In this edition of the book review, we spotlight How Beautiful We Were. This is a powerful novel by Cameroonian-American author Imbolo Mbue, published in 2021.
Set in the fictional African village of Kosawa, it tells the story of a community fighting against environmental destruction caused by an American oil company.
The novel traces decades of resistance, from peaceful petitions to more radical action, exploring themes of colonial exploitation, corporate greed, environmental justice, and the human cost of activism.
At its heart, it is a profound meditation on what communities lose—and what they risk—to stand up for their land, their children, and their future.
