Oil on Water by Helon Habila

Oil on Water

Helon Habila

239 pages • first pub 2010 (editions)

fiction contemporary literary dark reflective sad medium-paced

Description

As Rufus and Zaq navigate polluted rivers flanked by exploded and dormant oil wells, in search of "the white woman," they must contend with the brutality of both government soldiers and militants. Assailed by irresolvable versions of the "truth" a...

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Community Reviews Summary of 209 reviews

Moods

dark 69%
informative 47%
adventurous 43%
reflective 43%
challenging 34%
sad 34%
tense 30%
emotional 26%
mysterious 21%
hopeful 4%
inspiring 4%

Pace

medium 52%
slow 26%
fast 21%

Plot- or character-driven?

Plot: 43% | A mix: 37% | Character: 18%

Strong character development?

Yes: 47% | It's complicated: 41% | No: 11%

Loveable characters?

No: 38% | It's complicated: 33% | Yes: 16% | N/A: 11%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 81% | No: 12% | It's complicated: 6%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

No: 46% | Yes: 30% | It's complicated: 15% | N/A: 7%

Average rating

3.5

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Content Warnings

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