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razalamb1's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A interestingly structured book that has a lot to say about culture and society. I recommend it, but it's not a super satisfying read.
yikesbmg's review against another edition
4.0
Really liked how the book was written -- easy read, reflective, emotional distance between narrator & what was witnessed but still a personal connection between the two. A lot of it reminded me of the chaos of the DR -- how things "work" but just barely so, how there's no way that I won't be seen as an American there, the faith in mysterious, religion, and magic when that's just not how the world works. Confused by the ending.
laila4343's review against another edition
4.0
Man, I really enjoyed this. It's slim, like a novella, but it reads more like essays/travel memoir. I think it's fairly autobiographical but I don't want to assume that. I was fascinated by contemporary Lagos, and by the Nigerian-born unnamed narrator's culture shock after living in the U.S. for fifteen years. I can't wait to read Cole's other novel, Open City, soon.
amshmobr's review against another edition
4.0
In this book, Teju Cole creates such rich and vivid scenes with words that are simple and few. The insider-outsider dichotomy for the main character adds an extra layer to what first appears to be a straightforward account of time spent in Nigeria.
jopopipo's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
sdill118's review against another edition
4.0
Well, for one thing, I no longer desire traveling to Nigeria or specifically Lagos. I am surprised that this book is listed as fiction as it had more of a memoir vibe to it but overall, the book was engaging and provided an intimate insight into the inner workings of Lagos. Cole shares multiple aspects of Lagos culture- from the arts, music, literacy to corruption within the government, police, and oil companies, Cole describes Lagos in a way in which the reader can truly visualize the city, the people, and day to day life. I wish Cole had expanded on his family life- specifically his relationship with his father and his relationship with his mother. Overall, this book was a solid read and not once was bored. Cole's poetic and descriptive way of writing really kept me engaged.
lizzypunch's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jesswebber02's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cseibs's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this as a counterpoint to Adichie's "Americanah." Instead of ludicrously romanticizing homeland and childhood, Cole takes a much more critical eye of Nigeria. Everything thing isn't just as it was or just as he nostalgically remembered it. However, Cole may have taken it too far. His negativity about Nigeria has no end. It is home, but we see none of the warmth, none of the good things that draw him there. And perhaps that is the point - that we are drawn home no matter how depressing it is. But without any bright spot at all it makes for a sad and unsatisfying read.
returnofsaturn's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-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
5.0