A review by myhomextheroad
Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Look, this book keeps getting described as "Animal Farm but in modern Zimbabwe," and while I can understand why, that description also does it a disservice. Yes, the characters are portrayed as animals; but their animal-ness is more folkloric than in Animal Farm. They use WhatsApp; they use Twitter.
This book might lie outside of some people's comfort zones, in terms of subject matter and narrative style, if you're mostly used to traditional western literature. Some books are very clearly aimed at educating an outsider audience; Glory is not, which I admire & respect. Read up a little on modern Zimbabwean politics, if you feel you need to after a few chapters in. (That's what I did, and it felt worthwhile to have a better understanding of the parallels being drawn.)
In short: if you're looking for a history of modern Zimbabwe, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a heartfelt, honest examination of a nation trying to escape a cycle of violence—and a young woman learning ways to honour the dead—read Glory. It is absolutely worth stepping outside of your comfort zone to meet this book where it stands.
This book might lie outside of some people's comfort zones, in terms of subject matter and narrative style, if you're mostly used to traditional western literature. Some books are very clearly aimed at educating an outsider audience; Glory is not, which I admire & respect. Read up a little on modern Zimbabwean politics, if you feel you need to after a few chapters in. (That's what I did, and it felt worthwhile to have a better understanding of the parallels being drawn.)
In short: if you're looking for a history of modern Zimbabwe, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a heartfelt, honest examination of a nation trying to escape a cycle of violence—and a young woman learning ways to honour the dead—read Glory. It is absolutely worth stepping outside of your comfort zone to meet this book where it stands.