hillersg7 's review for:

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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A compelling read - and quite a stunning debut novel - this story begins in a shanty called Paradise with a group of children making up their own games, dreaming of living in other paradises such as America, Dubai, Europe. As they grow up and find ways to make new homes, the dreams are not quite what they hoped for. Sometimes funny, often heart-breaking, with strong themes of home and exile.