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efuaesaba's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know I could be blown away by such a short book.
It's only 60-odd pages but it's a very unique slice of life. Fatou is so sensible and down-to-earth, yet living a life that's extraordinary to most of us. It's sad without being tragic because it's so realistic and ordinary. I was very close to buying everyone I knew a copy for Christmas!
Definitely need to read more of Zadie Smith's work
It's only 60-odd pages but it's a very unique slice of life. Fatou is so sensible and down-to-earth, yet living a life that's extraordinary to most of us. It's sad without being tragic because it's so realistic and ordinary. I was very close to buying everyone I knew a copy for Christmas!
Definitely need to read more of Zadie Smith's work
ricksilva's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Fatou, an immigrant to London from the Ivory Coast, finds a bit of solace from her housekeeping job in using her employer's guest passes to the local swimming pool. The pool is located next to the Embassy of Cambodia, with its ongoing badminton game the only sign of activity visible over its walls.
This short story does a lot with a relatively simply plot and its two main characters. The author makes great use of small details to provide depth, and to echo the inescapable thoughts of genocide that the local residents bring to mind as they contemplate the Embassy.
This short story does a lot with a relatively simply plot and its two main characters. The author makes great use of small details to provide depth, and to echo the inescapable thoughts of genocide that the local residents bring to mind as they contemplate the Embassy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Child death
chloenguyen's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-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
3.5
tessavanvlaanderen's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hannahalbregts's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bored_and_confused's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
chloe_valerie_jane's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0