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A review by annajagoda
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
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? No
3.0
A story of growing up in Zimbabwe, seen through the eyes of a child.
I thought it was both chilling and fascinating how the author managed to present issues in Zimbabwe, such as teen pregnancy, sexual assault, AIDS, civil war, colonialism and poverty, without explicitly describing any of them. We see the consequences of these issues through the eyes of a little girl who does not understand their causes and thus approaches them with casual curiosity. The heavy subject matter is juxtaposed against the child-like, easy going tone of the book.
At it's core it's a book about growing up, about identity, immigration, family and roots written in a truly unique way.
I thought it was both chilling and fascinating how the author managed to present issues in Zimbabwe, such as teen pregnancy, sexual assault, AIDS, civil war, colonialism and poverty, without explicitly describing any of them. We see the consequences of these issues through the eyes of a little girl who does not understand their causes and thus approaches them with casual curiosity. The heavy subject matter is juxtaposed against the child-like, easy going tone of the book.
At it's core it's a book about growing up, about identity, immigration, family and roots written in a truly unique way.