Book Review| The Scent of Burnt Flowers by Blitz Bazawule
This book cover instantly drew me in along with the title. So beautiful and unique, what could the story be about? I was in for a pleasant surprise in a blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
What’s it About?
Talk about a bad day. Melvin wanted to treat his fiancé Bernadette to a nice dinner but runs into unexpected trouble from a racist bunch. When his old reactions honed from war lead him to commit murder, no matter if it was self defense, in Jim Crow era he is guilty.
The couple become fugitives on the run posing as a pastor and pastor’s wife who head to Ghana in search of asylum in the hopes Melvin’s old college friend (who just happens to be the country’s current president) Kwame Nkrumah will save them.
On their way to meet with him, they cross paths with Ghana’s most famous highlife musician Kwesi Kwayson. He offers to help them reach the president but things get heated when Kewsi and Bernadette discover an otherwordly connection to each other along the way. Leading Melvin to ever growing jealousy. A country in turmoil, an FBI agent on their heels, and unexpected magic all come together in this debut novel by Blitz Bazawule.
My Thoughts
This novel kept you entranced from the very start! I thought the storyline was well built and paced with the stakes growing ever higher. The way things progressed kept you on the edge of your seat. Characters were complex in unexpected ways and I learned some West African lore along the way. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and am glad I gave it a chance!
Overall Impression
A run in with a racist gang, escape to Africa, FBI agent in pursuit, country on the brink of war, forbidden romance, magic, it all comes together to keep you glued to the pages. This was an interesting mix of historical fiction, romance, and some elements of fantasy with magic sprinkled into the plot. I highly recommend this for the reader looking for a new mix of genre with a well written storyline.
Book Specs
- Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
- Published Date: 06/28/2022
- Pages: 256
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