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reubenalbatross 's review for:
A Bend in the River
by V.S. Naipaul
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was enjoying this book, and feeling like it would be a 4 star... until Chapter 14. The chapter includes a completely unnecessary domestic abuse scene. Any number of things could have happened to end that relationship, so I found it gross that domestic violence was used. If it had been explored in the story in any way, this would have been a different matter, but it was completely glossed over, and no attempt at social commentary was given. This is a main character you are meant to root for, but I despised him after he so nonchalantly beat the woman he supposedly cared so much about. And for Naipaul to present the woman as almost caring more for Salim after the abuse, and still 'offering herself' to him, was vile.
Aside from this, I found that small, scenic things were described in beautiful detail, which gave a real atmosphere. However, main 'plot points' (though it isn't a book with much plot) were skimmed over, and I was left feeling as if I'd missed important information when none was actually given.
I felt I was missing the wider picture of Africa seen from Africans themselves, and not just from 'outsiders'. There were many Africans in the book, but they were hardly ever in prominent positions, which I suppose is the point of the novel. Reading this has made me realise that I want to read more books actually set in Africa, not just books by people of African descent.
Aside from this, I found that small, scenic things were described in beautiful detail, which gave a real atmosphere. However, main 'plot points' (though it isn't a book with much plot) were skimmed over, and I was left feeling as if I'd missed important information when none was actually given.
I felt I was missing the wider picture of Africa seen from Africans themselves, and not just from 'outsiders'. There were many Africans in the book, but they were hardly ever in prominent positions, which I suppose is the point of the novel. Reading this has made me realise that I want to read more books actually set in Africa, not just books by people of African descent.