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A review by year23
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
This reads more like vignettes or a series of very short stories, all from the perspective of the MC, Darling. It follows her life in Zimbabwe and in the US during college (and maybe after though I’m not clear on that).
I think it’s important to read this as a character study, which provides a lens into the experience of one woman and her life in Zimbabwe and as an immigrant to the US. It’s not exactly plot focused - but is an incisive look at the impact of violence and imperialism. I don’t think I got this until half way through and it changed my experience (mainly confusion!) to a more positive one as I was able to follow better and look less for a linear, traditional type plot or characters. It reads more like a memoir and for those looking for that, especially in understanding more about life in Zimbabwe, I would recommend.
If you like this, I would highly recommend The History of the Difficult Child by Mihrey Sibhat.
I think it’s important to read this as a character study, which provides a lens into the experience of one woman and her life in Zimbabwe and as an immigrant to the US. It’s not exactly plot focused - but is an incisive look at the impact of violence and imperialism. I don’t think I got this until half way through and it changed my experience (mainly confusion!) to a more positive one as I was able to follow better and look less for a linear, traditional type plot or characters. It reads more like a memoir and for those looking for that, especially in understanding more about life in Zimbabwe, I would recommend.
If you like this, I would highly recommend The History of the Difficult Child by Mihrey Sibhat.