Reviews

A novel that pays homage to Mozambican culture simultaneously as a novel about war, injustice and dreams. A story that cannot leave anyone reading it indifferently.

elica's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

nealadolph's review against another edition

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dark inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one, though I can see the bits and pieces of what it is drawing together and I loved it. What an original way to write about the malaise and panic that war can produce in a people and in a person; what an exciting mixture of literary ideals and forms and traditions; what a pleasure to read and explore and watch as it shifts and plays and changes perspectives and possibilities.

It is two stories in one - two books talking to each other in gentle whispers that, like the wind, become clearer but never reveal their origins or destinations. Together, they move from what feels like a real world moment to something that steps deep into the surreal possibilities of the human imagination. And watching this happen in tandem and rhythms feels like a masterclass in structure and imaginative capacity.

For this reason alone I would recommend giving this book a go.

But when you add in the exceptional writing as well; wow! The writing! The mark of an incredible poet and exceptional translator is found in every sentence, every gentle tug at the full power of a word's sound, every shift that takes you suddenly into a surreal examination of human limitation. I can say, with some level of confidence, that I've only been so quickly convinced of a writer's mastery over their craft in one or two or three instances before. Mia Couto is the real deal.

For those who love J.M. Coetzee, Amos Tutuola, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, Miguel Angel Asturias, a hint of Can Xue; or just for those who love to read about worlds that feel like ours and nothing like ours.

Content Warnings

talesandbea's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

evalourenzo's review against another edition

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4.0

Narrativa fantástica onde se reconhece no sonho a crueldade da realidade. Personagens que sobrevivem num mundo reinventado para poderem suportar o peso deste mundo. Duas histórias que se misturam, se enterlaçam e se tocam. Poético a forma como Mia Couto reinventa a língua portuguesa brincando com as palavras.

"Roubaram-vos tanto que nem sequer os sonhos são vossos, nada de vossa terra vos pertence, e até o céu e o mar serão propriedade de estranhos."

adaxique's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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