Sophia A.

Unimpressed

Revisado: 08-23-22

I chose this novel thanks to riveting reviews. I was left disappointed. The writing comes across as contrived like the author was clearly trying to create some mystery where there was none. I could have anticipated most of the supposed 'twists and turns' with very little effort. The work did not seem authentic.

The first person narration here also irked me. The main character/narrator comes across as self righteous at times touting over and over that she is a good person who always does the right thing. The characters also seemed so sickeningly sweet or naieve to the point where they were annoying.

The attempts at imagery also fell flat. I caught myself rolling my eyes at times.

It wasn't the worst that I've read but certainly not the best.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Read this book!

Revisado: 05-27-22

This novel gripped me from beginning to end. The story weaves a tapestry of lost connections that compels the reader to think of his own past and his own ancestry.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A lovely blend of funny and moving... however...

Revisado: 04-25-22

The characters were so unlikeable that it was hard to connect at first. Also, as good as the narrator's performance was, the American accents ruined what should have been a Swedish story for me. I think a more Euro type accented English would have helped me to feel the setting more.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Give it a chance.

Revisado: 03-23-21

The story and characters took some time to build but once it did, there was no turning back.
Very much a novel layered with symbolism. Impossible to avoid the themes of colonialism and religion and their ravages on national identity and self worth.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A must-read!

Revisado: 12-27-20

This novel is a gem hiding in plain sight. The author takes you on a journey with Eleanor. It feels like an unassuming walk in the park and then an unexpected fall down a rabbit hole filled with surprising, emotional, intriguing twists and turns. So many emotions tied in with moments of humour. I am so thrilled that I gave this book a chance.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Chimamanda is a boss.

Revisado: 07-04-20

I was engrossed from start to finish. So many things in one : A story about love, friendship, history, sociology, politics, culture, ethnicity....
I fell in love with Obinze and found myself liking Ifemelu more and more. The writing and story telling are so good that the characters leap out in front of you and you feel like you know them. Adiche left no stone unturned. The performance was also remarkable. I thoroughly enjoyed the array of accents and the life that the reader gave to the story. Happy reading if you choose this title.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Heart wrenching

Revisado: 05-28-19

My heart was in my hand throughout the story. It hit close to home as I am Trinidadian living in Trinidad right now and witness to the evil depicted in the novel. The author gave an accurate description of life in Trinidad... rural Trinidad and Port of Spain, the school system, the class structure of the society...

However, I did become confused when the narrator's perspective shifted to what seemed like the children and Clyde and Joy were being referred to as mummy and daddy. I was not sure if it was supposed to be Peter or Paul or both of them. I was also left unfulfilled with the way Paul met his end. I kept thinking that there would be a greater purpose to his existence or that he would have been referred to in the end. I felt like he was sacrificed for a greater good but not acknowledged.

And lastly, the voice talent was effective in portraying emotion in his delivery and drawing me in. Unfortunately, there were times that his voice was so low that I struggled to hear what was being said. Also, he did not accurately deliver the Trinidadian accent (it sounded Jamaican at times), dialect and pronunciation of local words. I am no pro but I suspect that greater supervision (maybe a Trinidadian could have been asked to help ) and maybe training through a dialect coach. There were times that I did not understand readily what was being said and had to replay parts.

All in all, a great piece of work. I look forward to reading more from Claire Adam.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona