Reviews

The Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange

flo1993's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

As a Kenyan reading this book reminded me of what we went through on December 2007.

blackfeatherhideout's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

A detailed and emotional account of the Kenyan elections of 2007, with characters whose stories carry the reader through the ups and down of that period in an engaging way. I appreciated that there was such a wide range of perspectives to view the story from. It made the narrative much richer. 

catsloverain's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, and Rape

efemoh's review against another edition

3.0

Rated: 3.5/5

I enjoyed reading the book but the ending had too many coincidences that I found rather far fetched.

Examples:
- Kavata meets Cheptoo
- Cheptoo's behaviour to Kavata
- Stranger dropping them straight home and waiting for all that exchange (Cheptoo does not go home as intended). Normally, you'll get dropped near the place and they drive on
Etc.

The writer also threw in so many themes at once that got me thinking - what's that for now?
Eg. Schola's rape was not a well developed plot.

Overall, I found the book intriguing and relatable. As a debut, Wanjiru did a good job. Keep writing!

mwakisha's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional fast-paced

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

3.75

wamboikay's review against another edition

5.0

Utterly heartbreaking. Kenyans sadly know that this isn’t entirely fiction. It's sad to go back to the events of the 2007-2008 post election violence, which is where the story takes us. Aside from the heaviness of it, the family's stories are impeccably woven together. This is one of those books you must simply make the time for! Page turner, deep and fast paced.

cgswan's review against another edition

challenging dark informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape, Violence, Police brutality, and Injury/Injury detail

jeankwemoi's review against another edition

dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

5.0

certified_book_lover's review against another edition

emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

sonea_moon's review against another edition

challenging dark informative reflective sad medium-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? Yes

4.75

Loved it, I think it's such an important book. I could imagine this as a movie! Might be a little hard to understand for readers who initially know nothing about kenyan ethnic groups and who don't know Kiswahili but I'd say it's definitely worth a try for everyone!