ambershera 's review for:

Maru by Bessie Head

4.0

---

This is a quick, easy read, but it delves into some heavy themes. It deals with a messy love rectangle - 4 people instead of 3 - but also addresses racism, colonialism, class systems, and discrimination in Africa. The love story is fairly basic: two people longing for one another, but unable to come together because of racial/discriminatory differences while the other two people in love with them scheme to get them for themselves. It's difficult to say whether any of the characters actually end up happy, but given the circumstances they either put themselves in or manipulated others into, I'd say they don't. Though the romances are cliche, they are interesting and explore tough issues without becoming too forceful or preachy. It definitely succeeded in making me want to read more by Bessie Head.