Reviews

This book, which was written and is set in 1930s Harlem, feels like it could have been written today. There is not one aspect about this satire that feels dated in any way. I rated a four because there are two plot points in particular that I felt I could see coming from the book’s onset. Regardless, it’s a short read and worth it.

ldpaige's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.0

lukasch's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

katepilled's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

This book was recommended to me while reading The Last White Man- Mohsin Hamid, which would work so well as a double hitter reading line up. I enjoyed this one more than the latter.

Very interesting ideas and good satire! Felt like a slow build and rapid conclusion, but I would recommend and I will read again.

janine82's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It isn't a fast paced book it is very slow. It's heavy with big themes. It is open ended.

bruederin's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

merose's review against another edition

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3.0

I really liked the concept behind this book, and it's sadly still relevant almost 100 years after its initial publication. That said, I feel like it would have been stronger if the story had stayed more focused. By the end, there were quite a lot of characters to keep track of as well as a lot of political machinations to follow (both in terms of actual politics as well as social organizations scrambling to stay relevant). I think it could have made its major points in half the length, but it was certainly a thought-provoking read.

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