A review by gugsnbooks
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
3.0
I read this book in 2010, and again as my book club selection in 2015.
The Book of Night Women kept me interested and engaged for the length the book. I thought that it was a well-rounded and very well developed story tackling a sad and brutal history without an gentleness.
However, I felt that the book was overly sexualised and unnecessarily raw and crude. While some in my bookclub felt that it was a true reflection of what happened, I thought it was over the top and playing in to some already strongly held stereotypes of slaves.
I wondered whether this was because the book is written by a man - it raised interesting discussion on male authors writing female perspectives.
Overall, a good book, but be prepared when you read it - it's harsh.
The Book of Night Women kept me interested and engaged for the length the book. I thought that it was a well-rounded and very well developed story tackling a sad and brutal history without an gentleness.
However, I felt that the book was overly sexualised and unnecessarily raw and crude. While some in my bookclub felt that it was a true reflection of what happened, I thought it was over the top and playing in to some already strongly held stereotypes of slaves.
I wondered whether this was because the book is written by a man - it raised interesting discussion on male authors writing female perspectives.
Overall, a good book, but be prepared when you read it - it's harsh.