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A review by thatothernigeriangirl
Discretion by Faïza Guène
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Yamina is an interesting character; I especially love that she’s in her 70s.
I thought the narration style of this one was interesting; it felt like pictures in motion, with Yamina being the start of the ‘movie’ (as she’s the main narrator) but the camera occasionally zooming in on other characters (including the racist/bigoted White French ones). I found it amusing and admittedly enjoyed it, but I really wished I heard more from Yamina. It’s not every time we get a female Arab protagonist in her 70s!
I also love that the Taleb family is such a warm, loving one. They all have their flaws, and societal and cultural expectations, as well as even internalized patriarchy left dents in their family dynamics — but it’s undeniable the love that they shared.
As usual, Guene has deftly examined the burden that comes with inheriting generational trauma, how angry it can make you: “ it’s normal to feel angry, it’s anger that has been repressed for so long, it’s unjust, all of this, and injustice, by its nature, makes us profoundly angry” 👌🏾
I thought the narration style of this one was interesting; it felt like pictures in motion, with Yamina being the start of the ‘movie’ (as she’s the main narrator) but the camera occasionally zooming in on other characters (including the racist/bigoted White French ones). I found it amusing and admittedly enjoyed it, but I really wished I heard more from Yamina. It’s not every time we get a female Arab protagonist in her 70s!
I also love that the Taleb family is such a warm, loving one. They all have their flaws, and societal and cultural expectations, as well as even internalized patriarchy left dents in their family dynamics — but it’s undeniable the love that they shared.
As usual, Guene has deftly examined the burden that comes with inheriting generational trauma, how angry it can make you: “ it’s normal to feel angry, it’s anger that has been repressed for so long, it’s unjust, all of this, and injustice, by its nature, makes us profoundly angry” 👌🏾