barbi72's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aallen352's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
3.0
After reading this book, and looking back on it as a whole, it's good.
But while I was reading it, in that moment, I was often bored.
Some parts were ... Scotiabank Geller prize winning... and other parts were, not.
And that makes it difficult to review.
As a whole I liked it, but I'm glad I've finished it... if that makes sense.
Some books you just want more, and this one ... I'm good with what I got.
This book is like a vacation that was just ok.
You can look back at it fondly, but you wouldn't want to go there again.
But while I was reading it, in that moment, I was often bored.
Some parts were ... Scotiabank Geller prize winning... and other parts were, not.
And that makes it difficult to review.
As a whole I liked it, but I'm glad I've finished it... if that makes sense.
Some books you just want more, and this one ... I'm good with what I got.
This book is like a vacation that was just ok.
You can look back at it fondly, but you wouldn't want to go there again.
daisy13's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
gnarlylarose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
jreaderr's review against another edition
3.0
This book is pretty intense and heavy, there's nothing good that really takes place about this book, event he ending which I liked. It's just life, sometimes there is not good ending unfortunately.
However, I do like the history of 419 and I love the colonization perspective of people in Nigeria. However, at one point it just got really confusing with the many different characters and their backstory and the plot got a little lost.
However, I do like the history of 419 and I love the colonization perspective of people in Nigeria. However, at one point it just got really confusing with the many different characters and their backstory and the plot got a little lost.
sassispring's review against another edition
3.0
This writer starts off strong with prose that not only weaves an interesting story, but creates a picture in the mind of the scene. Unfortunately this author did not have staying power and by the end of the book, the story was written in a simple manner, matter-of-fact and quite different from the beginning. It was as if two people had written the story. The book revolves around 3 separate stories that come together at the end, however, the way the book is written, it's very different to stay on track with the story. While in the middle of one story, another short chapter (often 6 sentences) pops up with a totally different view that has no connection to any part of the book and then disappears. The main character - Laura - is changed from a copywriter editor who remains distant from her life and views the world very concretely, without much emotion and with much criticism, to a woman bent of revenge no matter who is harmed in the way. The author appears to have some knowledge about Nigeria, however, he didn't go far enough with his research. The information regarding 419 scams was real, in terms of how it happens, the why and where, but fell down on the RCMP's reaction when learning someone has been harmed by a 419 scam. In fact, I don't think it ever went to the special task force within the RCMP and stayed with the Calgary Police (but I could be wrong, as I tended to gloss over bits that were written in a dull fashion). The research on how banks deal with a member suddenly taking out large sums of money and remortgaging their home was poorly done. As someone who was involved back in the '90s with a group that worked on educating the public about scams (specifically in my case, romance scams), I found Laura's brother's approach insulting. We did not do this to "make those scammers look like fools and idiots" as her brother did and we didn't take scammers "down the garden path". It was serious work, we spent time educating the public and if information came forward on a scammer, it was dealt with in a professional manner. I would give this book 2.5 rating if possible, but since it's not, I give it 3. I recommend reading because the middle-end part is interesting - about oil development in Nigeria and the main character in that story was very interesting - wanted to learn more about Nnamdi . I would have loved reading an entire story on this character and his village, how Shell oil development impacted the Nigerian Delta and all the fall-out. As a result I spent time researching and reading more on this area, very tragic. Anyhow, if you want to read a different type of book about many different storylines that come together in the end, this is for you.
brandia's review against another edition
4.0
What to say about this book. Will Ferguson paints a bleary look into Nigeria the desperation of people resulting from years of exploitation for their resources and tries to give a face to the nameless ‘entrepreneurs’.
I found the book a bit confusing as it introduces a number of people with their own storylines that doesn’t seem to follow the original plot of the book. The ending brings it all together, however I didn’t find it overtly satisfying.
As someone who constantly gets these email requests, this book brings a better understanding into the 419 scams but does not humanize their strife. Corruption wins. Plain and simple.
I found the Canadian storyline the least believable, particularly Laura’s journey. I get what the author is trying to achieve, but it just struck me as 100% unbelievable.
I found the book a bit confusing as it introduces a number of people with their own storylines that doesn’t seem to follow the original plot of the book. The ending brings it all together, however I didn’t find it overtly satisfying.
As someone who constantly gets these email requests, this book brings a better understanding into the 419 scams but does not humanize their strife. Corruption wins. Plain and simple.
I found the Canadian storyline the least believable, particularly Laura’s journey. I get what the author is trying to achieve, but it just struck me as 100% unbelievable.
leahtee's review against another edition
3.0
There were some good plot lines and twists, and the element of mystery was alluring, but ultimately I didn't love it. Brand names were dropped a few times, which I hate. Why say "Shoppers Drug Mart" and not just "the drugstore"? Something about that really grinds my gears.