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belligerent_becky's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
slavicreader's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a random find - something my library app recommend for me which sounded intriguing.
This is one of those books that leaves you wondering what you've just read. Because I'm not too sure. Some of the concepts were really good and resonated with me, others not too much. There's a LOT to unpack. Sadly I think a good chunk ended up going over my head.
It's a strange read that will give you a lot to mull over and digest.
This is one of those books that leaves you wondering what you've just read. Because I'm not too sure. Some of the concepts were really good and resonated with me, others not too much. There's a LOT to unpack. Sadly I think a good chunk ended up going over my head.
It's a strange read that will give you a lot to mull over and digest.
sergiosc's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
coriowa's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
emmaraeempowered's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
5.0
I'm obsessed with Ben Okri's writing oh my gosh!!
This book was incredible! I am so happy I finally picked this up! I knew by the first few pages that this was going to be one of my favorite books. Its one of those reads where every sentence is so beautifully constructed that I wanted to highlight every inch of it.
"Only then can we find what we didn't seek and go where we don't intend to go." as advised on the first page I read this slowly, I took my time with each chapter but I eagerly turned the pages for more. Much of this story I felt related to the Ancestors, the ones who were thrown or jumped into the ocean, water spirits still reaching out to us. Some parts I immediately felt connected by thinking of my Ancestors whose names and stories I don't know. They are invisible , but I still know they are there.
Then other parts of this I felt a strong connection to just based on how this year personally has been for me. I have grown a lot and healed through a lot and I felt some parts of my journey related to scenes in this book. I've been seeking a lot out of my life but there has been a lot more that has just happened to me without me asking, praying, or meditating. And there's been a lot that I had to learn on my own, some things cannot be taught. It's been tough, joyous, sad, and beautiful.
This is a book I will reread every year with a new aspect jumping out at me each time. A new connection to find me, a new journey to go on. It's a copy that will be marked up and annotated many many times. And a book I will always recommend. Ben Okri is incredible!
This book was incredible! I am so happy I finally picked this up! I knew by the first few pages that this was going to be one of my favorite books. Its one of those reads where every sentence is so beautifully constructed that I wanted to highlight every inch of it.
"Only then can we find what we didn't seek and go where we don't intend to go." as advised on the first page I read this slowly, I took my time with each chapter but I eagerly turned the pages for more. Much of this story I felt related to the Ancestors, the ones who were thrown or jumped into the ocean, water spirits still reaching out to us. Some parts I immediately felt connected by thinking of my Ancestors whose names and stories I don't know. They are invisible , but I still know they are there.
Then other parts of this I felt a strong connection to just based on how this year personally has been for me. I have grown a lot and healed through a lot and I felt some parts of my journey related to scenes in this book. I've been seeking a lot out of my life but there has been a lot more that has just happened to me without me asking, praying, or meditating. And there's been a lot that I had to learn on my own, some things cannot be taught. It's been tough, joyous, sad, and beautiful.
This is a book I will reread every year with a new aspect jumping out at me each time. A new connection to find me, a new journey to go on. It's a copy that will be marked up and annotated many many times. And a book I will always recommend. Ben Okri is incredible!
thomasdj's review
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
yikesnation's review against another edition
This book has more an air of a feeling rather than one of a lesson. It doesn’t feel like it should be rated, but that’s kind of the point. I think this is something I will sit and reflect on for a while and will pick up again in time. I liked the chance to read every word.
dajna's review
3.0
I needed to read a Nigerian author for a challenge, and I needed a short book to complete the task in the allotted amount of time, so I choosed Ben Okri's Astonishing the Gods.
I regret so much I had to rush throught it. Althougt short and, apparently, a sort of fairy tale, I feel like every word is there for a reason. Okri gives us his utopia, as many philosophers has done before.
I regret so much I had to rush throught it. Althougt short and, apparently, a sort of fairy tale, I feel like every word is there for a reason. Okri gives us his utopia, as many philosophers has done before.