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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The Stone Virgins is a slim book that demands the reader’s attention. It’s a slow, challenging, yet very worthwhile read set against the backdrop of Zimbabwe’s civil war following independence. Vera’s writing was stunning, lush and poetic. One moment she was giving the reader very panoramic and cinematic descriptions of a place; the next she was narrowing in and drilling down on some horrific violence and trauma. In some ways I found the book slippery and elusive, with switches in time and of perspective not being well-signalled. It was a story that focused on tone, atmosphere and emotion. The feelings are often clearer than the details and physical reality, which rings true given the chaos and trauma of many of the events depicted. However, the message of the book was anything but slippery - the horrific impact of war, particularly on women. The novel centres on two sisters, Thenjiwe and Nonceba, but also highlights how the fighting impacted soldiers who committed atrocities, the land and rural communities. The perspective of Sibaso was well done, explaining and providing context, but never excusing his actions. At times this was a very brutal read, so I was relieved that the ending offered a glimmer of hope that survivors like Nonceba and, by extension, the country as a whole, can recover from the trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Violence, and War
edulaia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Violence
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