Book Review: “Fibbed” by Elizabeth Agyemang

“Fibbed” by Elizabeth Agyemang (2022)

Genre: Fiction, Middle Grace, Fantasy

Page Length: 256 pages (paperback edition)

Synopsis:

Everyone says that the wild stories Nana tells are big fibs. But she always tells the truth, as ridiculous as it sounds to hear about the troupe of circus squirrels stealing her teacher’s toupee. When another outlandish explanation lands her in hot water again, her parents announce that Nana will be spending the summer with her grandmother in Ghana.

She isn’t happy to be missing the summer camp she’s looked forward to all year, or to be living with family that she barely knows, in a country where she can’t really speak the native language. But all her worries get a whole lot bigger—literally—when she comes face-to-face with Ananse, the trickster spider of legend.

Nana soon discovers that the forest around the village is a place of magic watched over by Ananse. But a group of greedy contractors are draining the magic from the land, intent on selling the wishes for their own gain. Nana must join forces with her cousin Tiwaa, new friend Akwesi, and Ananse himself to save the magic from those who are out to steal it before the magic—and the forest—are gone for good.

Review:

If you enjoy novels with rich stories and magic I highly recommend reading Fibbed. Nana, the main character, is sent to spend a summer in Ghana at her grandmother’s because of her tendency to tell “elaborate stories”. Once there she finds herself getting into even more trouble and then comes face-to-face with the legendary trickster and storyteller master himself, Ananse. Will Nana be able to outsmart Ananse and save the village’s magic in time?

This graphic novel was an absolute joy to read and I was engaged throughout reading the entire story. I think it’s a great read for middle-grade readers and older audiences as well. Reading Fibbed took me back to a simpler time of my own childhood when I constantly devoured stories and fables. Nana’s journey of confidence and growth is too rewarding to see throughout the plot. I loved to see Nana’s passion for telling stories but also showing people the truth and opening their eyes to things that can’t always be seen. She struggles with culture shock while living in Ghana but her experience overall opens up a deeper connection with her heritage and family.

I enjoyed how this novel showcases the beautiful art of storytelling and Ghanaian culture. Agyemang brings her own style to retelling some of the legendary Ananse tales. The illustrations were very vibrant and each picture brought the story to life. It gave depth to not only the setting but the characters too. I highly recommend this graphic novel!

Final Verdict: