An American Mom in Asia

This book was a surprise on multiple levels for me. I admittedly did not know much about Angola before reading The Book of Chameleons by José Eduardo Agualusa, and thankfully I know more about the country afterwards. For example, I was intrigued to learn about the strong Portuguese culture and language prevalent in this sub-Saharan nation. My favorite novels are those where I walk away surprised or having learned something new. Now onto the novel….

The Book of Chameleons is narrated by well, a chameleon. He wasn’t always a chameleon however. In a past life, he was human, but now lives out his afterlife as a chameleon. Intriguing already, right? Our chameleon narrator lives in the home of one man, Felix, who we grow to learn more about through overhead conversations and vivid dreams. I think this book may actually be considered “magical realism” because there is definitely some unusual elements to the story. I greatly enjoyed this book and I’m so glad it was my pick for Angola!

⭐️ My rating: 4.5 stars of 5