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aaravi's review
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
4.5
teresa_a's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
lexotan20's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.5
youpie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
lizbetweenthelines's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
katherineleo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
read for class. very funny. interesting to read about different stories of Ugandan immigration to England (especially Manchester). as someone who has lived in England, funny to see how the things I was used to are seen by new citizens. shone a light on the challenges and joys of immigration.
bookofcinz's review against another edition
5.0
How do I put into words how this collection of stories made me feel? This book absolutely stole my heart and its now one of my all time favourite books. WOW.
In Jennifer Makumbi’s collection of stories, Manchester Happened we meet Ugandans who journey to England, specifically Manchester to make a life for themselves. The collection is separated into two sections, the first journeys with those who decided to leave and the second section takes us on a trip back with the characters who decided to visit Uganda after spending a significant amount of time in the UK. While we all know that everyone’s immigration story is different, Jennifer Makumbi was able to give the readers a diverse and nuance look with these twelve stories.
Of twelve stories, my standouts where:
Our Allies the Colonies
Manchester Happened
Something Inside So Strong
Malik’s Door
My Brother, Bwemage
The Aftertaste of Success
Let’s Tell This Story Properly
Yes, yes, I know I basically listed out the entire table of contents but that is just how much I really enjoyed this collection. I really do enjoy stories that tells of the experience of those who leave their country, for whatever reason, to go a try and make a better life elsewhere. Makumbi treated their experience with compassion and vulnerability and that is why I felt so hard for this collection. Makumbi even included the point of view of a dog who got kidnapped from Uganda and was brought to Manchester- yes! That happened.
Themes of immigration, identity, racism, colonialism, colourism, fitting in, displacement, sadness, regret and shame are explored and done in a very layered way. I really appreciated that the author did not tell a one-dimensional story but something that really moved and stayed with you, after finishing the story. I particularly loved how realistic the depiction of the characters were.
Makumbi’s ability to write about how people perceive the UK and having that perception blown to pieces when they arrive really did it for me.
I honestly could go on and on about this collection, but I highly recommend you read it yourself. Trust me when I say, you will not be disappointed.
In Jennifer Makumbi’s collection of stories, Manchester Happened we meet Ugandans who journey to England, specifically Manchester to make a life for themselves. The collection is separated into two sections, the first journeys with those who decided to leave and the second section takes us on a trip back with the characters who decided to visit Uganda after spending a significant amount of time in the UK. While we all know that everyone’s immigration story is different, Jennifer Makumbi was able to give the readers a diverse and nuance look with these twelve stories.
Of twelve stories, my standouts where:
Our Allies the Colonies
Manchester Happened
Something Inside So Strong
Malik’s Door
My Brother, Bwemage
The Aftertaste of Success
Let’s Tell This Story Properly
Yes, yes, I know I basically listed out the entire table of contents but that is just how much I really enjoyed this collection. I really do enjoy stories that tells of the experience of those who leave their country, for whatever reason, to go a try and make a better life elsewhere. Makumbi treated their experience with compassion and vulnerability and that is why I felt so hard for this collection. Makumbi even included the point of view of a dog who got kidnapped from Uganda and was brought to Manchester- yes! That happened.
Themes of immigration, identity, racism, colonialism, colourism, fitting in, displacement, sadness, regret and shame are explored and done in a very layered way. I really appreciated that the author did not tell a one-dimensional story but something that really moved and stayed with you, after finishing the story. I particularly loved how realistic the depiction of the characters were.
Makumbi’s ability to write about how people perceive the UK and having that perception blown to pieces when they arrive really did it for me.
I honestly could go on and on about this collection, but I highly recommend you read it yourself. Trust me when I say, you will not be disappointed.
troyonyango's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely enjoyed reading this brilliant collection of short stories. I wrote a full review here: https://medium.com/@troyonyango/love-longing-and-heartbreak-in-manchester-f538cd3fbddc
readwithkapz's review against another edition
4.0
Really, really enjoyed reading this book. Fiction book written by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Consisting of twelve short stories, split into two sections:
The first section detailing the journeys of Ugandans who have departed to Manchester, England in search for a better life.
The second section detailing the journeys of Ugandans returning home to Uganda after living in the UK.
I’m not going to spoil the book or delve deeply into each story, but I really found it interesting how Makumbi explores the difficulties of immigration and how each experience comes with its own unique complexities.
Highly recommend this book. Beautifully written and provides an important insight into the migrant experience. Looking forward to reading other books written by Makambi.
Key Themes explored - racism, immigration, colourism, cultural traditions, addiction, domestic abuse, politics.
Consisting of twelve short stories, split into two sections:
The first section detailing the journeys of Ugandans who have departed to Manchester, England in search for a better life.
The second section detailing the journeys of Ugandans returning home to Uganda after living in the UK.
I’m not going to spoil the book or delve deeply into each story, but I really found it interesting how Makumbi explores the difficulties of immigration and how each experience comes with its own unique complexities.
Highly recommend this book. Beautifully written and provides an important insight into the migrant experience. Looking forward to reading other books written by Makambi.
Key Themes explored - racism, immigration, colourism, cultural traditions, addiction, domestic abuse, politics.
marireadstoomuch's review against another edition
5.0
A collection of stories about movement and belonging (or not belonging) between the two sites of Manchester and Uganda (with a focus on Kampala). I read this for my dissertation, but it is purely an enjoyable read as well. Makumbi captures so many distinct characters and stories.