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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I kind of enjoyed this book. The storyline was good but all round it was slow and i lost interest half way through but forced myself to finish.
I loved The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon. I originally wasn’t sure what to make of it, because stylistically, it seemed written for a very young audience, but also dealt with some very heavy and dark themes. I found that it was a somewhat grim, but ultimately tender story about coming of age in a stifling environment. The book almost made me cry a few times, and has stuck with me since reading it. The unfairness and cruelty of the things that happened to the characters weren’t sugarcoated, but rather told realistically through the eyes of a child. This came through strongly in the ending, which was hopeful, but left very unfulfilled.
The strongest part of this story for me was the emotional, almost surrealist writing style that effectively brought me into the world and the mind of the main character, Subhi. I could really feel what he was feeling throughout the book. The switches in point of view between Subhi and Jimmie were only minimally confusing, but I don’t think they were used to their full potential. The parts of Jimmie’s story that supported Subhi’s story were interesting, but I felt that her own separate storyline wasn’t very memorable and at times felt like a whole different book.
However, The Bone Sparrow was one of the most beautiful and emotional children’s stories I’ve read. I would highly recommend it to both adults and children mature enough to handle some heavy themes.
The strongest part of this story for me was the emotional, almost surrealist writing style that effectively brought me into the world and the mind of the main character, Subhi. I could really feel what he was feeling throughout the book. The switches in point of view between Subhi and Jimmie were only minimally confusing, but I don’t think they were used to their full potential. The parts of Jimmie’s story that supported Subhi’s story were interesting, but I felt that her own separate storyline wasn’t very memorable and at times felt like a whole different book.
However, The Bone Sparrow was one of the most beautiful and emotional children’s stories I’ve read. I would highly recommend it to both adults and children mature enough to handle some heavy themes.
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have not read many stories about refugees execpt for those escaping from North Korea or world war two. The immense migration of people from countries like the middle east and africa to europe and australia is widely known. Yet the stories of these people are not told.
I found out about this book from the Girl Up book club and was interested.
As I read from Subhi's perspective, a young, bright boy born in a refugee camp I was surprised at how positive the characters were, they have so little and yet accept what they are given. Subhi seems to always find something good in what happens. I was saddened by the fact that basic needs like food, toilet paper, tooth paste and water are rationed and at times not even given. And then I think of myself taking all this for granted. The people in the camp rejoive at such simple things like rain or scrambled eggs and toast. It made me feel happy and sad.
I liked how Subhi used stories about adventure and memories to make his time seem okay. The way the night sea wss describes almost made me wonder if it was true. He can read and loves to draw. He describes sounds so vividly. He recognizes that memories keep people hopeful and small things should be appreciated. Though his language is simple, he displays wisdom beyond his years. It was sad when he experiences violence for the first time.
The juxtaposition is Jimmie, though she is free not kept in a refugee camp, she feels trapped because she is grieving over the death of her mother, she cannot read and her father and brother do not really pay attention to her. But she finds friendship in Subhi who teaches her how to read. I liled the story of Oto, Anya and the bone sparrow.
The older characters of Queeny and Eli clearly will not stand for what has been happening to them. They make plans to get the information out on the conditions of the camp and go on strikes. They are brave and strong and displayed characteristics of young adults who have seen horrible things but are not quite adults yet eg the moodiness and bravado. I liked them.
As I read the book, I wondered, how can I help? Can I donate old clothes or send care packages to these people? Would donating money help? It felt so wrong to see how everyone is being swept up by consumerism and the Christmas season with tons of shopping and overspending. Probably buying and giving items that people do not need or use. What can we do?
An important book to read for everyone.
I found out about this book from the Girl Up book club and was interested.
As I read from Subhi's perspective, a young, bright boy born in a refugee camp I was surprised at how positive the characters were, they have so little and yet accept what they are given. Subhi seems to always find something good in what happens. I was saddened by the fact that basic needs like food, toilet paper, tooth paste and water are rationed and at times not even given. And then I think of myself taking all this for granted. The people in the camp rejoive at such simple things like rain or scrambled eggs and toast. It made me feel happy and sad.
I liked how Subhi used stories about adventure and memories to make his time seem okay. The way the night sea wss describes almost made me wonder if it was true. He can read and loves to draw. He describes sounds so vividly. He recognizes that memories keep people hopeful and small things should be appreciated. Though his language is simple, he displays wisdom beyond his years. It was sad when he experiences violence for the first time.
The juxtaposition is Jimmie, though she is free not kept in a refugee camp, she feels trapped because she is grieving over the death of her mother, she cannot read and her father and brother do not really pay attention to her. But she finds friendship in Subhi who teaches her how to read. I liled the story of Oto, Anya and the bone sparrow.
The older characters of Queeny and Eli clearly will not stand for what has been happening to them. They make plans to get the information out on the conditions of the camp and go on strikes. They are brave and strong and displayed characteristics of young adults who have seen horrible things but are not quite adults yet eg the moodiness and bravado. I liked them.
As I read the book, I wondered, how can I help? Can I donate old clothes or send care packages to these people? Would donating money help? It felt so wrong to see how everyone is being swept up by consumerism and the Christmas season with tons of shopping and overspending. Probably buying and giving items that people do not need or use. What can we do?
An important book to read for everyone.