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janiswong's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A wonderful short read that encapsulates some of the modern but longstanding challenges in British society. Topics such as colonialism, race, building community, and fostering creative thought are presented simply, with plenty of space intended for readers to ponder.
muga's review against another edition
4.0
I'm being destroyed by too many books, too many ideas ,too many prophecies, too many philosophies, too many discoveries, too many geniuses, too many broken titans and towering charlatans...
I have to admit Ben Okri's writing style is absolutely phenomenal and this collection of essays does not disappoint. Ben Okri invites us to think for ourselves especially in this age where we are bombarded by information and ideologies from different parts of the world and especially for us African people I think its important to re evaluate our values and Ben Okri ask of us not to forget our ancestors and that which they fought for.
Saying that I always have reservations about comparing Africans with western peoples especially their colonizers in terms of progress and political thought and art, so the references to western philosophers, artists and writers people didn't interest me at all. But lovely all the same.
I have to admit Ben Okri's writing style is absolutely phenomenal and this collection of essays does not disappoint. Ben Okri invites us to think for ourselves especially in this age where we are bombarded by information and ideologies from different parts of the world and especially for us African people I think its important to re evaluate our values and Ben Okri ask of us not to forget our ancestors and that which they fought for.
Saying that I always have reservations about comparing Africans with western peoples especially their colonizers in terms of progress and political thought and art, so the references to western philosophers, artists and writers people didn't interest me at all. But lovely all the same.
thebookmenagerie's review against another edition
5.0
'We are still primitives in the art of being human.'- Okri
sonaksha's review
4.0
My edition is filled with numerous bookmarks because there’s so much to love and remember. A collection of essays, poetry and prose about art, writing, reading and everything in between, basically as silly as it might sound, about life. I’m definitely going to come back to this one, again and again.
I also have to mention, I might never have read this or come across this if not for the fabulous book cover by Two Associates at the bookstore. Spotted a friend looking at it and fell in love. Thank you to her as she let me take this one.
Definitely keeping this edition on my table for a long time as a reminder of beautiful design and Ben Okri’s magical words. Also super excited to scout for other work by Okri.
I also have to mention, I might never have read this or come across this if not for the fabulous book cover by Two Associates at the bookstore. Spotted a friend looking at it and fell in love. Thank you to her as she let me take this one.
Definitely keeping this edition on my table for a long time as a reminder of beautiful design and Ben Okri’s magical words. Also super excited to scout for other work by Okri.
corvinus's review
5.0
Now with lovely highlights. I highlighted all the lovely phrases and aphorisms. His thoughts created a lot of debate between my friends and I, about creative spaces and dialogue in our country. Speculation about the African situation, suggestions on how it can be solved. I recommend this book to any Okri fan. I enjoyed it very much, it is a book that I will be reading over and over again. Superbly written and a joy to read.