Title: When the Games Froze
Author: A.M. Peabody
Publisher: 2020 Literary Group LLC
ISBN: 978-1964488011
Pages: 298
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Hollywood Book Reviews
There are many instances in life in which a person or society must decide the right balance between respecting each and every individual person’s culture and belief system, and taking steps to ensure a person’s own personal self-rights and safety. For most cultures, no matter how odd one person may consider another person’s beliefs, there is no safety risk which should prevent them from respecting one another’s cultures. However, there are some instances, even to this day, in which cultural belief leads to some dangerous and harmful behavior, and actions must be taken to ensure those who are forced into certain situations are protected.
In author A.M. Peabody’s When the Games Froze, this cultural clash is explored in great length. Roommates Nana, Shirley and Jean-Claude all share a place in the suburbs of Washington D.C., eager to pursue their dreams and leave behind the jobs they are forced to work. However, when a secret from one of their pasts is revealed, the friends find themselves on a dangerous path in the fight to protect young girls around the world. In the struggle to fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), the friends will find their world changing vastly, both personally and in the fight against this practice. Confronted with great losses, personal struggles, and an enemy intent on stopping them from dismantling this harmful practice, the friends will find their world changed forever.
The author did such an incredible job of crafting a narrative which will feel both personal and relatable to so many people. The detail which went into the character development of this narrative is incredible, as each of the protagonists feel fully realized and bring their own unique perspectives to the story. The use of dialogue including a good use of imagery between the cast of characters throughout a majority of the narrative, make it feel more cinematic in scope. Nana definitely became the heart of the story, as her bond with her friends and her struggles with her past allows readers to feel the emotional weight of her journey.
This is the perfect novel for those who enjoy fiction, especially those that rely greatly on dialogue to help further the narrative and dramas which hone in on cultural and political driven causes. The author’s ability to find that balance between the character development and the exploration of FGM really allows the readers to feel the personal yet profound nature of the narrative. The detail which went into the revelations behind FGM, and the immersive way the author brought readers into the struggle against this practice made me feel engaged with the characters and their hardships. Blend this with powerful themes of love and friendship, and readers will be hard pressed to put down this novel.