A review by kimcanread
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

5.0

I started reading this book purely based on the fact that I had enjoyed 2 other books by the author in the past. I went into it naively assuming it to be a work of literary fiction (based on the brief blurb alluding to the intersection of 3 characters), turned out to be a gripping and somewhat educational story of life during war.

I enjoyed how the book lured you in with prose of beauty and interesting characters, all easy to read yet done so elegantly. Once hooked the story takes you on a journey that is as deeply moving, tragic at times and shocking as it is real and hopeful.

The various characters evoked different feelings as they evolved, some better so or more prominently so than others, but nonetheless generally well developed. I never quite understood Richard or Odenigbo. Kainene stole the show for me despite never quite being a main character. There was so much more I would have like to have experienced through her eyes.

A heavy topic that opens minds and hearts in a beautiful way.