The unusual color may be a unique characteristic of the type of plants (or algae) growing in the marshes, or it may be due to the mixed reflections from standing water (perhaps shallow or muddy), soggy ground, and different kinds of plants.

The New York Times had a more mixed reflection of the book, noting that "at times Adichie's writing is too straightforward, the novel's pace too slack" but also that "whenever she touches on her favorite themes - loyalty and betrayal - her prose thrums with life."