Reviews - River Spirit | The StoryGraph

271 reviews for:

I knew nothing about this place and time; it is not featured in any history I’ve ever read. This book is set in the 1880s and 1890s as Sudan is tossed between Ottoman rule to civil war and Sudanese independence under the Mahdi, a religious redeemer, to eventual British conquering in 1898. This beautiful tale is seen through 6 or 8 interwoven lives, points of view that propel the story and give it nuance and complexity. It did start a little slow, but keep with it. While its underlying themes of war, religion, slavery, philosophy and political security are heavy, this book flew by once I got immersed in the characters. The women in this novel are remarkable in their resilience, especially the main female character Zamzam. Beautifully written. Just wow.

lalala219's review against another edition

4.25

challenging emotional sad fast-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: No

Foi uma leitura particularmente difícil. A descrição é muito boa, o que nos transporta para junto dos personagens, até por esse motivo é muito difícil ler quando esses personagens estão sofrendo.

jones11's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A fascinating setting but too slow to keep my attention; Sudanese National development

sofiaperezelizalde's review

4.25

challenging informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

parkergarlough's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ahamiltonrohe's review against another edition

3.0

I knew next to nothing about the colonial occupation of Sudan when I read this — I had read a few major novels set in Egypt around that time and in its aftermath. The legacy of colonialism is so massive and so well drawn in this novel while pulling you along with a love story, a hero’s and heroine’s journey in this thoroughly gripping tale. A little disjointed at moments, but very well done. Recommend!