izzy22's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
kathed's review
4.0
Wow - this is a first novel? I loved it - I'll probably give it 5 stars after I re-read the whole thing. I'm a chain reader, and I usually have at least two going at once. Occasionally one captures my imagination and attention to the extent that I can't just finish it and go right on to the next; I need a day or two to ruminate. This was one of those rare books that not only keep my attention after I've closed the covers, but becomes better upon reflection.
I have to admit that some of the dialect slowed me down a bit, but I'm sure that's due to my own inexperience. I was tempted to stop and look up braai and bakkie and terr, but I was more interested in what would come next.
I probably read it too fast to pick up all the nuances, but I thoroughly appreciated the ironies and twists. As I got closer to the end, I thought I knew what was coming; I was almost right but still surprised. I knew I skimmed by something important in Deo's five chapters, so I specifically re-read them and was glad of it - there was more even than I thought I missed, and just that extra part of an hour made a great deal of difference.
It reminded me somewhat of the experience of reading Life of Pi, but much more satisfyingly and less distastefully so. The strongest similarity is due to the lingering after-thoughts (post-musings?) similar to an "aftertaste" when eating...or maybe more like enjoying a fine wine?
Great job, Richard! It's been more of a pleasure to have met you than I expected.
I have to admit that some of the dialect slowed me down a bit, but I'm sure that's due to my own inexperience. I was tempted to stop and look up braai and bakkie and terr, but I was more interested in what would come next.
I probably read it too fast to pick up all the nuances, but I thoroughly appreciated the ironies and twists. As I got closer to the end, I thought I knew what was coming; I was almost right but still surprised. I knew I skimmed by something important in Deo's five chapters, so I specifically re-read them and was glad of it - there was more even than I thought I missed, and just that extra part of an hour made a great deal of difference.
It reminded me somewhat of the experience of reading Life of Pi, but much more satisfyingly and less distastefully so. The strongest similarity is due to the lingering after-thoughts (post-musings?) similar to an "aftertaste" when eating...or maybe more like enjoying a fine wine?
Great job, Richard! It's been more of a pleasure to have met you than I expected.
More...