A review by thatothernigeriangirl
The Shadow King, by Maaza Mengiste
4.0
Thank you Canongate Books for the Review Copy
The Shadow King is a book that I’m tempted to shove into everyone’s hands but can understand if every other person who has read it don’t feel the same way.
For one the writing style is controversial; the lack of quotations to separate dialogues from narration can be frustrating. Similarly, the poetic nature of the narration, which undoubtedly gave the book glitts, could also be too much for some readers, including me; like when a meal really bangs but you wish the salt was just a little less.
Another thing to watch out for if you decide to pick this book is the slow pace at which the story unfolds; it can get very annoying but I think it’s all part of Mengiste’s art. I think she was trying to make us feel how people in wars feel; the excruciatingly slow pace of life; the uncertainty that comes with war; it’s the least we could do in our attempt to be vicarious.
If you’re a fan of Laila Lalami’s The Moor’s Account then this book is for you It has successfully made my list of “Books I’ll always recommend”.
The Shadow King is a book that I’m tempted to shove into everyone’s hands but can understand if every other person who has read it don’t feel the same way.
For one the writing style is controversial; the lack of quotations to separate dialogues from narration can be frustrating. Similarly, the poetic nature of the narration, which undoubtedly gave the book glitts, could also be too much for some readers, including me; like when a meal really bangs but you wish the salt was just a little less.
Another thing to watch out for if you decide to pick this book is the slow pace at which the story unfolds; it can get very annoying but I think it’s all part of Mengiste’s art. I think she was trying to make us feel how people in wars feel; the excruciatingly slow pace of life; the uncertainty that comes with war; it’s the least we could do in our attempt to be vicarious.
If you’re a fan of Laila Lalami’s The Moor’s Account then this book is for you It has successfully made my list of “Books I’ll always recommend”.