naome's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
shelleyrae's review
2.0
This slim volume from E.C. Osondu is less a novel and more a collection of short stories, similar to the author's first work, [b:Voice of America|7825181|Voice of America|E.C. Osondu|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347431909s/7825181.jpg|10872936].
Set in Nigeria, centered around the 'Family House', the home owned by the unnamed narrator's grandpa, each chapter tells a story linked to one of the many characters that reside there, from a thieving servant, to dissolute 'uncles', to orphaned children, and desperate widows.
The stories are mostly grim with themes such as adultery, murder, poverty, exploitation and rape, though there are flashes of dark humour. Some have a near myth-like edge but essentially reflect contemporary life in rural Nigeria. The stories are also said to reflect Nigeria's political state, rife with corruption, injustice and poverty.
I have to admit that while I found it somewhat interesting, I didn't particularly enjoy This House is Not For Sale.
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