galaxias's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
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? Yes
3.0
harbo101's review against another edition
3.0
Well written, providing multiple perspectives on the events unfolding, and remarkably relevant nearly twenty years after its publication. Was disappointed, however, in the way the story ended--after such a well-developed plot, it just dropped off too quickly for me.
liralen's review against another edition
4.0
This reminded me somewhat of [b:Black Boy White School|9266763|Black Boy White School|Brian F. Walker|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1325840335s/9266763.jpg|14147613], although “The Fall of Rome” was published earlier and is arguably considerably more complex.
Much of this complexity owes itself to the multiple points of view, especially those of Jerome and Jana. Rashid’s story is important, but it’s also the most straightforward of the stories, rendering it sometimes predictable. Jana is a realistic blend of optimism and fatigue –- she still believes that she can make a difference, but she’s more or less given up on trying to do so in inner-city schools. She’s restrained, too, which is nice -– this is not a portrait of an idealistic young white teacher single-handedly turning the school on its head and making it fully racially integrated.
But it’s Jerome who is, to my mind, most interesting. Even as readers gain insight into his background and views, the other main players of the book are left in the dark. They can see his views -– somewhat outdated and arguably tinged with internalised racism –- but do not understand, or seek to understand, those views.
So when Rashid struggles and Jerome fails to help him –- or to connect with him –- it is not within the capacity of the other characters (and only gradually enters the readers’ capacity) to understand why. Although the book could have pushed it further, we see the different impacts that racism has had on the lives of the various characters and how that has influenced them to think and act.
I don’t think this is a groundbreaking book (and I agree with reviewers who say that some blurbs for it are misleading), but it’s thought-provoking.
Much of this complexity owes itself to the multiple points of view, especially those of Jerome and Jana. Rashid’s story is important, but it’s also the most straightforward of the stories, rendering it sometimes predictable. Jana is a realistic blend of optimism and fatigue –- she still believes that she can make a difference, but she’s more or less given up on trying to do so in inner-city schools. She’s restrained, too, which is nice -– this is not a portrait of an idealistic young white teacher single-handedly turning the school on its head and making it fully racially integrated.
But it’s Jerome who is, to my mind, most interesting. Even as readers gain insight into his background and views, the other main players of the book are left in the dark. They can see his views -– somewhat outdated and arguably tinged with internalised racism –- but do not understand, or seek to understand, those views.
So when Rashid struggles and Jerome fails to help him –- or to connect with him –- it is not within the capacity of the other characters (and only gradually enters the readers’ capacity) to understand why. Although the book could have pushed it further, we see the different impacts that racism has had on the lives of the various characters and how that has influenced them to think and act.
I don’t think this is a groundbreaking book (and I agree with reviewers who say that some blurbs for it are misleading), but it’s thought-provoking.
giftsintogold's review against another edition
5.0
A poignant look at racial tensions through the eyes of three members of an elite private school. Two characters African American. One white. I gained a deeper appreciation for how identity is shaped and challenged. Each character had their own story and reason for upholding the story they felt best. While none fully understood the others, they each shaped each other's world view. I was pained by how Jerome struggled to accept himself, and consequently the other characters. The author did a remarkable job of illustrating the inner and outer struggles of each of the three primary characters.
jajajanea's review
5.0
I love the fact that you get to experience this story through three different perspectives. It brings a lot of racial issues out for discussion without being too aggressive about it. I will admit I cried several times while reading from Rashid's point of view. It's worth the read.
just_tosh's review against another edition
2.0
I'm sure this is a great book. It wasn't for me. I wanted to like it but I just didn't care about the characters at all.
elibriggs's review against another edition
4.0
I can't remember where I found this writer but I have read 3 of her books and been really impressed. the characters in each book were really different but believable and interesting.
kevinsmokler's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, serene and sad, think Dead Poets Society meets Go Tell it on the Mountain. A first novel which is remarkable. If you have a thing for novels/movies about inspirational teachers but also get the difficulties of teaching and working in education itself, I cannot recommend this book enough.
caroline88's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.0
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