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rayofhope's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was absolutely enamored by this book. I don't know if I'm going to be able to adequately express my feelings about it.
I think it's important to acknowledge that this is the kind of book that feels "important." It's telling stories of marginalized people, set during a part of history that doesn't often get taught in-depth in the United States. I'm certain many beautiful and engaging essays could, and will, be written about it.
And also, the characters just kick ass!
I fell in love with Gbessa, Norman, and June-Dey as soon as they were introduced. Each of them had such unique backgrounds and upbringings from each other, and the way they fell into each other's lives and fought against oppressive forces was so wonderful to watch. I don't often imagine things when I read, but the scenes of Norman and June-Dey fighting to protect people were vivid and epic action scenes in my mind. These three felt like superheroes, and I have an urge to draw them in formation as if they were on the cover of a comic book.
I enjoyed the way the book was formatted, with their three stories happening in separate countries, seemingly so unrelated, but tied together by the voice of the wind, June-Dey's mother. I also appreciated the nuanced way everything was handled: the formation of Liberia and the conflict with the indigenous peoples and everything. The way it's clear that the Black Americans needed to escape America, and also the ways in which they brought the oppressive society with them. The joy that Gbessa found when she was taken in by Liberians, and also the sorrow she feels for changing. It touched on a lot of very difficult and human themes. Every decision made was understandable. And every decision had consequences.
I would recommend this book to truly anybody. It's exciting, it's magical, it's terrifying, it's complex.
I think it's important to acknowledge that this is the kind of book that feels "important." It's telling stories of marginalized people, set during a part of history that doesn't often get taught in-depth in the United States. I'm certain many beautiful and engaging essays could, and will, be written about it.
And also, the characters just kick ass!
I fell in love with Gbessa, Norman, and June-Dey as soon as they were introduced. Each of them had such unique backgrounds and upbringings from each other, and the way they fell into each other's lives and fought against oppressive forces was so wonderful to watch. I don't often imagine things when I read, but the scenes of Norman and June-Dey fighting to protect people were vivid and epic action scenes in my mind. These three felt like superheroes, and I have an urge to draw them in formation as if they were on the cover of a comic book.
I enjoyed the way the book was formatted, with their three stories happening in separate countries, seemingly so unrelated, but tied together by the voice of the wind, June-Dey's mother. I also appreciated the nuanced way everything was handled: the formation of Liberia and the conflict with the indigenous peoples and everything. The way it's clear that the Black Americans needed to escape America, and also the ways in which they brought the oppressive society with them. The joy that Gbessa found when she was taken in by Liberians, and also the sorrow she feels for changing. It touched on a lot of very difficult and human themes. Every decision made was understandable. And every decision had consequences.
I would recommend this book to truly anybody. It's exciting, it's magical, it's terrifying, it's complex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault
tatyanavogt's review against another edition
2.0
First off, I am not a literary fiction girly so please take my review with a grain of salt, I know other people love this book and its worth checking out. For me it was hard to connect and I was frustrated that a book called "she would be king" focused so much on these male offsprings. (I should also mention that i read this months ago so I dont remember everything that happend but this is what stuck with me).
I Kinda remember a magical element which I think was a cool Idea but didn't feel like it fit. Admittedly I could be making this up. Long story short I didn't love it and I am pretty sad about that.
I Kinda remember a magical element which I think was a cool Idea but didn't feel like it fit. Admittedly I could be making this up. Long story short I didn't love it and I am pretty sad about that.
edshara's review
3.0
If I’m honest, I didn’t think I’d make it to the end of this one. In the early chapters I had to keep referring to the synopsis because I felt like I had no clue what was going on or how things were supposed to connect. After settling in, I was able to connect to the characters, in certain aspects, and found some parts moving and engaging.
Overall though I felt their were portions of the plot that were vague, while others were so descriptive. Areas I wish the author would have expanded on were quickly glossed over. The characters were interesting and I’m glad we got to know so much about them, before their stories merged. However, it seemed their stories were stronger separately than together, which was the main premise. In the end, despite the rocky start, this ended up being a solid read. I’d recommend giving it a read, just take your time with it.
Overall though I felt their were portions of the plot that were vague, while others were so descriptive. Areas I wish the author would have expanded on were quickly glossed over. The characters were interesting and I’m glad we got to know so much about them, before their stories merged. However, it seemed their stories were stronger separately than together, which was the main premise. In the end, despite the rocky start, this ended up being a solid read. I’d recommend giving it a read, just take your time with it.
africanbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
!!! full review - https://africanbookaddict.com/2018/09/11/she-would-be-king-by-wayetu-moore/
3.5 stars rounded up. I’d love to know what Liberians and Liberian-Americans think of this novel, as they would probably better understand the nuances of the story. I can confidently say I will read anything by Wayétu Moore, and that this debut is a lovely ode to the country of Liberia and Liberian womanhood, through Gbessa’s complex characterization.
3.5 stars rounded up. I’d love to know what Liberians and Liberian-Americans think of this novel, as they would probably better understand the nuances of the story. I can confidently say I will read anything by Wayétu Moore, and that this debut is a lovely ode to the country of Liberia and Liberian womanhood, through Gbessa’s complex characterization.
bookswithayo's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
adazzlinggirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
bonzoobel's review against another edition
got halfway through but just couldnt get into it..
sksrenninger's review against another edition
4.0
Sort of reminiscent of Underground Railroad; composite characters with a dose of magical realism to help you better understand a significant moment in history, and a particularly underappreciated moment, from my perspective.
clemm's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75