A review by creolelitbelle
When the Ground Is Hard by Malla Nunn

emotional informative reflective slow-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? Yes

3.0

I had no idea of the rich history related to the former Swaziland before this book, but I could make connections to the southern African region due to the 2000s Disney movie, Color of Friendship, and what bit it taught me about South Africa. The story  of Adele's time at the school is of little importance compared to how she grows as a person because of everything she experiences while becoming friends with Lottie. In the beginning, I felt a strong distaste for Adele and her attitude against people unlike her, especially those who have it worse than she does (in her eyes). I'm glad I stuck with the audiobook, though. Over time, Adele learns who she is and what she values in other people. The novel of Jane Eyre has strange comparisons to this book, but I see how the girls find solace in the character and her circumstances. Lottie is an amazing person whose head I would've loved to get inside of. A while after finishing the audio, done by a phenomenonal narrator, I realized I was already forgetting character names and pieces of the plot. Good story, better character development, slightly forgettable pieces. The message of "when the ground is hard, the women will dance" is amazing, regardless. Think about it. I love the power behind that saying and Adele's revelation about it in the very end. 
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