Curandera

Nigerian British writer Okojie makes her U.S. debut with a bewitching if underdeveloped time-warping novel following contemporary Londoner Therese and 17th-century migrant Zulmira in Gethsemane, Cape Verde. Both women are followers of the shaman god Oni, who leaves gifts with her worshipers to indicate the offerings and sacrifices they’re meant to make in return. Among these gifts is a rib cage placed with Therese and her three male roommates, all of whom bear the birthmark on their neck that marks them as one of Oni’s disciples. This rib cage, which they name Ovida, contains berries that make the four roommates have visions of Zulmira, including her arrival in a new land after being forced to leave her baby. In Zulmira’s story line, she is taken in by a fisherman named Domingos, whose wife, Marguerite, and daughter, Sueli, veer into madness as Zulmira harnesses Oni’s energy in their presence. After Sueli makes a devastating sacrifice, the reader uncovers the girl’s link to Ovida. The ending, which is meant to connect the two threads, feels like an abrupt turn, but there are plenty of vivid images and stimulating narrative swerves along the way. Though it’s a mixed bag, it contains plenty of gems. Agent: Tucker Smith, Wylie Agency. (July)