For fans of books about complicated families, Leave Your Mess at Home tells the story of a Nigerian American family living in Chicago. The novel unfolds through the rotating perspectives of the four adult children, with one chapter each from their parents.
This book opened my eyes to divisions in the Black community between Black Americans and first and second generation immigrants from Africa. The author does a great job showing multiple perspectives on the same parts of the story. The book runs a bit longer than it needs to, but the ending is strong. The growth and healing the characters experience by the end feels satisfying while still realistic.
Note: Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with an Advanced Reading Copy.
