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A review by melc
Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop
adventurous
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a compelling story, told in skilled, evocative prose with interesting characters, and a rich, interesting plot. The discussions surrounding Europe's relationship with Africa, the slave trade and the exploitation of native African commercial commodities was throught provoking and nuanced.
Where this book was let down for me was by the narrative style. I just don't like books where the narrative becomes the retelling of past events for an audience within the novel. And especially then when that narrative begins to retell a story of yet another character. The past tense nature of this creates barriers for me between what the characters are feeling and my reaction as a reader.
Also I couldn't understand why we never returned to Aglaé and her reactions to this hidden part of her deceased father's life. Why explain why he was like he was in terms of her relationship to her without then drawing back to her understanding of these revelations.
So ultimately this was a well told story but from the wrong angle which resulted in me struggling to understand what I should feel from my experience of reading.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
Where this book was let down for me was by the narrative style. I just don't like books where the narrative becomes the retelling of past events for an audience within the novel. And especially then when that narrative begins to retell a story of yet another character. The past tense nature of this creates barriers for me between what the characters are feeling and my reaction as a reader.
Also I couldn't understand why we never returned to Aglaé and her reactions to this hidden part of her deceased father's life. Why explain why he was like he was in terms of her relationship to her without then drawing back to her understanding of these revelations.
So ultimately this was a well told story but from the wrong angle which resulted in me struggling to understand what I should feel from my experience of reading.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.