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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
So much tenderness and love within the family is counterpointed by the prejudice around young men of colour in our cities. Mom works so hard for her boys, and is so completely beaten when tragedy strikes. So sad how this story repeats itself over and over again. A well written short book which punches it's weight. Good luck on Canada Reads David Chariandy!
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was so, so sad. Beautifully written, but so, so sad.
A difficult read, with complicated issues. Above all, family.
While I think I'd seen this book floating around when it was first released, I wasn't familiar with the author or with anything specific about the book itself. But after I stumbled upon the trailer for the film adaptation of the book, I was intrigued and sought it out right away. Chariandy has a lovely, understated style of writing that really suited the story he's telling here, as it flows between past and present, memory and remembrance. Despite not delving into huge amounts of detail or backstory, I still felt like Michael, Francis, and their extended network and neighborhood had a richness, a lived-in-ness to them, that brought the story to life. The time and place felt so specific to this story, and yet had a broadness that makes the story feel timeless. This was a fast yet satisfying read, and I'd definitely be interested in picking up more by this author in the future. (And hope I'll be able to see the film adaptation some day!)
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was one of those books which touches the readers soul both for its gorgeous narrative and poignant story. This book is one of incredible beauty and also intense sadness. However, at the end there is a certain peace in this book that lingered in my mind.
A powerful and beautiful story of two brothers told in luminous prose. I read this book for the second time and it evoked similar feelings of love and tenderness for Francis and Michael as well as their mother like it did the first time. My book club will discuss Brother in a week. I am curious to find out how this book affected the participants.