sienna_mac's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jenmat1197's review against another edition
4.0
This is the story of Suleiman. In the late 1970s, in Libya, who is quickly caught up in a world that is beyond his nine year old understanding. His father - who is frequently away on business trips - is spotted in town when he was supposed to be away. Soon, things start to change in his household. The phone is constantly ringing, a neighbor disappears, his mother burns all of his father's books. Soon Suleiman's mom realizes it is too dangerous for him to be in Libya, and he is sent to Cairo with a family friend to keep him safe.
This was a well written book. It isn't very long, and flowed nicely. Suleiman is a bit infuriating, but what nine year old boy isn't. There were times where I felt the character was a bit too naive. You get an insigth into Qaddafi's Libya from the few of a little boy, and it is an interesting take. All the things a child would not understand about the seriousness that was going on around him. He witnesses the execution of the neighbor and it sticks with him for the rest of his life.
A good read. I am glad I found this one for my Read The World challenge.
This was a well written book. It isn't very long, and flowed nicely. Suleiman is a bit infuriating, but what nine year old boy isn't. There were times where I felt the character was a bit too naive. You get an insigth into Qaddafi's Libya from the few of a little boy, and it is an interesting take. All the things a child would not understand about the seriousness that was going on around him. He witnesses the execution of the neighbor and it sticks with him for the rest of his life.
A good read. I am glad I found this one for my Read The World challenge.
anna_prrr's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Very dark but beautifully written; the kind of novel that produces pictures in your mind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Death, and Mental illness
Moderate: Alcoholism
mycriminalmind's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
sselmaak's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
autumnmurphy97's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
minaegg's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
georgiarybanks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Death of parent, and Police brutality