Reviews

Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb

yarn_chicken's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this book as part of a class I took at Hollins, and really loved it. It's a beautiful story about a people and place that is rarely written about. Pick it up; you won't be sorry.

sairz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

booksconnectus's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

curlypip's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this a lot - the writing and turns of phrase were beautiful, and I felt totally transported to another time and place.
It’s a work of fiction, but doesn’t read like it - the author is an anthropology graduate who has lived in and researched the people and places she writes about. I was wondering how much of the storyline was true all the way though....

caitfoges's review against another edition

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5.0

I am so impressed by this book. The amount of research that must have gone into writing this novel is astounding. I feel as if I gleaned as much knowledge about Ethiopian history, politics, and religious practices as one might in a graduate course. What makes this work so remarkable, however, is that such rich insight is conveyed through even richer storytelling.

Gibb succeeds in establishing complex layers while simultaneously whisking the reader along, completely engrossing them in the process. Her inclusion of exquisite details coupled with the strongest of human emotions results in near-constant intrigue. I am confident that many of the scenes Gibb created will remain imprinted on my mind for a while to come.

kellerko's review against another edition

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4.0

I really liked this story of a Muslim girl growing up in Ethiopia and later living in England.

annalisenak97's review against another edition

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4.0

I'd give this book a 4.5 if I could-- it's beautifully written and reveals a facet of Islam that most of us in the West aren't necessarily exposed to. The ending was very fast and confusing, and I had to read it a couple of times to figure out what actually happened. Overall, Sweetness in the Belly is an intriguing, lyrical read that celebrates our differences and emphasizes community.

wearingjade's review against another edition

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4.0

It's a good read, well written, there are some points where...it's uncomfortable? But i read it cover to cover in a day.

kthorne's review against another edition

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5.0

An absolute must-read. One of my favorite books of all time.

jove64's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm writing this years after I read the book. I recall really enjoying this. Lovely writing. Her deep knowledge of the setting and culture really shines through.