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laurareads87's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Good Morning Comrades follows narrator Ndalu, a young boy, and his friends in Luanda, Angola in 1990. The diverse group of kids are taught by predominantly Cuban teachers, as Cuba is supporting Angola's MPLA government following the end of Portuguese colonial rule. The afterword to the novel describes the story as set in "the world of a besieged Marxist regime whose physical integrity has been secured by the Cuban military in a war which, in spite of being geocraphically distant, remains present in the young people's imaginations."
I came across <i>Good Morning Comrades</i> on a list of recommended books and I'm glad that I picked it up. Ondjaki has captured the voices and thoughts of young protagonist Ndalu wonderfully. The tone of the novel oscillates between hilarious and horrifying as Ndalu is simultaneously concerned with playing with classmates, his studies, and getting extra chocolates and the possibility his school will be attacked by violent, armed intruders amidst the protracted conflict.
I would recommend reading the afterword before the novel for anyone who is totally unfamiliar with this period of Angolan history -- there is a lot of context to be aware of here, and the afterword fills a lot of that in; there is also a short 'Further Reading' section toward the end including some historical texts as well as another novel by Ondjaki.
I came across <i>Good Morning Comrades</i> on a list of recommended books and I'm glad that I picked it up. Ondjaki has captured the voices and thoughts of young protagonist Ndalu wonderfully. The tone of the novel oscillates between hilarious and horrifying as Ndalu is simultaneously concerned with playing with classmates, his studies, and getting extra chocolates and the possibility his school will be attacked by violent, armed intruders amidst the protracted conflict.
I would recommend reading the afterword before the novel for anyone who is totally unfamiliar with this period of Angolan history -- there is a lot of context to be aware of here, and the afterword fills a lot of that in; there is also a short 'Further Reading' section toward the end including some historical texts as well as another novel by Ondjaki.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault, War, and Rape
soficious's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
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