Reviews

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue

nsilbernagel's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

madmollyann's review against another edition

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

frankie_vega's review against another edition

5.0

This story is a gut wrenching warning. Following the life of a fictional African village, this sorry reveals the consequences of relentlessly ripping into the earth to find oil.
This book reminded me to seek divine wisdom from my elders, my ancestors, from the earth (the ultimate ancestor).
This book reminded me that entire communities continue to be wiped out and scrutinized for resisting the colonization and exploitation of their home lands.
Although full of devastation and heart break, I recommend that EVERYONE reads How Beautiful We Were.

rachelkwashe's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

bontanicrailbeast's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

5.0

rietbelmans's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

stacie_w_books's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ujustcaughtmereadingliterature's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

akuhlma03's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

mizpurplest's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-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

5.0

This book is devastating and so important