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blau_elmo's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Informative, gave me a lot of insight into the history of Algeria, in particular their struggle for independence. Made me aware of the Sétif Massacre as well, and the subjugation the Algerians experienced in Paris.
I also got to know about Edmond Charlot and the writers within his realm at the time, centered around the Mediterranean. A story about loss, time, changes and such, it is not so much an attack of gentrification as a poignant resignation to its occurrence.
A short read too, quite enjoyable and enlightening.
I also got to know about Edmond Charlot and the writers within his realm at the time, centered around the Mediterranean. A story about loss, time, changes and such, it is not so much an attack of gentrification as a poignant resignation to its occurrence.
A short read too, quite enjoyable and enlightening.
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Violence, and Colonisation
morebedsidebooks's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Colonisation, Murder, Violence, and War
Minor: Racial slurs
Also contains descriptions of massacres, terrorism and instances of a homophobic slur.serendipitysbooks's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A Bookshop in Algiers was a delight and n the way it highlighted the importance of books and literature. I loved seeing the waxing and waning fortunes of the bookstore and publishing enterprise play out against historical events in Algeria. The way the neighbourhood rallied to try and prevent the bookstore’s closure or at least protect its books was both heartwarming and humorous. And it all came with a side of Camus, possibly a sign I need to finally read something by him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
bookforthought's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A Bookshop in Algiers is a quiet little book that manages to pack in quite a lot, offering a snapshot of Algerian history, the rich life of bookseller and publisher Edmond Charlot, and a powerful celebration of books all in one.
I had actually never heard of Edmond Charlot before picking up this book, and I was rather surprised to discover that he had worked closely and published books by so many well-known authors, chief among them Albert Camus. It really got me thinking about easy it is for someone's work to be forgotten and their contributions ignored, and how many more "Charlots" are out there that I have never known before. I love learning something new and being challenged by books, so in this A Bookshop in Algiers really hit the mark!
The narration was also interesting, as different chapters alternated excerpts from Charlot's (fictional) diary, snapshots of Algerian history, and young Ryad's work emptying the bookshop in modern Algeria. It took me a moment to get used to this format, but I soon got into it and really appreciated the extra depth it added without weighing down the book. The chapters on Algerian history, which were narrated in first person plural, were particularly interesting to me. I broadly knew of some of the events mentioned, but seeing them through the eyes of the Algerian people (which is who I interpreted to be the narrating "we") was completely new. The accounts of oppression and violence also took on special significance when read now, when so many similar conversations are happening in relation to other peoples (especially Palestinians).
It was also interesting to read about Charlot's experiences in publishing. I've never worked in the sector myself, so it was fascinating to read about everything that went on in the production of a book. Charlot himself was really compelling, a dreamer par excellence, and I really admired his perseverance and his ability to give the world so much despite facing so many difficulties. There was quite a lot of name dropping though and, with my limited knowledge of French authors, I actually struggled to keep up with everyone's names most of the time.
It's hard to go wrong with a book about books, and A Bookshop in Algiers is no exception. Masterfully bringing together the power of knowledge, the beauty of literature and books, and the importance of fighting for your dreams and your freedom, this is sure to appeal to lovers of history, historical fiction and literature, and all those who like to discover hidden little gems.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Physical abuse, and Violence
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