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mizapip's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Eating disorder
xh_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Trafficking, and Murder
readbykhanyi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book follows the lives of Zimbabweans coming into South Africa illegally and their experiences here. Some find gold, some don't. The stories are often sad.
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
blessing_aj's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Set in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the UK; the story follows the lives of eight Zimbabweans fleeing their country for Johannesburg in search of greener pastures in the streets rumored to be paved with gold.
At the beginning of this novel, you might be tempted to let your guard down and be hopeful. I advice that you proceed with caution, because as the story unravels so does gloom and greater uncertainty. As a reader familiar with stories of immigration, I was thrilled by the numerous ways that Sue Nyathi was able to apply the element of surprise thus making the plot unpredictable.
I also like that she chose to focus on immigration within the continent as opposed to the popular places explored by stories with similar themes such as the U.S., the U.K. etc.
Overall, I highly recommend it as a good read. I rated it 4.5 of 5 stars because even though I am super impressed with the plot, the delivery wasn’t as groundbreaking as I would expect from a 5 star read.
P.S. The narrator did a great job with the audiobook, so feel free to check that out as well, if you’d like to
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Trafficking, and Death of parent