Reviews

Ce livre n'a pas gagné le prix Goncourt pour rien. Je trouve sincèrement qu'il est génialement écrit. Si bien écrit que l'on comprend facilement la trame de l'histoire, les moments de flashbacks, de recits enchassés etc, ils sont PARFAITS. L'histoire en elle-même est belle et mélange la littérature avec une enquête en ajoutant bien evidemment une touche d'amour. Tout est excellement fait et écrit, je le recommande à tous

piajussila's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
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

4.0

clmckinney's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book follows the trail of a cloaked author whose novel was surrounded by controversy. We follow a young author who is drawn to this veiled writer. We see the many turns his life takes from his birth and onwards. What I really liked about this novel is the slowly unfolding story. And every side character has their own contribution to the larger story of who this man really is. This man was mythical and legendary in his powers. There was also a supernatural element which worked great in this tale. I think this says a lot about literature and writers, and how profound their contribution to people and community is. I am amazed this wasn't on the International Booker Prize List. This is great writing, and amazingly good story telling. This reminded me of Murakami a bit, and another book called S, about a mysterious writer. I give this one a 5/5.

idah_mrashui's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

sophiapinheiro's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative mysterious slow-paced

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

4.0

mrgeof's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.75

londadbk's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This book was really something … incredible writing. It’s a book about books, about literature, authors and life. It describes itself best when one of the characters states to the other that ‘a great book is impossible to describe’. So many themes are explored and you could feel the love the author had for each of the characters. A part of it delves into the impossible task that is being an African author who wants to be accepted by French literature. It explores family ties and what belonging means. At some points I thought it took itself (or at least it took literature) slightly too seriously but the author also ends up criticising this train of thought. Basically, this was a delicious read. My only point of contention is how jarring some of his descriptions of sex with black women were. It seemed objectifying especially when you compare them to the scenes with his ex and how respectful and full of love they felt. In any case, this was a great great book.

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