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dioneira's review against another edition
4.0
Eine ganz wundervolle Geschichte über das Kennenlernen ganz unterschiedlicher Menschen und neue Freundschaften. An einem einzigen Nachmittag/Abend durchgesuchtet.
manaledi's review against another edition
5.0
Morayo is such a great character. And the depth of all the supporting characters in so little space. I wish this book were longer.
bookedupandbusy's review against another edition
3.0
3.75
This novella is a short and fun story about Morayo Da Silva, a 75 year old Nigerian woman living in San Fransisco.
Morayo is the oldest protagonist I have read in fiction and I absolutely loved her. She is feisty and independent and knows how to hold her own. We learn about her youth and how she navigated love, relationships and friendships. One day she has a fall and ends up in assisted living. I found her friends and love interests very engaging and would have loved more chapters with their points on view.
The author tackled the theme of ageing, dementia and independence in a brilliant way. Even though Morayo was becoming weaker, there was so much strength and inspiration in her life stories.
Morayo’s love for books was beautiful! I understood how she felt towards those who did not protect and have a care for her books. I also loved the references of African culture, literature and art and Morayo’s love for Nigeria.
I am unsure of the relevance of the title of the book, however I found out that the title is the last line of a poem called ‘Donkey On’ by Mary Ruefle. I think the author could have written a full novel on this protagonist.
This novella is a short and fun story about Morayo Da Silva, a 75 year old Nigerian woman living in San Fransisco.
Morayo is the oldest protagonist I have read in fiction and I absolutely loved her. She is feisty and independent and knows how to hold her own. We learn about her youth and how she navigated love, relationships and friendships. One day she has a fall and ends up in assisted living. I found her friends and love interests very engaging and would have loved more chapters with their points on view.
The author tackled the theme of ageing, dementia and independence in a brilliant way. Even though Morayo was becoming weaker, there was so much strength and inspiration in her life stories.
Morayo’s love for books was beautiful! I understood how she felt towards those who did not protect and have a care for her books. I also loved the references of African culture, literature and art and Morayo’s love for Nigeria.
I am unsure of the relevance of the title of the book, however I found out that the title is the last line of a poem called ‘Donkey On’ by Mary Ruefle. I think the author could have written a full novel on this protagonist.
jayisreading's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
A very light read, there isn't too much that happens in this short book, but you'll feel a warmth blossom in you as you read. The protagonist, Dr. Morayo, is a bit of an eccentric elderly woman living in San Francisco. And… that's kind of it; you just follow her through her day-to-day life and occasional flashbacks to the past. All-in-all, though, there's such an earnest way she goes about living that was captured beautifully by Manyika. It was a kind and gentle read that was more of a character study than anything, but one that I appreciated.
As always, the issue with novellas is that in many cases, I just wish it could be developed into something lengthier. I'm on the fence for this novella, which I think served its purpose in its brevity, but I was fond of the characters and wanted to get to know them more that resulted in me selfishly wanting more.
If you're looking for something that is lighthearted, overall, this one is worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual violence
amanda_nyanhongo's review against another edition
2.0
This book is poorly written in my opinion. It takes forever to get to the crux of this story, it has so much potential and wonderful use of language. But it desperately falls short.
Recommended for a light read but if looking for a good book,kindly move past this one.
Recommended for a light read but if looking for a good book,kindly move past this one.
katie_greenwinginmymouth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
miszjeanie's review against another edition
4.0
The story of a full existence. I didn't want it to end.
jeanclaire's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
saaaam_j's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75