Reviews

Petals of Blood by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Moses Isegawa

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mrmysteryfox's review against another edition

3.0

I found this book a bit of a hard read; meandering through flashbacks which often felt a bit convoluted. Overall painted a strong picture of the effects of colonisation and also post-independence of Kenya from a peasants viewpoint. Would recommend his other book I have read, Wizard and Crow, over this.

ejmorris1's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

gmp's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

catriona90's review against another edition

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3.0

I struggled to get into or really follow this one although I can recognise it’s a great work of literature. I usually enjoy reading of different countries and cultures but found this hard work. That’s not to say it’s not good - just that ‘it wasn’t written for me’ as one reviewer really aptly wrote. A good challenge.

caitlin_89's review against another edition

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3.0

Dense, unpleasant, but very very good and interesting. (I can word. yay.)

jessby's review against another edition

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2.0

Set in Kenya in the mid 20th Century, this book is anchored around the murder investigation of three corrupt businessmen and the four key suspects, but goes back some years into the past to give context to the murder and the events leading up to it. Themes of national identity, colonisation, religion, power and corruption are clearly present. I wanted to enjoy this book but I didn't, and I'm finding it hard to articulate exactly why I didn't. The writing style seemed disjointed and I struggled to relate to any of the characters on any level. Finishing it felt like hard work that went unrewarded. I can understand that this is an important book for black Africans but I couldn't immerse myself in it. 2 stars.