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A review by thelitpick
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5.0
I finished Half of a Yellow Sun a couple of weeks ago and have been mulling it over since. I think I’m still a bit heart broken.
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche gives us an in into the history of Nigeria. A history I was completely ignorant to. I tend to avoid history based fiction especially when there is a possibility it’ll be an emotional read. Also, I’ve found that there is usually an agenda to the way history is written. Any books that reference Ireland are usually from a specific perspective which isn’t inclusive or realistic to the nuances of the situation. But this book lays it all out on the table.
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The story hosts a range of characters, but focuses primarily on two sisters and the respective paths they’ve chosen, including partners.
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We’re given insight into the history of Nigeria through conversation with characters (which I loved) and we are shown the lived experience of civil war through the Independence of Biafra. Including all the horrors war brings.
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The book explores the importance of identity, the devastation caused by Western interference, racism, complex sibling relationships, ignorant western views, betrayal - the BETRAYAL. The most complex betrayal responded to in a way that transcends right and wrong. (I loved this aspect of the book).The savagery of war and how the “us and them” mentality serves a purpose only for the outsider or the “would be” oppressor. This book left me slightly heart broken, I was disgusted by and in love with characters at the same time. A must read.
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“‘You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man... Your life belongs to you and you alone...’”
.
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche gives us an in into the history of Nigeria. A history I was completely ignorant to. I tend to avoid history based fiction especially when there is a possibility it’ll be an emotional read. Also, I’ve found that there is usually an agenda to the way history is written. Any books that reference Ireland are usually from a specific perspective which isn’t inclusive or realistic to the nuances of the situation. But this book lays it all out on the table.
.
.
The story hosts a range of characters, but focuses primarily on two sisters and the respective paths they’ve chosen, including partners.
.
.
We’re given insight into the history of Nigeria through conversation with characters (which I loved) and we are shown the lived experience of civil war through the Independence of Biafra. Including all the horrors war brings.
.
.
The book explores the importance of identity, the devastation caused by Western interference, racism, complex sibling relationships, ignorant western views, betrayal - the BETRAYAL. The most complex betrayal responded to in a way that transcends right and wrong. (I loved this aspect of the book).The savagery of war and how the “us and them” mentality serves a purpose only for the outsider or the “would be” oppressor. This book left me slightly heart broken, I was disgusted by and in love with characters at the same time. A must read.
.
.
“‘You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man... Your life belongs to you and you alone...’”