Lagoon

by Nnedi Okorafor
Lagoon cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7790
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781481440882
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-02-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Lagoon,' a biologist, a famous rapper, and a rogue soldier find themselves thrust into the role of humanity's first point of contact with an alien ambassador. As they struggle to interpret and communicate with the extraterrestrial visitor, they must also grapple with the profound implications of this encounter on human society. The story weaves together elements of magical realism with the high tension of a thriller, exploring themes of identity, culture, and the unknown. /n/n The narrative delves into the complexities of human nature and the potential consequences of first contact, all while maintaining a fast-paced and engaging plot. The unique combination of characters and their diverse perspectives adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for those interested in both science fiction and literary fiction.

Reviews
DaveD Author · David Dubrow · 2017-01-03
engaging 4.00

The novel excels in its portrayal of life in Lagos, blending wealth and poverty in a vivid and authentic way. It is a story that challenges the typical alien arrival narrative.

The novel shines brightest in its depiction of life in Lagos, a place that mingles middle-class wealth with desperate poverty. This vivid and authentic portrayal of the city adds a layer of richness to the story. The novel challenges the typical alien arrival narrative, offering a fresh and unique perspective that keeps the reader engaged. The characters and their interactions are well-crafted, making the story both compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The novel shines brightest in its depiction of life in Lagos, a place that mingles middle-class wealth with desperate poverty.

    This vivid and authentic portrayal of the city adds a layer of richness to the story.

    The novel challenges the typical alien arrival narrative, offering a fresh and unique perspective that keeps the reader engaged.

Alive and Narrating · 2016-05-22
complex 4.00

The novel is a tapestry of multiple voices and perspectives, creating a complex and layered narrative. It is a story that invites the reader to explore the intricacies of human nature and the city of Lagos.

Lagoon is a novel of multiple voices and perspectives, multiple conflicting, opposing, and coalescing stories of what happened that night during the landing. This tapestry of narratives creates a complex and layered story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel invites the reader to explore the intricacies of human nature and the city of Lagos, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience. The characters and their interactions are well-crafted, making the story both compelling and memorable.

Quick quotes

    Lagoon is a novel of multiple voices and perspectives, multiple conflicting, opposing, and coalescing stories of what happened that night during the landing.

    This tapestry of narratives creates a complex and layered story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

    The novel invites the reader to explore the intricacies of human nature and the city of Lagos, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Books, Bones & Buffy · Tammy · 2015-07-06
thought-provoking 3.50

The book was an uncomfortable read at times, but it was a valuable experience. It offers a unique perspective on life in Lagos and the complexities of human nature.

This book was an uncomfortable story at times, but I'm so glad I had the chance to read it. Lagoon is set in the city of Lagos in Nigeria, and it delves into the lives of its characters in a way that is both raw and honest. The story is not always easy to read, but it is an important one that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of life in a bustling, diverse city. The multiple perspectives and voices in the novel add depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    This book was an uncomfortable story at times, but I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.

    Lagoon is set in the city of Lagos in Nigeria, and it delves into the lives of its characters in a way that is both raw and honest.

    The multiple perspectives and voices in the novel add depth and complexity to the narrative, making it a rich and rewarding read.

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