The Icarus Girl

by Helen Oyeyemi
The Icarus Girl cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Magical Realism
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3044
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781408846384
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2013-05-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Icarus Girl is a haunting tale of an eight-year-old girl named Jessamy Harrison, who struggles with feelings of isolation as the mixed-race child of an English father and a Nigerian mother. Jessamy's vivid imagination and sensitive nature make her an outsider among her peers, and she often retreats to the comforting darkness of the airing cupboard. Her journey takes a turn when she visits her mother's family compound in Nigeria, where she meets Titiola, a ragged girl her own age. Initially, Jessamy believes she has found a kindred spirit, but TillyTilly's secrets and actions reveal a darker side, forcing Jessamy to question the true nature of her new friend./n/nThe novel explores themes of cultural identity, alienation, and the blurred boundaries between reality and folklore. Jessamy's experiences in Nigeria challenge her understanding of the world and herself, as she navigates the complexities of her dual heritage and the enigmatic presence of TillyTilly. The story is praised for its moving portrayal of alienation and its compelling blend of cultural differences and supernatural elements.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-16
blown away 4.50

The reviewer was blown away by the novel, particularly the author's ability to capture the emotions of a young girl.

This reviewer, reading their first Helen Oyeyemi book, was deeply impressed. They highlight the author's ability to capture the subtleties of emotions experienced by a young girl, making the story both relatable and compelling. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the narrative, which makes the novel a standout read.

Quick quotes

    This was my first Helen Oyeyemi book and I'm blown away.

    It was clear very early on that she had nailed the subtleties of emotions going through a young girl.

    The depth of the characters and the emotional resonance of the narrative make the novel a standout read.

I Would Rather Be Reading · 2022-07-31
thought-provoking 3.50

The novel is strange and surreal, with flaws but also highly thought-provoking. The reviewer found it to be a unique and engaging read.

The reviewer acknowledges that this novel has its flaws but still finds it to be a unique and engaging read. They highlight its strange and surreal nature, which makes it stand out. The thought-provoking elements keep the reader invested, despite any shortcomings. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which makes it a memorable experience.

Quick quotes

    While Oyeyemi's first novel has its share of flaws, I found The Icarus Girl to be a strange, surreal, and highly thought-provoking novel.

    The novel is a unique and engaging read, despite its flaws.

    The thought-provoking elements keep the reader invested.

The Guardian · Alison Smith · 2005-01-21
intriguing 4.00

The novel begins innocently but delves into deep themes of identity and duality. The reviewer appreciates the exploration of these themes.

The reviewer notes that the novel starts with a simple debate about identity but quickly evolves into a complex exploration of duality. They appreciate how the author handles these themes, making the story both intriguing and profound. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and thoughtfully crafted, highlighting the author's skill in weaving together different cultural perspectives.

Quick quotes

    The Icarus Girl, a debut novel completed when its author was still at school, begins innocently, with a childish debate about identity.

    The novel delves into deep themes of identity and duality.

    The author handles these themes with a skill that makes the story both intriguing and profound.

Appears in Lists