Reviews

First off, it deals with an interesting topic, that I should definitley read up on because oil exploitation and its gruelsome consequences are happening - across the globe - right now. But the reason I gave the novel only two stars is the foggy and at times irritating atmosphere the narration creates. I know this is probably intentional as it reflects the characters' sorroundings and what they encounter but it made it really hard for me to actually enjoy reading the book.

porshea's review against another edition

Go to review page

Did not keep my attention - narrative view not stimulating (was unattached to a character)

deep_reader's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The trip up the Niger evokes several postcolonial memories of Joseph Conrad's Heart of darkness. But basically it's a fantastic exploration of the history of modern Nigeria and the breathtaking challenges of survival in the Niger delta. But in the end there is always the fragile promise of the power of compassion.

margaretefg's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Wow. You can picture the Niger Delta so well while reading this book. And smell the gas, see the flares, etc. The Nigerian govt and the oil companies are plundering ordinary Nigerians and they are just stuck...you get the total hopelessness of the situation.

julemartha's review

Go to review page

informative

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

bluehairedraven's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

pinderbucks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes

4.5

More...