madamelacy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.5
I initially found this book a bit difficult to understand as it’s written in a West Indian English dialect, but I quickly adjusted and enjoyed the rhythm of the language.
The story starts with Moses grudgingly meeting yet another fellow West Indian off the boat train. The rest of the book recounts stories of various immigrants as they deal with the inclement weather, racism, precarious job situations and attempts to provide for themselves and their families. This sounds potentially bleak but it’s not because the male characters are all imbued with such warmth and humour.
There weren’t very many female characters; most female characters are objects of desire and aren’t respected by the men. I loved Tanty - a woman who knew how to get what she wanted.
Sam Selvon creates a melting pot of characters from different countries who support and tease one another. Really lovely read which made me appreciate the difficulties of being an immigrant in a largely unwelcoming country, whilst simultaneously being within a culturally rich community.
The story starts with Moses grudgingly meeting yet another fellow West Indian off the boat train. The rest of the book recounts stories of various immigrants as they deal with the inclement weather, racism, precarious job situations and attempts to provide for themselves and their families. This sounds potentially bleak but it’s not because the male characters are all imbued with such warmth and humour.
There weren’t very many female characters; most female characters are objects of desire and aren’t respected by the men. I loved Tanty - a woman who knew how to get what she wanted.
Sam Selvon creates a melting pot of characters from different countries who support and tease one another. Really lovely read which made me appreciate the difficulties of being an immigrant in a largely unwelcoming country, whilst simultaneously being within a culturally rich community.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Sexism
hannahlouise_'s review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
I read this short novel for university and didn't know much going in as it was as prep for a class. I actually found it highly readable and a really interesting portrayal of the 'windrush' generation's experience as immigrants in London.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Animal death, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Violence
emmazan's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
2.75
read for class. World Literature Written in English (fall 21)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Drug use
Minor: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
tina94's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The final few pages about the group coming together and their dynamics was beautiful, made me like the book much more than I would have without it. Nasta's introduction also made me appreciate it more
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racial slurs, Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual content
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