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readbykhanyi's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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 made me reflect a lot on the xenophobia in South Africa as a South African and the experiences people have trying to find a better life here. It made me so sad over how much people need to struggle just to have a fair chance in life.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Rape, Racism, Pregnancy, Racial slurs, Physical abuse, Pedophilia, Murder, Infidelity, Incest, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Drug use, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Death, and Child abuse
blessing_aj's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
What a tale! I guarantee that this will make a great pick for a book club.
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
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, and Xenophobia
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