Reviews with content warning for Genocide - Glory

I really enjoyed Bulawayo’s previous novel, We Need New Names, and had high expectations for Glory. She certainly delivered with unique storytelling (I actually read the book alongside the audiobook, which really made a difference) and interesting characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as taken to the plot as I thought I would be, mostly due to pacing and repetitiveness. However, this book is clever, especially the way she expanded on George Orwell’s Animal Farm to satirize the Zimbabwean coup d’état in 2017, as well as to provide other commentary on other topics such as colonialism and racism. On that note, I wish I knew more about this to further appreciate what Bulawayo wrote, though I certainly could see elements of this book taking place in other oppressive countries.

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dark emotional reflective 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

4.75

Like Animal Farm, Glory is an animal allegory, but based on recent political events in Zimbabwe, including the 2017 overthrow of Robert Mugabe and its aftermath. And while the comparisons are inevitable Glory makes it clear right from the start that it is not another Animal Farm. I’d say it is much richer and more immersive, and it’s animals are less animal like - no living in barns or interacting with farmers - but used in a metaphorical way.

Satire can be a bit hit and miss for me, but I was totally on board with this book. The skewering of corrupt, egotistical, self-serving political and religious leaders was spot on - although sadly it was hard to tell what was exaggeration, comedy, irony or farce and what was purely based on fact. However, this book doesn’t just highlight and poke fun at such behaviour but places it in its historical and international context - factors like colonialism and economic exploitation by foreign firms- and shows the very real cost to ordinary citizens who were the victims of state sanctioned beatings, murder and genocide, and whose standard of living was deliberately degraded so leaders could live lavishly. It also highlights resistance by the population and some of my favourite sections were snippets of overheard conversations from ordinary mals or social media exchanges. The role played by femals in confronting and resisting abuses of power and human rights violations, and the importance of international support were highlighted in this tale.

This is a distinctly Zimbabwean story, not only in the basis for its plot, but also in its language and style which I loved. The playfulness of some metaphors, the repetition of words and phrases - some for paragraphs at a time, others just regular refrains - added a sense of unity and power, as well as linking to an oral storytelling tradition. However you don’t need to have knowledge of Zimbabwe’s history to appreciate Glory, for it’s themes and messages, like political corruption itself, are universal.

An entertaining read with an important read.

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hilaryreadsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

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kayschwe's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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