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mey's review
3.75
A snapshot, a full circle - a tad dramatic, but so like a midsummer night's dream in the city: a man pretending, women falling then resisting, a harsh reality, dreamy escape, bright bubble burst in the morning.
_georgiasmith's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Weirdly enjoyed Fussy Joe's absolutely toxic character. This was a fun, engaging short story that I liked.
annapolly14's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
blackloreuk's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tae_keisha's review
4.0
A nice short read about a young man in Lagos, whose dubious character eventually led to his ultimate demise. You'll understand and appreciate the novella better if you are African or have a knowledge of how Lagos operates. I think the title greatly complements the story line. Similar to the American dream most attributable to the Big Apple, Nigerians also have this dream and Lagos is known as the hub for such success. Glittering City was published in the 60's and Lagos ceased to be the capital in 1991, so Abuja might be the blitz now as it is the current capital. But, I believe, the point the plot aimed to achieve was finely executed. The Glittering city is full of lights, hopes and dreams and some will do anything and everything to fit in, while others, as the maxim goes, "if you can't beat them then join them". And by joining them some create false illusions and deceptions of a life they yearn, but could equally dibble and dabble into many ventures to gain the necessary exposure.
In the Glittering city, you can be whoever you want to be.
In the Glittering city, you can be whoever you want to be.
v_de_quimper's review
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theconstantreader's review
5.0
For me this story is all about the ending. The whole tale is a lead up to how we are immortalised as saints in death. Very clever.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book, the descriptions of the heat and bustle of Lagos were fun to read about.
I didn't altogether love the writing style, it sometimes came off as overly deliberate but I'm nit-picking.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book, the descriptions of the heat and bustle of Lagos were fun to read about.
I didn't altogether love the writing style, it sometimes came off as overly deliberate but I'm nit-picking.
bookbird_bsky's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
What a weird little book.
An intensely unlikable protagonist and a plot without details. It captures something of the chaos that a city can be, but focuses on the relationships of a liar.
It’s over before I decided if I just wanted to get through it or if I wanted more.
An intensely unlikable protagonist and a plot without details. It captures something of the chaos that a city can be, but focuses on the relationships of a liar.
It’s over before I decided if I just wanted to get through it or if I wanted more.
evilespresso's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes