Reviews

The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

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blakinho's review against another edition

4.0

"Profoundly allergic to the simple" that's how the forward describes Ngugi, and it's true. He deals in a level of nuance that's truly reflective of human dynamics. A touch slow at times, virtuosic at others, I could see him coming into his voice here. I look forward to reading more of his impressive anti-imperialist ouevre. This man reps Africa, and African autonomy loud and proud and with no shame in sight.

nataalia_sanchez's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-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? It's complicated

3.75

ximajs's review against another edition

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challenging reflective tense

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

I want to compare this book to Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, as they both deal with African tribal societies and the consequences of white colonialism.
I found the main character of Achebe's book hard to like, so reading this book, with a (to me) more sympathetic main character was interesting. I particularly enjoyed and agreed with Waiyaki's thoughts on unity and progress across the ridges, and the future of the tribe.
Hopefully I'll find the time to read another of Ngũgĩ's books.