How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue is a powerful novel set in a fictional African village struggling against the devastating effects of environmental destruction caused by an American oil company. Through the eyes of the villagers, especially a young girl who grows into a courageous leader, the story explores themes of injustice, corporate greed, and resilience. Imbolo Mbue portrays the human cost of exploitation while capturing the spirit of resistance that arises in the face of oppression.

In How Beautiful We Were, Imbolo Mbue weaves a moving narrative that highlights the clash between tradition, community, and the global forces of capitalism. The novel shows how generations of villagers fight to reclaim their land, health, and dignity, even when the odds are against them. With vivid storytelling, Imbolo Mbue delivers both a critique of power and a tribute to the strength of ordinary people¹.