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rafdee13's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Xenophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Rape
mrmysteryfox's review
3.0
I found this book a bit of a hard read; meandering through flashbacks which often felt a bit convoluted. Overall painted a strong picture of the effects of colonisation and also post-independence of Kenya from a peasants viewpoint. Would recommend his other book I have read, Wizard and Crow, over this.
ejmorris1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.25
catriona90's review
3.0
I struggled to get into or really follow this one although I can recognise it’s a great work of literature. I usually enjoy reading of different countries and cultures but found this hard work. That’s not to say it’s not good - just that ‘it wasn’t written for me’ as one reviewer really aptly wrote. A good challenge.
jessby's review
2.0
Set in Kenya in the mid 20th Century, this book is anchored around the murder investigation of three corrupt businessmen and the four key suspects, but goes back some years into the past to give context to the murder and the events leading up to it. Themes of national identity, colonisation, religion, power and corruption are clearly present. I wanted to enjoy this book but I didn't, and I'm finding it hard to articulate exactly why I didn't. The writing style seemed disjointed and I struggled to relate to any of the characters on any level. Finishing it felt like hard work that went unrewarded. I can understand that this is an important book for black Africans but I couldn't immerse myself in it. 2 stars.