Rosewater by Tade Thompson is a unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and Afro-futurism set in a near-future Nigeria. The story follows Kaaro, a cynical and reluctant psychic working for a secret government agency. He lives in Rosewater, a city that has sprung up around a mysterious alien biodome that occasionally heals the sick and grants strange abilities to some people.
I felt no emotions from these characters. I definitely think this is a plot-driven story rather than a character-driven one. The characters did absolutely nothing for me.
The atmosphere didn’t do a whole lot either. It is interesting to see Nigeria in a science fiction book, as previously, when I’ve read books set in that location, they were in the contemporary literary fiction genre rather than a sci-fi one. It’s kind of cool to see how modern-day Nigeria developed into the near future, as depicted in the story. However, overall, it did not do a lot for me.
The writing was definitely my least favorite part. There are three timelines that we are following, and I had a really difficult time trying to distinguish between them. They all feature our main character going on different missions. I think this could have been improved by changing the tense throughout the different timelines, with the present being in first person and the past in third person.
Another thing that I despised about this book was the overly sexual tone. Books can be sexual; it is completely normal and a part of being human. However, when every woman is described by her breasts or the curve of her buttocks, it becomes inappropriate and uncomfortable. Sexual themes were brought up constantly, and women were objectified in the story.
I can definitely admit when I’m the problem. I purchased this book back when it was first published in 2018, and it took me this long to read it. I think I could have enjoyed it more back then than I did now, as I am more aware of what I like in my reading. This month, I’ve discovered that I not only don’t like mysteries, but I also don’t enjoy mysteries within a science fiction setting. I don’t like stories about people going on quests as detectives or government agents; it’s just not for me.
However, I do have to give credit where credit is due: by the last quarter of the book, the sci-fi elements become super interesting. This is unlike any other first contact story I’ve read before; it offers a real biological take on an alien invasion. As an alien lover, I’ve never thought of an invasion happening like this, but it makes a lot of sense.
I don’t see myself continuing the series, as I felt nothing toward the characters and I hated the writing and tones of the book. If, for some reason, anything here intrigues you, I recommend picking this book up from your library, and if you like it, then consider purchasing your own copy.
1.85 out of 5 stars.
Izzy Reads 