This was a really interesting and unexpected first glimpse. The story telling is so strong you immediately want to form an emotional connection to the main protagonist as she describes the hardships of living with her eccentric mother, Annalisa. Amandla is a girl at odds with herself and how she fits into her community. She describes herself and her mother as anti-ubuntu not just because she is hesitant to lean on her neighbors for any form of support, but also because she knows little of her own family history. While I was busy assuming we would be exploring who Amandla’s father could be, I was happily blindsided by what family she instead discovers. It rare that a book is able to successfully introduce a truly surprising twist so early in its progression. I think this speaks volumes of how captivating a world the author has created that I have eagerly slipped into this protagonist's journey.