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The Icarus Girl

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Helen Oyeyemi

The Icarus Girl

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria And England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi, eight-year-old Jessamy Harrison, the daughter of an English father and a Nigerian mother, travels with her parents to Nigeria, where she meets TillyTilly, a mysterious girl who leads her into increasingly troublesome and supernatural situations, further complicating Jess's struggles with social integration, family secrets, and her sense of identity. Child illness, mental health struggles, and a serious injury during a sleepover feature prominently.

Mysterious

Unnerving

Dark

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

5,601 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Helen Oyeyemi’s The Icarus Girl is lauded for its exploration of cultural identity and psychological depth. Reviewers appreciate Oyeyemi’s lyrical prose and vivid imagination, though some find the novel’s pacing uneven and its themes complex. Overall, it’s praised for originality and emotional resonance, offering a compelling, if occasionally challenging, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Icarus Girl?

A reader who would enjoy The Icarus Girl by Helen Oyeyemi is likely captivated by psychological thrillers and literary fiction that delve into themes of identity, cultural conflict, and the supernatural. Fans of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and Beloved by Toni Morrison may find this novel compelling.

4.0

5,601 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Jessamy Harrison

A smart but introverted eight-year-old girl who lives in England and has a complex cultural background, being both English and Nigerian. She often struggles to make friends and experiences unexplained changes in behavior after a trip to Nigeria.

A mysterious Nigerian girl around Jess's age who only Jess can see and interact with, leading to adventures that blur the lines between imagination and reality. Her true nature and connection to Jess remain ambiguous.

Jess's mother, who was born in Nigeria and moved to England. She has a sometimes strained relationship with Jess, influenced by her own upbringing and cultural heritage.

Jess's father, an Englishman who tends to be calmer and more patient compared to Jess's mother. He attempts to maintain a more open communication style with Jess.

Dr. McKenzie’s daughter and Jess's friend, known for her talkative and lively nature, which contrasts with Jess's reserved demeanor. Despite initial belief in Jess's stories, she becomes wary of TillyTilly.

A psychologist who provides a supportive environment for Jess to share her thoughts but grows concerned about her mental health as her behavior changes.

Jess's grandfather in Nigeria, deeply rooted in both Christian and traditional Nigerian beliefs. He forms a close bond with Jess during her visit to Nigeria.

A classmate of Jess's who is part of the popular crowd and occasionally bullies Jess. They have a complex relationship fraught with tension.

Jess's cousin on her father’s side, who often seeks attention from adults and considers Jess to be odd. Their interactions are marked by mutual annoyance.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Nigeria And England • Contemporary

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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