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A review by miszjeanie
Rotten Row by Petina Gappah
4.0
I enjoyed this novel. In Rotten Row, Pettina Gappah writes a collection of short stories which are invariably snapshots into the lives of multiple Zimbabweans both within and out of the country. It is thrilling that most if not all the characters are linked in some way to another character. Gappah's writing is darkly comical and captures beautifully the nuances of African culture and humor.
It is not a book for everyone. Rotten Row is best enjoyed slowly by a reader who enjoys short stories and is willing to go on a ride into unfamiliar territory. As is typical of Gappah's books, there is generous use of indigenous language and I wished many times that I could understand to get even more out of her writing.
Still, a solid four star read, because as it is with short story collections, there were a couple of stories that honestly bored me to tears.
It is not a book for everyone. Rotten Row is best enjoyed slowly by a reader who enjoys short stories and is willing to go on a ride into unfamiliar territory. As is typical of Gappah's books, there is generous use of indigenous language and I wished many times that I could understand to get even more out of her writing.
Still, a solid four star read, because as it is with short story collections, there were a couple of stories that honestly bored me to tears.