Reviews

The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

hennie_nahari's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

isamulti's review against another edition

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4.0

Mustiks

sofsworld's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

rissaleighs's review against another edition

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2.0

Well darn. I had gotten an ARC download from Penguin First Reads but it expired before I could finish reading this. So I got about 300 pages in.

I can appreciate the comparisons to Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Like Marquez, this book interested my brain at times but didn't engage my heart. Each chapter followed a different character from an intertwined family tree of sorts--which is a structure I loved in a different book recently--but here, it didn't work for me. I struggled to keep track of characters, figure out how the chapters related to each other....and actually, really tired of most of the chapters WAY before they were over.

I can see why this book is getting the rave reviews, but I'm kind of relieved to be able to move on.

jknoxwhite's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny informative reflective sad medium-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? Yes

4.5

laurenqt's review against another edition

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4.0

Multi generational novel of different people in Zimbabwe that all intertwine. The writing was beautiful and lyrical. The characters were lovely in all of their flaws. I liked how it was written based in truth but also had parts that were made up and then set in the future.

robertg86's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Strong character development? No

1.0

youthfulexpression's review against another edition

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reflective relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

gathonik's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm really loving these stories that span generations. What a story! I also felt the pacing was so great so even though it was a long read I really enjoyed the journey. Would definitely recommend!

marmoset737's review against another edition

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4.0

Maybe one that wouldn't have been on my radar had I not snagged an ARC at ALA Midwinter. Really epic, engrossing read.