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A review by missnicolerose
Johnny Mad Dog by Emmanuel Dongala
4.0
I finished this book over a month ago, and it still has me thinking back.
The story is told, alternating each chapter, from the perspectives of young people caught up in civil war. Johnny Mad Dog (and his ever changing nom de guerres) is a militia fighter with limited education, and a slew of misguided, yet comical ideas. Laokole is a young girl, attempting to escape the fighting with her little brother and disabled mother.
While each character's journey is intriguing, at times I felt that the dialogue was stiff. I also kept thinking to myself "well isn't this convenient...", with coincidences that also seemed forced for the storyline.
I'm still a little torn on my opinion of this one. Not the best story, but one that sticks with you, for better or worse.
The story is told, alternating each chapter, from the perspectives of young people caught up in civil war. Johnny Mad Dog (and his ever changing nom de guerres) is a militia fighter with limited education, and a slew of misguided, yet comical ideas. Laokole is a young girl, attempting to escape the fighting with her little brother and disabled mother.
While each character's journey is intriguing, at times I felt that the dialogue was stiff. I also kept thinking to myself "well isn't this convenient...", with coincidences that also seemed forced for the storyline.
I'm still a little torn on my opinion of this one. Not the best story, but one that sticks with you, for better or worse.