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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
When I chose to read this I had already heard good things about this book. I haven’t read this type of fiction in a long time so I’m glad I gave this book a chance. It was interesting to read about a historical figure that I knew nothing about which was true for me in regard to Thomas Sankara. Keep in mind that this is fiction even though Sankara was real. I loved the way this book was written as if the main character, Marie was writing the story down for her sons to read one day. This was a wonderful way of adding an even more sentimental touch to an already personal story told by Marie. I think anyone interested in reading about an insider’s experience in intelligence agencies, spies, and the emotional turmoil of those involved, would enjoy reading this book.
This should probably be a two-star for “it was OK” but I’m a chronic over-rater. The premise was interesting, but I found myself very confused about everyone’s motivations. It all just felt on the surface to me. By far the most interesting part was the relationship between Marie and her sister, and we didn’t get nearly enough of that.
It was overall interesting but definitely dragged some and flips around a good bit.
I liked the concept of this one, but the execution fell a bit short. There are points where the action is engrossing, and then there are huge lulls where you are slogging through the book. I also struggled with the main character - some of her choices just really don't make sense in the context of the story. The story is intended to be a letter to the main characters two sons, but this aspect was not consistently executed throughout - you would suddenly come across a reference to them and it felt out of place. I read this as part of a buddy read, and I am curious to hear what others think of it!
I wanted to like it more than I did and was hoping that more of the book actually took place in Burkina Faso.
A perfectly fine spy novel, I guess. I don't read spy novels - this was recommended by the sort-of book club I'm sort-of in. I probably liked this better than I would enjoyed a more traditional (White) spy novel, but it didn't really suck me in, and I didn't feel like the stated purpose of the writing matched the style. The best part for me was the time spent in Burkina Faso and the discussion of the political theories and practices in Africa.
This review is probably most useful for folks who don't read spy novels and think this might transcend the genre. Other than the novelty (for spy novels) of the protagonist and location, I don't think it does.
This review is probably most useful for folks who don't read spy novels and think this might transcend the genre. Other than the novelty (for spy novels) of the protagonist and location, I don't think it does.
3.5 is more accurate. I really, really enjoyed this book, but - to borrow one of my BFFs terms - it sort of petered out. I was surprised by how abrupt the ending was. I appreciate the story of Marie and her complicated, but not broken or typical in any means, family. There were rich characters and backgrounds, and the way the author wrote about Africa was breathtaking.
Genuine question:
Genuine question:
Spoiler
did anyone else miss that her sons were twins? I did, so I was certain that Thomas Senkara was not actually dead for quite a while. Although this was my own doing, it was still a let down.
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A highly engaging spy novel with excellent characters that deals with imperialism, gender, race, and other issues with depth beyond what I’d usually expect from the genre.