Reviews

A Bookshop in Algiers by Kaouther Adimi

purplegems3's review

informative reflective fast-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? No

4.5

jasminestarbuck's review

emotional informative reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

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

4.0

magis1105's review

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

conoraflynn's review

informative reflective sad 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

3.75

whatslukereading's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sirdedlock's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jandersonkdl's review

informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

essjay1's review

4.0

This short work of historical fiction is like a time capsule, with the diary entries from Edmond Charlot holding the most appeal for me. Perhaps the modern day storyline that runs alongside these diary entries was a bit lost in translation? Seems a bit superfluous. Except to give some narrative structure I guess. A great place to start if you are interested in the 20th century history of Algeria and the literature that emerged from that place. The repression and police brutality described are real events and should not be forgotten.

monisreading_'s review

3.5

Really enjoyed the aspects of this story that closely followed Algeria’s history, and France’s complicity in this, but must admit I found some of Charlot’s diary entries a little dull. If I had a more thorough understanding of Charlot, Camus and twentieth century French publishing I think it would hit a lot better. 

The topics explored have definitely caught my interest however, and I will be reading more about twentieth century Algeria and French publishing. 

natashaball's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-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? No

3.75

Livre mignon, j’ai largement préféré les parties «écrites» par Edmond, très intéressantes. Les parties de Ryad étaient assez tristes, la fin d’une époque.