Scan barcode
metallicbranch's review
3.0
On paper, this should have been exactly my kind of book-- sprawling explorations of the inner world of women from other countries, and queer women no less. I love a book without a plot, but this one was so fragmented that I would have to make it through half the book to have a measly explanation for a single action. The characters have that habit of speaking to each other in heightened, abstract dialogue that I think it supposed to feel flirtatious? Some sections might be dreams, but it's not completely clear? And in general, this reads like it was a little too influenced by the use of Freudian psychoanalysis as a literary tool. I was even dissappointed on the promised queer sensuality-- she doesn't even get around to loving a woman until the final 50 pages or so. And because it was so abstract, I didn't even get an impression of Suriname. Not my favorite.
mateusjobim's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
empoleon's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lately, I've been fascinated by novels that dip in and out of reality, leaving me surrounded in the haze of a dream, wondering what's real and what's not. Often allegorical, these books have challenged me to read between the lines to gain a deeper understanding of the characters, and in turn, myself.
This novel falls into that category. Noenka's story is interwoven between the stories of the most important women in her life - her lover and her mother, and the men that create havoc in between. She's an admirable protagonist, sarcastic and strong-willed. She takes hold of her own life even while being entrapped by an abusive husband, loving who she wants, whether woman or man, having sex with who she pleases, and entrancing many with her beauty and charm. Roemer weaves Noenka's world through prose beautifully translated by Lucy Scott, revealing the core of Noenka's dreams in desires in poetic moments jumping between the past and present to unravel a dark tale. This is a novel that certainly belongs in the Queer and Black Womanist literary canon.
This novel falls into that category. Noenka's story is interwoven between the stories of the most important women in her life - her lover and her mother, and the men that create havoc in between. She's an admirable protagonist, sarcastic and strong-willed. She takes hold of her own life even while being entrapped by an abusive husband, loving who she wants, whether woman or man, having sex with who she pleases, and entrancing many with her beauty and charm. Roemer weaves Noenka's world through prose beautifully translated by Lucy Scott, revealing the core of Noenka's dreams in desires in poetic moments jumping between the past and present to unravel a dark tale. This is a novel that certainly belongs in the Queer and Black Womanist literary canon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
10iii_kat's review
2.0
eh.. I had high hopes, and unfortunately, I didn't like it in the end. most of the book was boring, and there was no structure, and for me, it was difficult to understand where we were/what was happening.
rebeccasmith115's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pennythewanderer's review
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
alenareads_27's review
3.0
I thought I would be rating this much higher because the synopsis was interesting to me. The writing style and lack of chapters confused and annoyed me. I picked this up to read for a reading around the world challenge I’m doing. I was excited to read a book set in and by an author from Suriname.
I’m a little upset I didn’t like it more.
gtea_reader's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5