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mskanyegenya's review against another edition
2.0
This was my first Nuruddin Farah and I must say I was disappointed. I really hope this is perhaps one of his lesser works. The story felt overdone and forced, the characters exaggerated.
mokey4's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed reading this book, at times I enjoyed reading it a lot. I found nearly all the characters to be complex and likeable. Though it had some flaws.
I found the description of Bella's approach to her love life not very believable, and the scene with one of her lovers painted her in a rather unattractive light- I wondered if Farah was trying to point out that she could be hypocritical, though nothing else in the book pointed to that. So Bella was the weakest character for me, which is too bad since she was the main character.
There were a few scenes in this book that seemed superfluous and were not even interesting to read or well written. So it's not a tightly written or edited book.
I would only recommend this book to people who like to read a lot of African novelists. Otherwise I would be concerned that it might give a bad impression of African fiction, and that's not fair. There are a lot of better books out there. This one is fine for what it is. One thing I really appreciated was learning a bit about Somali culture, which I know little about. And the challenges gay people face in different cultures.
I found the description of Bella's approach to her love life not very believable, and the scene with one of her lovers painted her in a rather unattractive light- I wondered if Farah was trying to point out that she could be hypocritical, though nothing else in the book pointed to that. So Bella was the weakest character for me, which is too bad since she was the main character.
There were a few scenes in this book that seemed superfluous and were not even interesting to read or well written. So it's not a tightly written or edited book.
I would only recommend this book to people who like to read a lot of African novelists. Otherwise I would be concerned that it might give a bad impression of African fiction, and that's not fair. There are a lot of better books out there. This one is fine for what it is. One thing I really appreciated was learning a bit about Somali culture, which I know little about. And the challenges gay people face in different cultures.
lynnmywin's review against another edition
1.0
It only skirts deep political issues. It's all very surface and fluffy. If it hadn't tried to be more than it is, which is a story about a family. I might have been more open its place in fiction. Don't waste your time.
somojones's review against another edition
2.0
The story started off interesting but once Bella came into the story line it fell flat for me. Nothing compelling or catchy just blah blah blah.
andrea_reads_theworld's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
mamaorgana80's review against another edition
2.0
Okay, so I wanted to like this book. I really did. So many dynamics in play--sexuality, world politics, cultural identity. Huge concepts, intriguing plot line. However, it mainly felt like a list of agenda-driven points re: politics and a man's take on female sexuality. It just wasn't successful.
A good way into the book, I found myself skimming just to finish. This line sums it up for me: "Bella stays out of it, saying nothing. She has lost interest in the discussion, which doesn't appear to be going anywhere." If your character feels this way, your reader probably does, too.
A good way into the book, I found myself skimming just to finish. This line sums it up for me: "Bella stays out of it, saying nothing. She has lost interest in the discussion, which doesn't appear to be going anywhere." If your character feels this way, your reader probably does, too.
100onbooks's review against another edition
1.0
Why do you hate my city so, Farah? Why?????
Also, WHY????
Also, WHY????
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-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? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Racism, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Colonisation, and War
angelasunshine's review against another edition
2.0
I'm confused about what the story is here. This felt unfinished, I was waiting for an actual plot to take shape but it never did.