Reviews

When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head

_valentineee's review

challenging reflective slow-paced

• 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

3.0

onamoonbeam's review

informative reflective slow-paced

3.5

book i've liked the most in south af lit so far. wow the environmental consciousness and finding peace do hit sometimes. beautiful nature descriptions

krobart's review

3.0

I found the book interesting, especially the depiction of traditional customs, but I felt it required more knowledge of the situation in Botswana and South Africa in the 60′s than I had. More is implied than expressed, which is a part of its beauty but can also be frustrating. For example, Makhaya has just left prison in South Africa, but I guess we are supposed to know what he might have been in prison for. We believe it is for political reasons, but no details are provided.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/when-rain-clouds-gather/

kristinvdt's review

3.0

I see the academic value of this book more than I felt emotionally involved.

froggin_around_'s review

3.0

3.5

abbeleas's review

3.0

*3.5

noe06_'s review

adventurous emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

booktwitcher23's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

bamairi's review

emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kemunto's review against another edition

5.0

After thoroughly enjoying Ngugi’s ‘A Grain of Wheat’and filled with a love for the African writing, I set on to read this book. I was not disappointed! This book amazed me, moved me and changed me. It follows a Black South African in search for refuge in Botswana. He finds himself in the company of Dinorego, a sweet old man who leads him to the village of Golema Mmidi. How will this village of misfits receive him? How will this community survive and thrive in the brutal landscape of Botswana? This is a tale of the human journey. A tale of triumph over trials and love over hate. Oh, Botswana! I loved how agricultural practices are incorporated into the plot. Bessie Head is truly an amazing writer. 5 stars!

My favourite quote: You may see no rives on the ground but we keep the rivers inside us. That is why all good things and good people are called rain. Sometimes we see the rain clouds gather in the sky. It is all in our hearts.

PS: I read this masterpiece during the dry season or ‘summer’ of my country. I could not help but draw parallels between my world and that of Golema Mmidi. I have always wanted to visit the Kalahari Desert. If I could live in the desert, wow, my dreams.
(Side note) I want to be a farmer in the future so the agricultural ways of Gilbert had me really inspired and fascinated. I kind of, low-key, fell in love with Makhaya, though I wish Bessie delved more into his love story with Paulie. Hey Mach, do you have a spare hut I can use when I visit?

I hope to read more of Bessie’s works in the near future. Is tomorrow a good time?