affiknittyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and the way the various subplots eventually all tied together. Through the stories of several characters, the reader gets a sense of the life in Luanda during and in the aftermath of the Angolan struggle for independence. In the author’s note, Agualusa says that originally the book was conceived as a screenplay, and that makes sense — there is definitely a cinematic quality to the storytelling.
Read the World 2021
Read the World 2021
spudidi's review against another edition
2.0
It felt more like a mix of short stories tied together, and each of the stories presented undeveloped characters, with hastily drawn backgrounds and histories...more detail and depth would have made this more enjoyable for me, as I just couldn't get into this or feel invested in it. Such an interesting premise, but just felt like it could have been so much more!
celestemarin's review against another edition
5.0
I forget how I came across this book--maybe from the list of IMPAC nominees a few years ago? It's one of those war novels I really like where the war is happening and deeply affecting everyone's lives, but it's more about their lives than battles and who is winning. If you didn't know about the Angolan civil war, you wouldn't even know which side was which and it doesn't really matter for the book. Or for many Angolans, or I think for many people amidst civil conflicts around the world. There is a lot about the plot that seems implausible, but that includes a woman living in an apartment alone for 28 years, which actually happened so who am I to judge?
I will definitely re-read it.
I will definitely re-read it.
artdymond's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
thebookkeepers's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a surprising delight! Though I was completely unfamiliar with Angola and the politics which played an important part within the story, the author did a good job of helping the reader along well enough to enjoy the heart of the story. The composition of how the story is told and the multiple characters’ journeys woven together was achieved flawlessly. Beautiful book & a quick easy read.
stacialithub's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it. A compelling & circular tale set during the years from Angola declaring independence from Portugal & the ensuing decades of civil war. A gem of a story.
sapphire_mayo's review against another edition
4.0
This was beautifully written and had quite the intricate plot, which I wasn't really expecting, just from my skim over the synopsis. I also really liked that the chapters were really short, some of them just a page long- it made for an easy reading experience where I could just pick it up in-between tasks or waiting for customers to come in at work, without ever really stopping mid chapter. This book also gives out a lot to philosophize over in-between the sentences, there were so many good bits in this book that I ended up quoting in my journal just so I could have them laying about. I think reading this a second time might give it the potential of a five star; maybe if I read it aloud?
lamusadelils's review against another edition
4.0
Los detalles y pequeños momentos de este libro van armando un cuadro fascinante del periodo y la cultura, casi como un rompecabezas sobre Angola y su evolución en puntos críticos de su independencia. Pero más fascinante aun es la exploración de la soledad, el miedo y la memoria por medio de Ludo y su encierro voluntario.
Spoiler alert: Deberían prohibir que haya escenas tristes con perritos en los libros, oigan.
Spoiler alert: Deberían prohibir que haya escenas tristes con perritos en los libros, oigan.
bunbobabe's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty and Murder