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charliettea's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Michel is a surprise two-day-late triplet whose inauspicious birth follows him as he grows up in Africa. I believe the specific country he lives in is unspecified and made up, but the cultural and historical context of the story is very real. Michel provides an intelligent if naive view through which we learn about the political climate leading up to and throughout his childhood. We see communism versus democracy and science versus religion through his eyes. There are funny moments, but he and his family also experience violence. Notes on content warnings to follow in the spoilered section.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Violence
At one point during his childhood, Michel witnesses a rape. A character repeatedly says no, yet Michel's uncle proceeds anyway, all while Michel is hiding under the bed in terror. Also disturbing is that when his uncle discovers him there, he gaslights Michel into believing it was a prank to scare him, and the survivor goes along with this. The way this was handled makes it seem like it's supposed to be humorous.beth_diiorio's review against another edition
4.0
Underlying themes of the first-ever born set of triplets in village, familial ties and traditions, and "democracy" as seen through different lenses, made for a story that was witty, enlightening, and educational.
mmillerb's review against another edition
3.0
i learned that the republic of the congo used to be a marxist-leninist state
esther_habs's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
4.5
I always love stories about big adult themes told from and innocent child's point of view, with all the hilarious misunderstandings that children make as they try to make sense of adult's behaviour, and this one did not disappoint!
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Set in an undetermined post-conical African state, this boom follows the childhood of the mischievous 'Matapari' (trouble). Matapari talks us through the goings on in his village, from his scholarly fathers work in education, to his ambitious uncle who rises (and falls) the political ranks.
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The childs voice narration adds a charming amount of comedy as he tries to make sense of seeing his uncle in bed with another married woman, and gives an interesting point of view on a post-colonial countries struggle to create political stability and a national identity after occupation by foreign powers.
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There is also of course a hint of the supernatural, in a nod to traditional African Folklore.
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Set in an undetermined post-conical African state, this boom follows the childhood of the mischievous 'Matapari' (trouble). Matapari talks us through the goings on in his village, from his scholarly fathers work in education, to his ambitious uncle who rises (and falls) the political ranks.
.
The childs voice narration adds a charming amount of comedy as he tries to make sense of seeing his uncle in bed with another married woman, and gives an interesting point of view on a post-colonial countries struggle to create political stability and a national identity after occupation by foreign powers.
.
There is also of course a hint of the supernatural, in a nod to traditional African Folklore.
mamakass's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book when I had Emmanuel Dongala as a professor in college. I must say it was very interesting analyzing a book in class when the professor was the one who wrote it. But nevertheless, it was a pretty good read and I enjoyed it.
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