of love, class tension, and the pressures placed on young people striving for better futures. The novel blends intimacy with political insight, culminating in a heartbreaking yet resonant tale.