Reviews

Himmel und Hölle by Malorie Blackman

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thomasgammon's review against another edition

emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

The premise of this novel is frankly incredible, making white people the oppressed race, the reason given for the suppression of white people over black people is also genius. The novel also explores this race swapped reality very well and very broadly. The effects of racism and segregation and presented quite didactically and I can understand the lack of subtlety given the book in intended for young adults and to exemplify to white people how prevalent and clear racism is to those that have to suffer it, that being said, I think it would be worth showing more examples of subtler racism (which perhaps is dealt with in the sequels) that would translate more plainly to the modern reader, you don't need 1950's style segregation for racism to still be prevalent. The main draw back for me I think come from the intended audience, the novel feels very very young to me, I find the prose plain, the dialogue simple and without nuance for both the children and the adults, I don't think the repeated swings from completely opposed emotions are presented very believable or with enough room between the emotions to be believable and as the novel enters its final leg the relationship between the protagonists starts to feel unfounded and forced. Ultimately Malorie Blackman its unflinching in its exploration of the effects of segregation on the micro and macro level and a applauded presenting this to young adults in this way and helping to foster an emotional understanding rather than just an academic one but I fear I've aged out of finding the reading itself particularly fulfilling despite finding the narrative quite compelling.