A review by debthebookworm
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't pay a lot of attention to book buzz, so I didn't know this one existed until a friend gave it to me.

And oh my God, what a book! I don't say many books are raw, but this just might be the most raw and definitely not for the faint of heart OR anyone looking for a quick read. This book is DENSE, and the most wild of frame stories to ever exist, as sometimes you're pulled through another frame into a nother mini-story. It got to a point where I forgot Tracker was telling this story from a jail cell and was mad when I was reminded. The way the whole story gets revealed, with its twists and heart-breaking turns, is masterfully done in a style not familiar to Western civilization, but very true to heart if you know anything about African mythology or storytelling. I would like to read more of Marlon James's work in the future!
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