GOD OF MERCY

Narrator Nene Nwoko does an excellent job infusing this story with warmth and compassion. Ijemoa is a 9-year-old mute girl who can levitate--to the horror of her father and the awe of her Nigerian village. Then, Ijemoa starts to do acts of kindness that her fellow villagers find unusual. Fearing the wrath of the gods, her father turns her over to a Christian missionary organization led by Pastor Innocent. Believing that Ijemoa is a witch, Innocent cages and abuses her. Despite this, it is gratifying to see Ijemoa guard her kind heart. Listeners may want to familiarize themselves with Igbo mythology before listening to this book. Nwoko's Nigerian accent and the emotional range in her voice will help transport those who listen to this magical but tragic story. A.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2022]