Title: Rosewater
Author: Tade Thompson
First published February 23, 2017
287 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781937009298 (ISBN10: 1937009297)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Kaaro’s life is anything but ordinary. He’s met a boy who can burst into flames, encountered alien beings that want to devour him, and even had intimate relations with a butterfly woman in a different dimension.
His past is even more tumultuous, having been caught stealing and almost killed by an angry mob. Now, Kaaro works for the government agency, Section 45, tasked with finding a woman known as Bicycle Girl.
But things take a dangerous turn when an alien entity living beneath the ground starts killing off sensitives like him. The biodome surrounding the city of Rosewater, created by the alien entity, is the center of all attention, with citizens hoping to meet the beings inside.
However, Kaaro knows better than to trust them. He defies Section 45 and delves into his past, uncovering a horrifying future that he must stop.
Get ready for a thrilling ride as Kaaro faces his demons and fights for his life in Tade Thompson’s Rosewater.
About the Author
Tade Thompson, a psychiatrist of Yoruba descent, has gained popularity for his works of science fiction. Thompson hails from the United Kingdom.
Editoral Review
Rosewater by Tade Thompson is a stunning example of a science fiction novel that breaks from traditional tropes and delivers a compelling narrative that deals with themes of politics, humanity, and power. Thompson, who is known for his work on the Wormwood series, does an excellent job of creating a rich, diverse world that envelops the reader from the first page, all while weaving a complex plot that leaves you wanting more.
The story is set in Nigeria, in a city called Rosewater, where the Earth is visited by an alien presence known as the ‘biodome’. The book follows protagonist Kaaro, a teenager who discovers that he has psychic abilities that allow him to access the ‘xenosphere’ and communicate with other telepaths.
The story is told in a nonlinear fashion, shifting in time between Kaaro’s life as a scavenger, his work as a security agent, and his involvement in the political unrest plaguing Rosewater. Thompson has created a diverse cast of characters that all come together to create a world that feels alive and complex.
Kaaro, the central protagonist, is a complex, sometimes unlikeable character that still manages to draw the reader in with his wit, sarcasm, and unique perspective on the world. The setting of Rosewater itself is also a character, with its sprawling slums and sparse technological advancements, which feel like a melting pot of African culture, science fiction, and thriller genres.
One of the key strengths of Rosewater is Thompson’s exceptional writing, with his ability to create memorable characters and vivid descriptions of the world they inhabit. The pacing of the novel is also a highlight, with action scenes that are engaging and thrilling while still maintaining the slow burn of political intrigue and world-building.
While Rosewater is a masterful example of its genre, there are still some minor issues with the book. One of the few flaws is that Thompson relies heavily on exposition, particularly in the early chapters, which can be slightly overwhelming at times.
However, this is a minor issue that does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, Rosewater is an exceptional piece of science fiction that will have readers hooked from the first page.
It is an intelligent, thought-provoking work that deals with relevant and important topics such as identity and politics, ultimately delivering a satisfying and engaging narrative. It is a must-read for any science fiction or thriller fan looking for a fresh and immersive story that explores complex themes in a unique and exciting way.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
