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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
Rounding up from 3.5 stars.
This is not my genre, so I'm not sure how it stacks up against the competition, but I found this narrator's p.o.v. really refreshing. I get the idea that there's this trope of a spy whose only allegiance is to their own self-interests, so the fact that Marie is, ultimately, motivated by love, feels different in a good way to me. I also like that Wilkinson exposes the misogyny/racism in all sorts of systems--police force, FBI, CIA. And finally, how many novels teach you about Burkina Faso? I love a novel that sends me to Wikipedia, as this one does.
However, the writing can be a little clumsy and occasionally too expository. Also, I don't know how or why she falls in love with Thomas--they barely spend any time together.
But I'm grateful that this novel took me to 2 places I will probably never travel, and that it exposed me to a piece of history that I would likely never know.
This is not my genre, so I'm not sure how it stacks up against the competition, but I found this narrator's p.o.v. really refreshing. I get the idea that there's this trope of a spy whose only allegiance is to their own self-interests, so the fact that Marie is, ultimately, motivated by love, feels different in a good way to me. I also like that Wilkinson exposes the misogyny/racism in all sorts of systems--police force, FBI, CIA. And finally, how many novels teach you about Burkina Faso? I love a novel that sends me to Wikipedia, as this one does.
However, the writing can be a little clumsy and occasionally too expository. Also, I don't know how or why she falls in love with Thomas--they barely spend any time together.
But I'm grateful that this novel took me to 2 places I will probably never travel, and that it exposed me to a piece of history that I would likely never know.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book had so much potential but ultimately fell flat for me. It could have been great with commentary a Black woman who is mistreated just because of her gender and race. However, this novel is labelled as a thriller and it was not thrilling at all. It felt like we were constantly getting told things about the characters and their emotions but, I never actually felt that through the actions. It felt oddly emotional less to say some of the themes that are covered within this book.
I read another review below that said that this book should be categorised differently, maybe as historical fiction. And I really agree with that. But then again, there were problems with the historical bits failing to be properly explained. Maybe if you have better knowledge of American history than me, you would understand what was going on more but I’m afraid I just didn’t fully understand what was going on for the majority.
I read another review below that said that this book should be categorised differently, maybe as historical fiction. And I really agree with that. But then again, there were problems with the historical bits failing to be properly explained. Maybe if you have better knowledge of American history than me, you would understand what was going on more but I’m afraid I just didn’t fully understand what was going on for the majority.
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Didn't love this book. It was hard to follow and there were a lot of questions after the book was finished.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
3.5 rounded up to a 4, because of its unique premise and voice. However, the narrative floundered a bit, despite interesting characters (who I would have liked to understand even better). The author did touch on some fascinating dynamics around race, gender, and class, from a somewhat unexpected perspective. I’ll definitely read a second book by Wilkinson when it comes out!
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting fictional back story to the plot against Thomas Sankara
Loved the pace, premise, and evolution of the protagonist’s relationship to her self.