My Life As A Chameleon

My Life as a Chameleon is a powerful story of resilience and belonging, about family secrets and how they can destroy even the deepest bonds. It is about finding your place in the world and realizing you deserve to be there.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating and poignant portrayal, Suzi Feay, Financial Times

"Beautiful and immersive." I was utterly engrossed, Andreina Cordani

"Exceptional." A tale of empowerment, bravery, and courage, J P Rose

"Tender, melancholic, and effortless," Diana Anyakwo writes with a deceptively simple yet steady voice that immediately draws readers into Lily's rose-colored world. . . . A gorgeous tale that leaves you wanting to hug the protagonist and assure her of a lifetime of tender moments, Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström, international bestselling author of IN EVERY MIRROR SHE'S BLACK

Lily, a sixteen-year-old residing in Manchester, is about to embark on a journey back to her birthplace in Nigeria, marking the fifth anniversary of her father's passing. As the cold rain pours down the streets of Moss Side, she reflects on her young life, questioning how she arrived at this point.

In Lagos, as a young girl, Lily is the cherished baby of her large family. Born to a Nigerian father and Irish mother, she navigates a dual reality: one where moments of vibrant color and tenderness coexist alongside a subtle sense of danger lurking beneath the surface of her seemingly idyllic existence. This tension, unspoken and ever-present, imparts an early lesson to Lily: to blend in, to always play the right part.

However, the truth cannot remain concealed forever. The dynamics within Lagos and within her family reach a breaking point. As her city and family crumble into chaos, and at school, her skin color sets her apart from the crowd, Lily finds herself struggling to blend in. When her mother sends her away to school in England, Lily's sense of identity is further tested in painful ways.

My Life as a Chameleon is a powerful story of resilience. It explores the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals who straddle multiple worlds. Through Lily's journey, readers are invited to reflect on their own identities and the ways in which they navigate the complexities of the world around them.

This captivating tale is filled with vivid descriptions, rich cultural insights, and heartfelt moments of connection. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to transport readers to different worlds and perspectives. Whether you are drawn to the vivid streets of Lagos or the quiet beauty of England, My Life as a Chameleon will leave you with a lasting impression and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 242g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472156150