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stellahadz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a really enjoyable read. The theme of memory was obviously predominant throughout, but I never felt beat over the head with it, despite the narrator's name literally being Memory, which I think is a testament to Gappah's talent as a writer. I personally thought the story was missing a little something, and the ending felt a bit rushed, but still, the prose was evocative and compelling, and it was cool to learn more about modern Zimbabwean history. I also thought the choice of framing the book as communication with an American journalist was really interesting. I'd definitely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Abandonment, Death, and Confinement
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Colonisation, Suicide, and Homophobia
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