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dil's review against another edition
3.0
3,5*
A short novel of very long, Saramago-like sentences (but with more punctuation). A very interesting premise (people changing race), but, unfortunately, Anders is not a very thoughtful guy, so he doesn't have any deep thoughts about racism, and we only see glimpses of what the mysterious darkening means to the wide society - besides, we never find out how people of color people feel about all those people who lost their whiteness. The happy ending seems too optimistic, but maybe that says more about me (or about our own society) than about the book itself.
A short novel of very long, Saramago-like sentences (but with more punctuation). A very interesting premise (people changing race), but, unfortunately, Anders is not a very thoughtful guy, so he doesn't have any deep thoughts about racism, and we only see glimpses of what the mysterious darkening means to the wide society - besides, we never find out how people of color people feel about all those people who lost their whiteness. The happy ending seems too optimistic, but maybe that says more about me (or about our own society) than about the book itself.
yanloureiroc's review against another edition
3.0
LENDO O MUNDO: Paquistão
Eu achei que esse livro seria mais sobre raça e questões específicas sobre a vivência preta, mas não foi bem isso. Ele foi uma história de amor, perda e redescoberta que não precisava necessariamente da premissa que se propõe.
Esperava algo mais interessante e profundo, recebi uma história qualquer que não me levou a lugar nenhum.
Dicas de livros e séries:
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Eu achei que esse livro seria mais sobre raça e questões específicas sobre a vivência preta, mas não foi bem isso. Ele foi uma história de amor, perda e redescoberta que não precisava necessariamente da premissa que se propõe.
Esperava algo mais interessante e profundo, recebi uma história qualquer que não me levou a lugar nenhum.
Dicas de livros e séries:
TikTok
ruusaer's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
booksamongstfriends's review against another edition
4.0
Mohsin Hamid's The Last White Man is a deeply thought-provoking novel that invites readers to reflect on the nature of race and identity. As with any book that provokes discussion, it sometimes touches on topics that not everyone is comfortable addressing. The story is told in a unique style, with long, run-on sentences that seem deliberate, mirroring the blending and shifting of identities that the characters experience.
The protagonist, Anders, wakes up to find his skin has turned dark, a change that soon affects others in society. This transformation challenges the characters' perceptions of themselves and each other, bringing to the forefront the social construct of whiteness. The book subtly yet powerfully conveys that race is a social construct, focusing on the erosion of the concept of whiteness without delving deeply into specific ethnicities or blackness.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of loss, grief, and rage as the characters grapple with the disappearance of their whiteness. I didn’t see this as a book an erasure or physical vanishing of white people but rather the loss of their societal privileges and the shattering of their perceived identities. Characters like Oona’s mother and Anders’ father epitomize the struggle to cling to outdated belief systems as their world changes. Oona's mother, in particular, represents the segment of society that fights to maintain the status quo even as it crumbles around them.
The book’s narrative could have benefited from more perspectives from the already “dark” characters, providing a fuller picture of the societal shifts. Despite this, the story effectively illustrates how societal constructs of race can fall apart, leading to new forms of community and understanding. By the novel's end, some characters begin to deconstruct their views, finding joy and forming new bonds, suggesting that life and love can persist and even thrive amidst such profound changes.
Hamid’s novel challenges readers to consider what happens when the constructs of whiteness and race are removed. It suggests that the need to hold onto these constructs is tied to systemic oppression and privilege. The love between Anders and Oona, and the evolving relationship between Anders and his father, showcase the possibility of moving beyond these constructs towards genuine human connection.
IMO The Last White Man is a contemplative and timely novel that uses a speculative premise to explore deep-seated issues of race and identity. It's a short but impactful read that encourages reflection on societal norms and the true nature of identity.
The protagonist, Anders, wakes up to find his skin has turned dark, a change that soon affects others in society. This transformation challenges the characters' perceptions of themselves and each other, bringing to the forefront the social construct of whiteness. The book subtly yet powerfully conveys that race is a social construct, focusing on the erosion of the concept of whiteness without delving deeply into specific ethnicities or blackness.
One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of loss, grief, and rage as the characters grapple with the disappearance of their whiteness. I didn’t see this as a book an erasure or physical vanishing of white people but rather the loss of their societal privileges and the shattering of their perceived identities. Characters like Oona’s mother and Anders’ father epitomize the struggle to cling to outdated belief systems as their world changes. Oona's mother, in particular, represents the segment of society that fights to maintain the status quo even as it crumbles around them.
The book’s narrative could have benefited from more perspectives from the already “dark” characters, providing a fuller picture of the societal shifts. Despite this, the story effectively illustrates how societal constructs of race can fall apart, leading to new forms of community and understanding. By the novel's end, some characters begin to deconstruct their views, finding joy and forming new bonds, suggesting that life and love can persist and even thrive amidst such profound changes.
Hamid’s novel challenges readers to consider what happens when the constructs of whiteness and race are removed. It suggests that the need to hold onto these constructs is tied to systemic oppression and privilege. The love between Anders and Oona, and the evolving relationship between Anders and his father, showcase the possibility of moving beyond these constructs towards genuine human connection.
IMO The Last White Man is a contemplative and timely novel that uses a speculative premise to explore deep-seated issues of race and identity. It's a short but impactful read that encourages reflection on societal norms and the true nature of identity.
mei0nnaise's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
shaystamper's review against another edition
4.0
This is an acquired taste, the IPA of books. It's definitely a unique writing style; all run-ons and nearly no dialogue. I wasn't so sure at the beginning, but it really grew on me. The concept is really intriguing, and it's a short read worth checking out.
bmjarnagin7's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ikristinaj's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0