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alisonhori's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook which was fantastic with the African accent getting stronger and weaker as appropriate for the story. Amazing story and amazing insight into a whole different life experience than my own.
varsh31's review against another edition
4.0
I think what I find really remarkable about this book is that it's funny. We often believe books from the 'dark continent' will be dreary and depressing. NoViolet has written a poignant, witty and dry story set in Zimbabwe and later in the US. She explores the desperation and isolation that diasporic communities feel. This truly is a remarkable book that I'd recommend time and time again. She well deserved the Man Booker nomination.
ovenbird_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Around the World: Zimbabwe
A finely crafted story that manages to be simultaneously heartbreaking and funny. Bulawayo is a master of analogy. She creates some of the most powerful and unique similes I have ever seen in print. The experience of immigration from Africa to America comes alive through the character of Darling. The narrative is raw, sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful. The book's core is portrayed in the final image--a dog killed by a bread truck on the dusty African road, its guts spilling out, its blood sprayed everywhere but the carnage mingling with the unbelievably appealing smell of fresh bread. Definitely recommended.
A finely crafted story that manages to be simultaneously heartbreaking and funny. Bulawayo is a master of analogy. She creates some of the most powerful and unique similes I have ever seen in print. The experience of immigration from Africa to America comes alive through the character of Darling. The narrative is raw, sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful. The book's core is portrayed in the final image--a dog killed by a bread truck on the dusty African road, its guts spilling out, its blood sprayed everywhere but the carnage mingling with the unbelievably appealing smell of fresh bread. Definitely recommended.
wamz's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the characters in Paradise, the ending was a little too abrupt for my liking. I had no great take away from it except only a little sadness perhaps.
jesswebber02's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
miranda_coward03's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
cosmiq_unicorn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
umnotsarah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
There's a line in this book that stood out to me.
It said something to the effect of "this isn't our land, our language or our culture and never will be."
It said something to the effect of "this isn't our land, our language or our culture and never will be."
remigves's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
3.5