princesslo's review
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
filaughn's review
3.5
I liked this but didn't love it. The child narrator worked well except that at times it seemed that he was supposed to be older than he came across. Similarly, while he was good at providing enough background and historical context for unfamiliar readers, this sometimes worked and sometimes the info-dump approach wasn't what I wanted. I don't think this is a bad book, and think a lot of people will love it. It just wasn't quite the best fit for what I was looking for.
ladymirtazapine's review
dark
funny
informative
sad
medium-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? No
4.0
abooksenthusiast's review against another edition
4.0
On Saturday 19th March 1977 the radio announces that the Comrade President was killed, but that’s not the only important thing that happens to young Michel:
a member of his family has died as well, and his mother is in great pain because of this; also, his dog seems to have disappeared ever since the announcement of the attack.
This short novel skillfully blends important historical events with private ones: Michel is the perfect voice to narrate what’s happening to his country, what went on in the past and why the situation is the way it is; but he is also a middle schooler dealing with his first love, his friends, the pains and gains of everyday life - and that is also explored throughout the narration.
One pet peeve of mine is when children do not feel like children, but rather as mini versions of adults, but Michel was a believable middle schooler and endearing character. He’s mad at his president being killed, worried about his dog’s disappearance, shy towards the girl he likes, terrified at what happens to his mom towards the end of the book…
I am completely ignorant about African history, but I thought that this book gave enough information to follow the main events, so it was very enjoyable.
The precise yet funny writing style made for an incredibly pleasant and quick read, so I’d definitely recommend this short novel!
a member of his family has died as well, and his mother is in great pain because of this; also, his dog seems to have disappeared ever since the announcement of the attack.
This short novel skillfully blends important historical events with private ones: Michel is the perfect voice to narrate what’s happening to his country, what went on in the past and why the situation is the way it is; but he is also a middle schooler dealing with his first love, his friends, the pains and gains of everyday life - and that is also explored throughout the narration.
One pet peeve of mine is when children do not feel like children, but rather as mini versions of adults, but Michel was a believable middle schooler and endearing character. He’s mad at his president being killed, worried about his dog’s disappearance, shy towards the girl he likes, terrified at what happens to his mom towards the end of the book…
I am completely ignorant about African history, but I thought that this book gave enough information to follow the main events, so it was very enjoyable.
The precise yet funny writing style made for an incredibly pleasant and quick read, so I’d definitely recommend this short novel!
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