Reviews

Debout-Payé by Gauz

eccles's review against another edition

funny hopeful informative reflective 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? N/A

4.0

A wonderful pair of eyes to see Paris.  “Like taking a stroll along the Tower of Babel if it had been expertly toppled by a demolition crew such that, rather than standing vertical, it runs horizontally from Belleville to Place de la Republique.”   A touching personal perspective on life as an undocumented West African in France, not sensational, frequently merely quotidian, but always clear-eyed and first-hand. Perhaps it is by standing at a Sephora on the Champs-Elysées, rather than sitting at a cafe, that you will see the whole world going by.  Part of this sense of first-hand, unmediated observation comes through a series of comments about people shopping in Paris, comments that are frequently glib and at times troublingly stereotypical.  These I thought are integral to the authenticity of this voice, but may be more problematic for some readers.

chaosofcold's review against another edition

3.0

This is a gorgeously translated book that leans almost heavy handedly on the poetic. The structure is incredibly unorthodox but once you’re past that it’s a fine novella.

I don’t think it offers anything unseen but if you have an afternoon to spend there are worse ways to do it.

manasvini's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

An interesting and witty look at the intersections between consumerism, racial capitalism, and colonialism, particularly exploring the relationship between Cote d'Ivoire And France. I just wish the powerful characters and observations weren't cheapened by casual misogyny and obfuscated by some wordy/jargon-y sections. An interesting read nevertheless. 

hannahrisha's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

196books's review against another edition

challenging funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia

Minor: Islamophobia

monika_monia's review against another edition

reflective

3.0

georgiawi5e's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

krystowska's review against another edition

informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A

2.0

I appreciated the "history-parts" but didn't care fore the chapters with the observation snippets. Also I did not find the immense stereotyping amusing. I wish the story could have been focused on Ossiri's and Kassoum's stories. I could easily do without the "funny" extracts from a security guards work life. 

mariana_cscs's review against another edition

funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

iiriss's review against another edition

fast-paced

3.5