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A review by rballenger
Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana
4.0
Type of read: Commuter (listened to and from work)
What made me pick it up: I found 'Stories from The Tenants Downstairs' when searching for books to complete one of the TN R.E.A.D.S Challenges for April (book by a debut author).
Overall rating: Overall, I enjoyed 'Stories from The Tenants Downstairs.' I really liked the interconnectedness of the characters. I did feel like everything was more of a glimpse into these individuals' lives instead of a story that gave you closure, but I think that's part of the appeal. I'm still wondering what they are up to. Did they get out of the situation they were facing? Did they overcome their current struggles? Did new ones pop up? I feel like 'Stories from the Tenants Downstairs' is unfinished but done intentionally and well-written. I will say, I really struggled with some of the languages in 'Stories from the Tenants Downstairs,' especially during Swan's section. I understand that Fofana is writing from a particular perspective and that they want to portray a certain feeling and emotion. Still, it felt repetitive, forced, and unnecessary, specifically in their - what I would consider excessive - use of the N-word. I would recommend this book but I would be cautious of to who simply because of the content.
What made me pick it up: I found 'Stories from The Tenants Downstairs' when searching for books to complete one of the TN R.E.A.D.S Challenges for April (book by a debut author).
Overall rating: Overall, I enjoyed 'Stories from The Tenants Downstairs.' I really liked the interconnectedness of the characters. I did feel like everything was more of a glimpse into these individuals' lives instead of a story that gave you closure, but I think that's part of the appeal. I'm still wondering what they are up to. Did they get out of the situation they were facing? Did they overcome their current struggles? Did new ones pop up? I feel like 'Stories from the Tenants Downstairs' is unfinished but done intentionally and well-written. I will say, I really struggled with some of the languages in 'Stories from the Tenants Downstairs,' especially during Swan's section. I understand that Fofana is writing from a particular perspective and that they want to portray a certain feeling and emotion. Still, it felt repetitive, forced, and unnecessary, specifically in their - what I would consider excessive - use of the N-word. I would recommend this book but I would be cautious of to who simply because of the content.