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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
It's been months and I'm still thinking about this book. I think it's one of the most affecting stories I've read.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
Listened to the audiobook and read the book simultaneously— 10/10
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
medium-paced
This book provides a solid insight into the horror of the civil war, with extremely well written (and often graphic) imagery, but I just didn't really feel drawn into any of the main characters.
They all felt a bit flat, with the overall horror of war being the true focus. This is great if that's what you like to read, but unfortunately this isn't the type of book that enamors me much.
I prefer in-depth human stories, that are set against the backdrop of history - rather than the characters disappearing into that background, and lacking any true personalities.
The longer it went on, the less they seemed like real people, and I lost interest in finishing / skimmed the last 100 pages.
Great writing, in that I definitely learnt a lot, but the story element was just lacking for me.
2.5/5
They all felt a bit flat, with the overall horror of war being the true focus. This is great if that's what you like to read, but unfortunately this isn't the type of book that enamors me much.
I prefer in-depth human stories, that are set against the backdrop of history - rather than the characters disappearing into that background, and lacking any true personalities.
The longer it went on, the less they seemed like real people, and I lost interest in finishing / skimmed the last 100 pages.
Great writing, in that I definitely learnt a lot, but the story element was just lacking for me.
2.5/5
This book follows the lives of twin sisters in Nigeria in the late 1960s through their ups and downs. The themes of family, love, marriage, class, prejudice, education, war and adversity drew me into a tale with a unfamiliar backdrop. The depth of the characters is revealed when they are presented with ever increasing challenges. It left me thinking how I would react if I found myself in these situations? I also enjoyed the perception of the Western Media that was presented in the book. It is certainly a worthwhile read.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
medium-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:
Yes
I'm honestly not sure how to rate this. I thought I would cry but I didn't. I'm happy I listened to the audiobook for the opportunity to hear the names and languages spoken even though now I don't know how to spell any name other than Richard. The people I thought would live didn't.
Not knowing about even the existence of Biafra makes me wonder how many "independent" nations throughout history have died and been forgotten. How many exist currently? How many have existed in my lifetime that I never learned about?
Not knowing about even the existence of Biafra makes me wonder how many "independent" nations throughout history have died and been forgotten. How many exist currently? How many have existed in my lifetime that I never learned about?
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My review, like this book, is complex. Adichie’s writing is top tier, 5 stars. Her word play and metaphors clearly described difficult moments as well as joyful events in late 1960s Nigeria/Biafra. My enjoyment of the book was hindered by the choices some of the characters made that were frustrating to me…
Mini -
Some if my biggest frustrations: Olanna taking the corned-beef out of her bag, Olanna’s betrayal of her sister, and Ugwu not heeding Olanna’s advice and venturing out onto the streets.
The characters, in my opinion, seemed too smart to commit these errors.
I do love Adichie’s writing and I appreciate the research and time it took to accurately write about this difficult time in history.
Mini -
Some if my biggest frustrations: Olanna taking the corned-beef out of her bag, Olanna’s betrayal of her sister, and Ugwu not heeding Olanna’s advice and venturing out onto the streets.
The characters, in my opinion, seemed too smart to commit these errors.
I do love Adichie’s writing and I appreciate the research and time it took to accurately write about this difficult time in history.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes