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paulineg's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tawallah's review
4.0
Translated family saga from the island of Guadeloupe.
This short novel tells the family saga of the Louis family who are vital to the history of Guadeloupe. Told from the perspective of a lost generation child, Coco, Maryse Condé explores the rise and fall of each successive family member. Each yearns to shed the ignominy of their past and fail spectacularly. And with each generation we are given the view of political landscape for each generation. So there is the effect of Panama Canal and Marcus Garvey, education and civil rights movement followed by Black Power movement and independence. Whilst the first three quarters held my interest more, the last quarter felt rushed and incomplete. I almost wish there was a sequel to fully round out the brilliant observations expressed in this book.
Even though this novel falls short of near perfection, I am eager to read more of this author’s works. I liked it especially because it is authentic of the region. Even to the superstitions that still exist. And it draws such a vivid picture of generation of the early twentieth century to late seventies. I could picture the research which went into the narrative.
This short novel tells the family saga of the Louis family who are vital to the history of Guadeloupe. Told from the perspective of a lost generation child, Coco, Maryse Condé explores the rise and fall of each successive family member. Each yearns to shed the ignominy of their past and fail spectacularly. And with each generation we are given the view of political landscape for each generation. So there is the effect of Panama Canal and Marcus Garvey, education and civil rights movement followed by Black Power movement and independence. Whilst the first three quarters held my interest more, the last quarter felt rushed and incomplete. I almost wish there was a sequel to fully round out the brilliant observations expressed in this book.
Even though this novel falls short of near perfection, I am eager to read more of this author’s works. I liked it especially because it is authentic of the region. Even to the superstitions that still exist. And it draws such a vivid picture of generation of the early twentieth century to late seventies. I could picture the research which went into the narrative.
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