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msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
This was wonderful. It was the kind of book that has you thinking about the characters long after the last page. They were even caught up in my dreams.
I loved the setting both in time and place. It was an interesting glimpse into South Africa immediately after apartheid fell. The three differing story lines were a bit confusing to start but that quickly settled as we get to know the characters. I loved the glimpses we get into the characters motivations and the grace and kindness with which each were drawn.
I loved the setting both in time and place. It was an interesting glimpse into South Africa immediately after apartheid fell. The three differing story lines were a bit confusing to start but that quickly settled as we get to know the characters. I loved the glimpses we get into the characters motivations and the grace and kindness with which each were drawn.
pamiverson's review against another edition
5.0
My heart hurt reading this book -- South Africa 20 years before I was there, a time of hopefulness as the first free elections took place and people were beginning to reach out across the color lines, but the sorrow of the AIDS epidemic out of control and the hate of those who tried to sustain apartheid. So many cultural touchpoints -- Zulus in townships, Afrikaners on farms, those in Cape Town so removed from what was happening in the rest of the country. The past is never really past.
alifromkc1907's review against another edition
4.0
Gut Instinct Rating: 4
Characters: 4.75
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 4
Excitement Factor: 3.5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 3
Audiobook Narration: 4.5
Overall: 4.38
Characters: 4.75
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 4
Excitement Factor: 3.5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 3
Audiobook Narration: 4.5
Overall: 4.38
txavocado's review against another edition
5.0
This novel explores privilege, injustice, racism, stigma, trauma and loss against the backdrop of post-apartheid South Africa, in the middle of the AIDS crisis. The author’s true gift is that these heady themes are approached in a way that is delightful and illuminating and ultimately quite moving.
clarrro's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 This book improved for me as it went along and I was pulled into the story. I was not a fan of the multiple and switching povs, not sure that was necessary. But I enjoyed it.
mlfarrell's review against another edition
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
4.5
mattperry25's review against another edition
4.0
Great story of what South African women, and women in general, too often have to go through. Plot is a bit predictable at times, but the characters are excellent.
mamadimo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0