Quick Take

Star-crossed lovers get a second chance at romance when they're reunited at a wedding in Nigeria, in a heartfelt novel from the acclaimed author of The Sweetest Remedy.Dunni hasn't seen her high school boyfriend, Obinna, since she left Nigeria to attend college in America. Before their devastating separation, they vowed to find their way back to each other one day.Twelve years later, and their vow is a thing of the past. Dunni works as a geneticist in Seattle and is engaged to a man she doesn't love but one her parents approve of. Her future is laid out for her, and everything is going according to plan until she returns to Nigeria for a friend's wedding and runs into Obinna. The shy, awkward boy she loved as a teenager is now a sophisticated, confident man. Things have changed, but there's still an undeniable connection between them.As they rediscover each other, their days filled with desire and passion, Dunni is reminded of the beautiful future she once planned with Obinna. But when devastating secrets are revealed and the reckless actions of their past bring new challenges, she's left questioning everything, including if the love that consumed her as a teenager is still worth holding on to.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Where We End & Begin

Introduction

"Where We End & Begin" by Jane Igharo is a heartfelt novel that explores the power of love and the challenges it can bring. The book follows the story of Dunni and Obinna, two star-crossed lovers who are reunited at a wedding in Nigeria after twelve years apart. As they rekindle their relationship, they must navigate the obstacles that stand in their way and confront the secrets that have kept them apart. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, analyze readers' views, and discuss the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Jane Igharo

Jane Igharo is a talented author known for her heartfelt stories and vivid descriptions. With her third book, "Where We End & Begin," she continues to captivate readers with her ability to create relatable characters and explore complex relationships. Igharo's writing style is praised for its depth and emotional resonance, making her a favorite among readers who appreciate well-crafted romance novels.

Analysis of Views

Heartfelt storytelling: Readers praise Igharo's ability to convey the depth of emotions experienced by her characters. The story is heartfelt and moving, with characters that readers can easily connect with.
Resilience and growth: Many readers appreciate the resilience and growth displayed by the characters throughout the book. They find it inspiring to see how Dunni and Obinna overcome their challenges and learn from their past experiences.
Slow reveal of character depth: Igharo's decision to slowly reveal her characters' hidden depths is commended by readers. This approach allows them to become more invested in the story and appreciate the complexity of the characters' relationships.
Nigerian culture incorporation: Some readers appreciate the incorporation of Nigerian culture into the story. They find it refreshing to see characters from diverse backgrounds and appreciate the authentic representation.
Engaging plot twists: The book features several plot twists that keep readers engaged throughout the story. These twists add depth to the plot and keep readers guessing until the very end.

Reasons for Recommendation

Emotional connection: Readers recommend "Where We End & Begin" for its ability to create an emotional connection with the characters and readers alike. The story is heartwarming and evokes a range of emotions, making it a compelling read.
Well-developed characters: The characters in the book are well-developed, with complex personalities that readers can relate to. Their growth and resilience throughout the story are praised by readers, making them relatable and memorable.
Engaging plot twists: The plot twists in the book add excitement and keep readers engaged throughout the story. They add depth to the plot and keep readers guessing until the very end, making it a page-turner.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of grounded relationship development: Some readers find that the love affair between Dunni and Obinna feels wildly emotional but not very grounded. They feel that there is not enough development of a dependable adult relationship, making it difficult to fully invest in their love story.
Unrealistic plot points: A few readers mention that certain plot points feel unrealistic or contrived, such as the existence of an 11-year-old child who was not considered in the present timeline. They find it challenging to accept certain aspects of the story due to these inconsistencies.

Conclusion

"Where We End & Begin" by Jane Igharo is a heartfelt novel that explores the power of love and its ability to overcome obstacles. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot twists, and Nigerian cultural representation, it has captured the hearts of many readers. While some readers appreciate its emotional connection and resilience, others find certain aspects of the story unrealistic or lacking in grounded relationship development. Overall, "Where We End & Begin" is a recommended read for those who enjoy heartfelt romance novels with complex characters and engaging plot twists.