Sister Spirit - Efua Traoré


Sixteen-year-old adopted Tara has questions - about who she is, where she belongs, why she has dreams...
When her nightmares darken, fear swarms like a flock of ravens and she traces her visions to the ancient Olumo Rock in Nigeria.  It is a sacred place, full of magic, myth, and where whispers of the past linger.
Travelling from England and enrolling in a boarding school at the foot of Olumo, Tara begins a journey to seek the truth of her roots and the spirits that pursue her. 


Tara's nightmares are fundamental to the story and what drive her on. Terrifying and compelling in equal measure, the dreams are described in their own chapters throughout the book and allow readers to piece together alongside Tara what is happening.  She is driven by her desire to understand her dreams and their hidden meaning and that is what leads her to Nigeria; at first with her adoptive father and then, after that, at the boarding school.

As the dreams become more frequent, Tara begins to question herself and I know she feels helpless at times, but there is a huge strength within her and her determination is clearly evident. 

The relationship between Tara and the girls she meets at the boarding school is well explored, not only the friendship she quickly forms with Bisi, but also the relationship with Lola.   Although life at the school sounds strict, the descriptions will allow readers to feel as though they are alongside Tara at all times.   

African myth and legend combine with friendship and romance in this YA thriller with a ghostly twist.  With rich descriptions of Nigeria and a journey of self-discovery, Sister Spirit is a book that shows us not to judge people, that friendship is important and that finding yourself can be the key to unlocking your freedom. 

Sister Spirit publishes on the 11th April.

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