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bgw's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ireadtherefore_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Racism, and Homophobia
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
This novel, set right as apartheid was abolished in South Africa, felt like a great follow up to Long Walk to Freedom. It felt like the people's version of the rest of the story. I loved that the author gave us a strongly developed character of color while keeping her storyline in third person so it doesn't feel like speaking on her behalf.
kirstenbeyondthebookends's review against another edition
5.0
Can I please give this book 6 stars? Forget the sophomore slum, If You Want to Make God Laugh is a truly spectacular follow-up to Bianca Marais’s first novel, Hum If You Don’t Know the Words.
Marais’ emotional depiction of South Africa during the late ‘90s results in a stunning novel with depth. She covers racism, homophobia, the AIDS epidemic, and corruption in church, with eye-opening frankness and heart. Her characters take root in your mind from the first page. I found myself laughing, cheering, and crying along with their story. The ending left me absolutely shattered as I read through tears. Yet somehow, through the many difficult topics, Marais manages to weave a story filled with love and hope.
The writing is prosaic. I found myself re-reading certain lines to chew on the kernels of truth so eloquently written. Every word, every sentence, has meaning to the story.
I also loved that references back to HUM. It’s not necessary to read HUM first, but you’ll understand a bit more of a few characters if you do.
I can’t say I’m surprised that Marais wrote such a stunning novel. I look forward to reading whatever she writes in the future.
Marais’ emotional depiction of South Africa during the late ‘90s results in a stunning novel with depth. She covers racism, homophobia, the AIDS epidemic, and corruption in church, with eye-opening frankness and heart. Her characters take root in your mind from the first page. I found myself laughing, cheering, and crying along with their story. The ending left me absolutely shattered as I read through tears. Yet somehow, through the many difficult topics, Marais manages to weave a story filled with love and hope.
The writing is prosaic. I found myself re-reading certain lines to chew on the kernels of truth so eloquently written. Every word, every sentence, has meaning to the story.
I also loved that references back to HUM. It’s not necessary to read HUM first, but you’ll understand a bit more of a few characters if you do.
I can’t say I’m surprised that Marais wrote such a stunning novel. I look forward to reading whatever she writes in the future.
jackie_beyondthebookends's review against another edition
5.0
I am a huge fan of Bianca Marais after reading her first book Hum if You Don’t Know the Words. So, I had very high hopes for this book. I was not disappointed at all! Ms Marais has done it again with If You Want to Make God Laugh. I absolutely loved it. This beautiful and poignant book follows three woman in South Africa in the 90s. I loved the three distinct voices of these strong women. I never had to look back to see whose perspective I was reading. The characters propel the story with their growth and while the story deals with heavy subject matter, I never felt weighted down by it. The writing is gorgeous but I never felt it was too much. Ms. Marais is able to capture lessons of life and express them in such a captivatingly succinct way. I cannot wait for the release-I will be buying copies to give to everyone I know!
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
5.0
Read this for my online book club and it blew me away. Will stay with me for a very long time.
rosetokar's review against another edition
2.5
Interesting storyline and quick read, however, this books tries to discuss/critic "white saviorism", yet ends the book with the message that white saviorism is actually good in this scenario? A lot of the political commentary (on post apartheid South Africa) this book tries to make was very superficial.
stephanieclaire's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
If You Want To Make God Laugh is the story of 3 women living in South Africa in the 1990s. Zodwa is a pregnant 17 year old living in a squatter camp. Ruth is a wealthy former star who is willing to create some drama. Delilah is a former nun volunteering at an orphanage. Read this book to learn how these women come together and the story that unites them all.
I loved Hum if You Don’t Know the Words so was looking forward to reading this one. Within a few pages I was reminded of how much I love Bianca Marais’s writing. I felt so drawn in to the story of these women. A lot of heavy topics are addressed - but I think all are handled respectfully and in a way that makes sense for their story. And I loved the glimpses of characters from HUM. With this, Marais has cemented herself as an auto buy author for me - I can’t wait to see what’s next!
CW: sexual assault
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy. Available now.
I loved Hum if You Don’t Know the Words so was looking forward to reading this one. Within a few pages I was reminded of how much I love Bianca Marais’s writing. I felt so drawn in to the story of these women. A lot of heavy topics are addressed - but I think all are handled respectfully and in a way that makes sense for their story. And I loved the glimpses of characters from HUM. With this, Marais has cemented herself as an auto buy author for me - I can’t wait to see what’s next!
CW: sexual assault
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy. Available now.
livslittlelibrary's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0