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mtbaird's review against another edition
2.0
I struggled with this book. Despite the hopeful theme, I did not enjoy this story.
d52s's review against another edition
2.0
This book was disappointing as the author used foreign words and expressions without giving the reader enough information to put them into context. Even a glossary would help. Also it would have been helpful if she provided a map to help us place where the boy was traveling. Overall I thought the topic was interesting, but spent so much time backtracking to see if I could fill in the gaps she left, so I eventually stopped reading it.
casparb's review against another edition
A pleasant read, in spite of the endless horror. Mohamed has a rocky start - she seems a little terminologically overenthusiastic in the opening, which is not unjustifiable. It's an unfamiliar environment for British readers, which she appears to be considering here. But it did come across a little sloppy, stylistically, though Mohamed seemed to shed that self-consciousness in the course of the narrative and things became much more comfortable to read, though again, gore and so on.
Slightly disturbed by the vague whisper of Deleuze and Guattari here. I really promise I'm not making this up. It's slight but it certainly appears to be something she's at least aware of - we are introduced to the Italian 'war machine', the downfall of which is a lack of speed, fortification rather than nomadism (the nomad characters I shall accept as pure accuracy). Elsewhere, Jama complains of the fascistic tendency toward striation, rather than the smooth (the sun's natural flows).
I don't know where the lines between fiction and biography break down, but it is a hell of a tale. I'd say that it's structured kind of wonkily, and that the pacing really goes through loops but if that's accurate to the life story of her father then is that really her problem? (no)
Slightly disturbed by the vague whisper of Deleuze and Guattari here. I really promise I'm not making this up. It's slight but it certainly appears to be something she's at least aware of - we are introduced to the Italian 'war machine', the downfall of which is a lack of speed, fortification rather than nomadism (the nomad characters I shall accept as pure accuracy). Elsewhere, Jama complains of the fascistic tendency toward striation, rather than the smooth (the sun's natural flows).
I don't know where the lines between fiction and biography break down, but it is a hell of a tale. I'd say that it's structured kind of wonkily, and that the pacing really goes through loops but if that's accurate to the life story of her father then is that really her problem? (no)
lady_wira's review against another edition
3.0
"Black Mamba Boy" by Nadifa Mohamed takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of Jama, a young boy born in British-occupied Somalia in the 1930s. In this debut novel, Mohamed skillfully weaves a narrative that not only showcases the indomitable spirit of Jama but also sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty in the regions he traverses.
At the heart of the novel is Jama's relentless struggle for survival in a world marked by poverty, colonialism, and political unrest. From the bustling streets of Aden to the desolate landscapes of Ethiopia, readers witness Jama's unwavering determination to overcome adversity. His journey is fraught with challenges, and it's through these trials that the depth of his character and resilience becomes apparent.
A poignant aspect of the story is the tender yet complex relationship between Jama and his mother. The novel beautifully portrays the sacrifices she makes to provide for her son, even as they face the harsh realities of destitution. Jama's unwavering love for his mother becomes a driving force, giving him the strength to navigate the tumultuous landscapes of his life.
Nadifa Mohamed skillfully uses Jama's journey to shed light on the pervasive challenges of poverty in the areas he travels through. Through vivid and evocative descriptions, readers are transported to the crowded slums and barren landscapes that serve as the backdrop for Jama's quest. The novel serves as a powerful commentary on the impact of poverty on individuals and communities, urging readers to reflect on the systemic issues that perpetuate such hardships.
Central to Jama's odyssey is his yearning for a sense of belonging. Abandoned by his father and separated from his homeland, Jama's quest to reunite with his estranged father becomes a symbolic search for identity and roots. The novel beautifully explores the universal theme of the human need for connection and a place to call home, making it a resonant and relatable read.
Black Mamba Boy" unfolds deliberately, reflecting the slow and challenging nature of Jama's journey. Nadifa Mohamed employs a deliberate pacing that may seem tedious initially but serves the purpose of allowing readers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of Jama's experiences. The author's use of dense and intricate vocabulary enhances the authenticity of the historical and cultural contexts, demanding patience from the reader. This deliberate narrative style, while initially challenging, enriches the storytelling, providing a more immersive and nuanced experience as the story progresses.
It is a masterfully crafted debut novel that skillfully combines historical context with a deeply personal narrative. Nadifa Mohamed's portrayal of Jama's struggles, his relationship with his mother, and his quest for belonging makes for a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Through the lens of one boy's extraordinary journey, the novel becomes a powerful exploration of poverty, love, and the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome.
At the heart of the novel is Jama's relentless struggle for survival in a world marked by poverty, colonialism, and political unrest. From the bustling streets of Aden to the desolate landscapes of Ethiopia, readers witness Jama's unwavering determination to overcome adversity. His journey is fraught with challenges, and it's through these trials that the depth of his character and resilience becomes apparent.
A poignant aspect of the story is the tender yet complex relationship between Jama and his mother. The novel beautifully portrays the sacrifices she makes to provide for her son, even as they face the harsh realities of destitution. Jama's unwavering love for his mother becomes a driving force, giving him the strength to navigate the tumultuous landscapes of his life.
Nadifa Mohamed skillfully uses Jama's journey to shed light on the pervasive challenges of poverty in the areas he travels through. Through vivid and evocative descriptions, readers are transported to the crowded slums and barren landscapes that serve as the backdrop for Jama's quest. The novel serves as a powerful commentary on the impact of poverty on individuals and communities, urging readers to reflect on the systemic issues that perpetuate such hardships.
Central to Jama's odyssey is his yearning for a sense of belonging. Abandoned by his father and separated from his homeland, Jama's quest to reunite with his estranged father becomes a symbolic search for identity and roots. The novel beautifully explores the universal theme of the human need for connection and a place to call home, making it a resonant and relatable read.
Black Mamba Boy" unfolds deliberately, reflecting the slow and challenging nature of Jama's journey. Nadifa Mohamed employs a deliberate pacing that may seem tedious initially but serves the purpose of allowing readers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of Jama's experiences. The author's use of dense and intricate vocabulary enhances the authenticity of the historical and cultural contexts, demanding patience from the reader. This deliberate narrative style, while initially challenging, enriches the storytelling, providing a more immersive and nuanced experience as the story progresses.
It is a masterfully crafted debut novel that skillfully combines historical context with a deeply personal narrative. Nadifa Mohamed's portrayal of Jama's struggles, his relationship with his mother, and his quest for belonging makes for a compelling and emotionally resonant story. Through the lens of one boy's extraordinary journey, the novel becomes a powerful exploration of poverty, love, and the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome.
ides's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
flysick's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
svinc038's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
annecarts's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this more than I did. How these parts of Africa were caught up in WW2 and suffered terribly is very important and I think something often overlooked completely. It's an extremely brutal read.
I loved the interview with the author's dad at the end, who this fiction is based on. I think that may have been a better book actually as it sometimes feels stuck halfway between fact and fiction and doesn't always flow well.
I loved the interview with the author's dad at the end, who this fiction is based on. I think that may have been a better book actually as it sometimes feels stuck halfway between fact and fiction and doesn't always flow well.
lalasaracin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Excellent book! I will need some time to mourn it before starting a new one.
agnabbouh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.5