Reviews

I can see by the content why this book is a classic. But it was stultifyingly boring through 90% of the book. There was one sequence (about 3 chapters long) relating to religion and missionaries foisting their beliefs on the African natives that was really very interesting and well done. Unfortunately this sequence was about 3/4 of the way through the book and didn’t last long enough to redeem the book in terms of stars. So overall just okay.

prufrockian22's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I don’t know how to rate this. I love that it is in dialogue with heart of darkness, from the colonized perspective. But I think because of how poorly women were treated in this society (and the murder of his adopted son, no big deal) it was hard for me to root for them or be particularly sad when the white people came and changed the morals of the society - one group of morally dubious people subjugating another group of morally dubious people.

That said the last chapter switching POV was brilliant, and okonkwos ending was memorable.

Basically I didn’t enjoy reading this, but am glad it exists and am glad that I have read it, if that makes sense.

nandin_rhodes's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

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

3.75

annashiv's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I had no expectations when I started this book and no idea what it was about other than just Africa. I found it really easy to read and pretty interesting. I can't say it was the most amazing thoughtful book ever but it was interesting and worth reading and thinking about. I don't think it's all settled in my brain quite yet, but yeah. Glad I read it.

tseren's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.75

More...