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A review by brettpet
Tram 83 by Fiston Mwanza Mujila
challenging
medium-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
The translation of this book from its native French just feels off and incomplete. Losing something in translation is expected with non-English text, but the way the characters speak and the plot is delivered is stilted and confusing, in a way unlike other translated works that I've read. For example, a character is placed in prison after a lengthy interrogation in one chapter and then inexplicably freed in the next.
The repetition ("Do you have the time" over and over) and lack of story progression were some other issues for me, plus the self insert character (a publisher character with the same initials as the author)? Some aspects I liked: the setting, descriptions of vibrant nightlife, and the meta aspects of Lucien's journey as a writer.
The repetition ("Do you have the time" over and over) and lack of story progression were some other issues for me, plus the self insert character (a publisher character with the same initials as the author)? Some aspects I liked: the setting, descriptions of vibrant nightlife, and the meta aspects of Lucien's journey as a writer.