In Where Women Are Kings, British novelist Christie Watson (Tiny Sunbirds, Far Away) brings readers into an intense cross-cultural story of love, one that spans physical and emotional boundaries--to the detriment of a seven-year-old boy, Elijah. Born of Nigerian parents who live in England, Elijah has spent most of his life being shifted from one foster home to another. Based on things he remembers from his birth mother, he believes a wizard lives inside him and he must fight hard to keep that wizard contained; otherwise, he does terrible things.
When Elijah is placed with yet another family after an accidental kitchen fire at his previous home, his new foster parents, Nikki and Obi (a mixed-race couple), begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding Elijah. They discover his body is covered in scars and he has severe disruptive behaviors that cause Elijah to lash out when confronted with things that trigger hidden memories.
Written in revolving points of view, the reader slowly learns the truth about Elijah's terribly abusive childhood, and the feelings he holds deep inside regarding his new parents, grandfather, school friends and birth mother, Deborah. Watson's portrayal of these characters is forceful and potent as she slowly and with increasing intensity discloses the appalling truth of Elijah's past. The story is graphic in places and may make readers cringe, but the love that pervades the story is liberating; it's doubtful there will be many dry eyes by the end. --Lee E. Cart, freelance writer and book reviewer