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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
The writing and the depiction of the immigrant experience are extraordinary. But I dragged myself through this novel, and don't see much teen appeal. I think this is a case of personal preference -- I just didn't feel for the characters, even while I could recognize how powerfully the author expressed the state of living away from one's home country.
This is an amazing book written from the perspective of a girl between the ages of 11 and 18 who emigrates from Zimbabwe to the USA. It's funny, clever, authentic, heartbreaking and searingly insightful. Absolutely loved it.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Loved this book, especially the first part of the story set in Zimbabwe. The description of the kids' play and little society of friends was wonderful and showed the kids having fun even living in a country on the brink of disaster. As Darling, the narrator, grew and moved to the US, the narration developed with her age, but it always seemed authentic to her age.
The book highlighted the difficulties of people moving between cultures, especially for people who really don't have much choice in the matter. There was a lot that wasn't specifically said, and the author was able to convey a lot with actions and superficial talk without spelling out exactly what was going on in the characters' heads.
There were some dangling threads in the story - what happened to the man who impregnated the young Chipo? What would happen to Darling when the story ended? Did TK ever come home? I would have liked a little more wrap up of these things, but that is just my own curiosity. They are not needed to make the book complete.
The book highlighted the difficulties of people moving between cultures, especially for people who really don't have much choice in the matter. There was a lot that wasn't specifically said, and the author was able to convey a lot with actions and superficial talk without spelling out exactly what was going on in the characters' heads.
There were some dangling threads in the story - what happened to the man who impregnated the young Chipo? What would happen to Darling when the story ended? Did TK ever come home? I would have liked a little more wrap up of these things, but that is just my own curiosity. They are not needed to make the book complete.
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
We Need New Names is a coming of age story about 10 year old Darling. Originally growing up in Zimbabwe, Darling has to say goodbye to her country to move to America with her Aunt and Uncle. The book details the games she plays growing up with her friends, the dangers they face (and only somewhat understand), and the difficulties she faces as an unofficial citizen in the US who cannot go back home.
I really enjoyed the plot of this, but struggled to get on board with the writing style. The book was told from Darling's perspective, which obscured the story a little and I felt like I lost what was going on, or the meaning behind things at times because of it. The book was very well written, it was definitely my poor knowledge of Zimbabwean history and dislike for this kind of writing style that was the problem. The book did give a really interesting perspective into what it's like living in the US and being expected to send money and resources to your home country when things aren't as rosy in the US as you'd hoped, which I loved.
I would recommend reading this as the book gave some important insights to issues such as overseas aid, white saviours, childhood pregnancy, life without papers in the US, US racism, and the struggles of losing your childhood dreams.
I really enjoyed the plot of this, but struggled to get on board with the writing style. The book was told from Darling's perspective, which obscured the story a little and I felt like I lost what was going on, or the meaning behind things at times because of it. The book was very well written, it was definitely my poor knowledge of Zimbabwean history and dislike for this kind of writing style that was the problem. The book did give a really interesting perspective into what it's like living in the US and being expected to send money and resources to your home country when things aren't as rosy in the US as you'd hoped, which I loved.
I would recommend reading this as the book gave some important insights to issues such as overseas aid, white saviours, childhood pregnancy, life without papers in the US, US racism, and the struggles of losing your childhood dreams.
reflective
medium-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
I always like a young protagonist, but I don't always enjoy a foreign setting that is so different from what I know; this took place in Zimbabwe for the first half, in which we find Darling playing and stealing guavas with her friends. In the second part she is living with an aunt in Detroit, and the book becomes about an immigrant's experience. It is based on some of the author's experiences. I liked this book and I really liked the discussion that the GenreX had. I was coincidentally reading another Zimbabwe book at the same time, a memoir, Don't Let's Go to The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller, so this increased my enjoyment and appreciation for We Need New Names.