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anushareflects's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
3.25
Gurnah’s “Paradise” is a complicated piece of writing following 12 year old Yusuf who is sold by his parents for the repayment of their debt to “Uncle” Aziz. The story then follows his journeys emotional, metaphorical and geographical across the African continent with traders of various kinds as he grows older. A commentary on the social and power dynamics of Africa with special emphasis on its poor. Gives a view into the lives of those rarely discussed - the bitter, dirty, difficult parts included. But somehow I found the writing a tad cluttered so it didn’t leave me with the impact I wished it did. But regardless of this story, Gurnah is a phenomenal writer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Excrement, Colonisation, and Classism