Reviews

Whites by Norman Rush

library_kat's review against another edition

5.0

Norman Rush's first publication, "Whites" was beautiful promise of his amazing work to come. A perfect prelude to his masterpiece "Mating," the short stories of "Whites" introduce us to the social landscape of expatriates in Botswana, their burgeoning eccentricities, and the destabilizing nature of country whose legacy is turmoil. Rush hints at a few characters we will meet later in his literature as he lures us through exotic tales of corruption, sex, theft, and witchcraft. A fast, invigorating read that tickles the intellect and rouses your wanderlust.

hongjoongie's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny informative reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

edgeworthstan2000's review against another edition

5.0

This book is the best best best. His writing is so incredible. These short stories are Alice Munro quality.

drdreuh's review

4.0

Norman Rush's first book, but the last of his that I read. I decidedly enjoy his novels more than his short stories; 'Whites' reads a bit like an exercise in character development. I kept trying to make the connection between the characters in each story, where mostly there is none. But with 'Whites', Rush successfully hones in on and exposes several paragons of the ugly underbelly of foreign development and the expat milieu. He doesn't so much condemn it as just lays it bare. Such detachment itself being characteristic, I think, of people who have walked this path.