kiramke's review against another edition
3.0
Every time! Reviews: "unlikable flat tone." Me: "Ooh I like this writing."
Anyway this was interesting, and not quite what I expected. There are some moments of difficult shifts in perspective and understanding that make it all worthwhile.
Anyway this was interesting, and not quite what I expected. There are some moments of difficult shifts in perspective and understanding that make it all worthwhile.
renee_pompeii's review against another edition
1.0
I wasn't really impressed with Mankell's writing or this story. His historical references felt off the cuff and unresearched, and he seemed to lean to heavily on modern political points of view. Also, his writing style was incredibly staccato, and I felt like it totally prevented the story from flowing--which didn't help its readability (or lack thereof). Too bad, the premise was quite promising and I was excited for this one.
carlyque's review against another edition
4.0
Very much enjoyed this book. Was irritated by the main character's callousness, which seemed to derive more from a lack of awareness of self than anything (also annoying.) Her turn to anti-racism was a bit pc, and yet made more sense--I ended up enjoying her displacement, the masquerade of the brothel, the themes of violence, racism, and gender. Not quite done sensitively, but with an unusual path. (not sure about that monkey Carlos though).
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
Review to come after HNS Review released in August.
uncle_shai's review against another edition
2.0
I did not find the main character believable or all that likeable. The setting was interesting.
rbriese7's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
joyfilledwander's review against another edition
3.0
A Treacherous Paradise by Henning Mankell, set in 1900's Portuguese-colonized Mozambique, is a slow going, slow building novel of sorts. It's driven more by character than plot, yet the story continually pulls you in deeper. A few times i thought about quitting this book, but something in the next chapter always compelled me to keep going.
The story is about a young Swedish woman, named Hannah, who sets sail from her homeland bound for Australia as the boat's cook. After being married & widowed [twice], Hannah finds herself in a hotel in Mozambique, which turns out to be one of the most notorious brothels in all the city. And the story goes on, and as Hannah begins to understand the complexities of the new life she has chosen to live, Hannah begins to realize more about herself & the world around her. Racism, colonization, sex, marriage, death, and wealth are major themes in this book that weave in and out like a tapestry.
I adore Henning Mankell as an author, particularly for his Wallander detective series. This was the first non-Wallander book that I read. I think I enjoy Wallander much more than this book, but it was not terrible, and captured a time and a place that I knew so little about. Pick it up if you get the chance!
The story is about a young Swedish woman, named Hannah, who sets sail from her homeland bound for Australia as the boat's cook. After being married & widowed [twice], Hannah finds herself in a hotel in Mozambique, which turns out to be one of the most notorious brothels in all the city. And the story goes on, and as Hannah begins to understand the complexities of the new life she has chosen to live, Hannah begins to realize more about herself & the world around her. Racism, colonization, sex, marriage, death, and wealth are major themes in this book that weave in and out like a tapestry.
I adore Henning Mankell as an author, particularly for his Wallander detective series. This was the first non-Wallander book that I read. I think I enjoy Wallander much more than this book, but it was not terrible, and captured a time and a place that I knew so little about. Pick it up if you get the chance!
margardenlady's review against another edition
4.0
This gave me a view into a world I hadn't even imagined...prostitution in apartheid Africa, early in the 20th century. Mankell's characters were well drawn and believable. We listened to this while driving and it was quite enjoyable, but I'm glad I didn't live there and then.
chasing_dallas's review against another edition
3.0
I am not sure how I really feel about this book or the main character. It's interesting he built the story based on an unknown woman that disappeared in time. The characters are flat compared to the potential. Hmm.