lil_owl_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This very well might be the best book I’ve ever read. I flew through it. It was long and it was hard and I devoured it. As a child of missionaries to Africa myself, this book hit too close to home (though I’m very grateful to have a family who is nothing like the Prices). So much love is poured into this book, in how it reflects Africa and the rise and fall of nations and the history of a continent thoroughly fucked over by white men’s greed. 10/10, I can’t wait until I read it again
orygunn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not religious, so perhaps some of the religion based nuances were lost on me. I was reading for a story, and I really enjoyed the development and contrast right up until the time Orleanna walks away. After that, it just didn't feel cohesive. Perhaps the underlying message is how each had their own personality, and their time of the continent guided them further down those paths, but the last portion felt rushed.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
At the end of 2020, I think this is the third or fourth time I've read this. It's a powerful, moving book and I enjoyed the alternating points of view between the mother and the four daughters. The Price family goes on a mission trip to what is still known as the Belgian Congo in 1960. It's only supposed to be for a year, but current events, including independence and revolution, impact their plans. The family dynamics are terrible and fascinating; the relationship of the Price family with their village in the Congo is terrible and fascinating; the larger story of colonialism and post-colonial history in Africa is terrible and fascinating. The stories are wound together beautifully.
afutt92's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books that I have ever read. Haunting, beautiful, and meaningful.
taylory's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
littlesparrowreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is possibly the most evocative, lyrical and well crafted books I have ever read. I have never visited central Africa, but the rich and vivid writing transports you to that time and place. I didn't think I'd be able to keep up with five narrators, but each was interesting and valuable. I've learnt so much about the civil war and religious turbulence of this time period, let alone the concepts of missionaries, faith, rural communities, domestic life, growing up, disability and colonialism that this book explores. Just brilliant.
danicalaguna's review against another edition
The content was too much for me. I was newly postpartum and could not emotionally carry the story.
emilybriano's review against another edition
5.0
It took me three tries but the audiobook finally did the trick. What a powerful and beautiful story.
oneoftheaudience's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0