Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
Definitely deserving of all of the hype. An honest voice, unlike anything I've read: lyrical, sometimes bordering on stream-of-consciousness, but never losing sight of the story being told.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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:
No
This reads more like vignettes or a series of very short stories, all from the perspective of the MC, Darling. It follows her life in Zimbabwe and in the US during college (and maybe after though I’m not clear on that).
I think it’s important to read this as a character study, which provides a lens into the experience of one woman and her life in Zimbabwe and as an immigrant to the US. It’s not exactly plot focused - but is an incisive look at the impact of violence and imperialism. I don’t think I got this until half way through and it changed my experience (mainly confusion!) to a more positive one as I was able to follow better and look less for a linear, traditional type plot or characters. It reads more like a memoir and for those looking for that, especially in understanding more about life in Zimbabwe, I would recommend.
If you like this, I would highly recommend The History of the Difficult Child by Mihrey Sibhat.
I think it’s important to read this as a character study, which provides a lens into the experience of one woman and her life in Zimbabwe and as an immigrant to the US. It’s not exactly plot focused - but is an incisive look at the impact of violence and imperialism. I don’t think I got this until half way through and it changed my experience (mainly confusion!) to a more positive one as I was able to follow better and look less for a linear, traditional type plot or characters. It reads more like a memoir and for those looking for that, especially in understanding more about life in Zimbabwe, I would recommend.
If you like this, I would highly recommend The History of the Difficult Child by Mihrey Sibhat.
This book provides an incredibly interesting perspective of a young girl immigrating to the US from Zimbabwe. I was struck by how the story jumps in time, skipping months or years to get to the next event. It reminded me a bit of "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros in that regard. Watching Darling grow up and see how her time in the US changes her from who she was in Zimbabwe is very poignant. There is a lot to think about with this book, and I feel it would make a good book club book.
"We are careful not to touch the NGO people, though, because we can see that even though they are giving us things, they do not want to touch us or for us to touch them. They just like taking pictures, these NGO people, like maybe we are their real friends and relatives and they will look at the pictures later and point us out by name to other friends and relatives once they get back to their homes. They don't care that we are embarrassed by our dirt and torn clothing, that we would prefer they didn't do it; they just take the pictures anyway, take and take. We don't complain because we know that after the picture-taking comes the giving of gifts."
I first read this book while I was in high school and instantly loved the sparkling prose that almost sounded like poetry. The novel is written in the first person point of view from 10 year old Darling's perspective. It tackles various themes that include gender, childhood (where children living in situations of poverty or war often have to mature quickly), religion (which is shown with a critical and ironic tone with regard to Western religion's influence in Zimbabwe), social class and politics.
I first read this book while I was in high school and instantly loved the sparkling prose that almost sounded like poetry. The novel is written in the first person point of view from 10 year old Darling's perspective. It tackles various themes that include gender, childhood (where children living in situations of poverty or war often have to mature quickly), religion (which is shown with a critical and ironic tone with regard to Western religion's influence in Zimbabwe), social class and politics.
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.
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.
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
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.
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.
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated