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sequoia1024 's review for:
A Bend in the River
by V.S. Naipaul
It's a "left hemisphere" novel -- so to speak. The writing got a rhythm, which made it hard to put down. But it got this forever observant quality -- the protagonist is like a writer; he lives but he observes; always observing and reflecting, without much immersive emotions. So you got this documentary-like feeling.
It's a masterpiece. It's set in 1960s Africa, times when many African countries finally got their independence from Europe; the changing times, chaotic times. And the author captured the tension, grief, hope, despair, turmoil... all very well. I feel that world is closer to me than any books about Africa I've read (admittedly, not many).
It also got something universal -- universally human, maybe. It's set in Africa but it could be easily in another country, another time. There is something timeless in it.
I never developed any real likings for any character in the novel; but I couldn't put it down. It is an intriguing read.
It's a masterpiece. It's set in 1960s Africa, times when many African countries finally got their independence from Europe; the changing times, chaotic times. And the author captured the tension, grief, hope, despair, turmoil... all very well. I feel that world is closer to me than any books about Africa I've read (admittedly, not many).
It also got something universal -- universally human, maybe. It's set in Africa but it could be easily in another country, another time. There is something timeless in it.
I never developed any real likings for any character in the novel; but I couldn't put it down. It is an intriguing read.