This is one messed up book.
Yet, After the Rain based on the Nnedi Okorafor short story, is powerful and probably something we need to read. Violence, graphic image of torture and even rape imagery could be triggers. I would not recommend for under age 14 and I still think that might be too young. KNOW your reader. This is not for sensitive readers as even adults could be disturbed. And no, this should not be read at 11:30 at night because you couldn’t sleep if you want to not have creepy dreams (thankfully I was too tired to remember any, but trust me, I did wonder). When reading, you probably should not be rushed. The culture of our narrator comes to life (and death) in minimal text, minimal (but unique and frankly odd) characters and extremely busy illustrations. Do not rush when reading the images either. You should be comfortable and have a quiet (but not too quiet as you might spook yourself) spot to consume.
David Brame created illustrations that are their own entity. Not exactly their own character, but they are things you need to watch, even listen to. Images of death are every place. Obvious ones such as the child who’s tortured apart, and figuratively as the jungle hides skulls in their flowers and just out in the open, symbolic of what is happening and to come. They allow the world of Nigeria to come to life, even as it shows death, the scents, and the sounds surrounding everything.
I am not sure how John Jennings adapted the “On the Road” short story, but if it is anything like this violent, graphic incarnation, it is going to be a stomach turner.