sammieolig's reviews
5 reviews
Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but I ended up loving it! (I recommend doing quick research on Zimbabwe’s history to set the backdrop for the novel, as that really cleared things up for me.) It’s about the effects of colonialism, loss, generational trauma, feminism, and so much more.
Bulawayo has such a unique writing style that flows between wit and heartache, and makes you feel the same boiling rage as the characters. I mean, this quote; “We discovered that the true, the proper love for the nation was coming together like we were at that moment doing… That what truly counted was showing up for each other, was refusing silence, was actively fighting for what was right, was demanding justice for your fellow citizens… we discovered that the only way to be a better Jidada was to in fact start by being each other’s treasures.” That’s powerful!!
If you’re considering reading this book, do it! It’s beautiful and fast and has a wonderful blend of infuriating and loveable characters. It feels almost wrong to compare this to Animal Farm, as it just goes so deep into the lives of people affected by an uncaring government and what it takes to bring about change.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, War, and Violence
Minor: Suicide and Police brutality
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell
emotional
mysterious
4.0
After reading Hamnet, I knew I had to pick up another one of Maggie O’Farrel’s books! I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much (I found all the men annoying in some form or another), but the ending was so satisfying. <3 The way that everything comes together as the two narratives collide is super cool, and I had a good cry towards the end. Lexie is by far the best character-- I can only describe her as a girlboss. There was also a fun art history motif which excited the art lover in me!
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I found the first half of this book really slow, but the pace picked up towards the end especially. I didn't find myself relating to any of the stories shared by the characters, but I can appreciate the concept. Looking back, I like that the stories take place over very different times, places, cultures, etc. The point of view is constantly changing, which adds to the mood of the piece but can be confusing if you don't pay close attention. My main issue with the book is that I found some characters really unlikable and couldn't find any redeeming qualities.
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is by far the most depressing book on my shelf. Reading it really made me reflect on my own life, especially areas where I could see myself in the characters. I recommend reading this while in a good head space, as it becomes darker as the main character struggles more.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This novel has the most interesting dialect I've read! It is challenging to understand at first, but I was able to adapt quickly to it. There is a lot of clear symbolism that is really interesting to analyze as the book goes on. I didn't go into this book expecting a romance, but I found myself enjoying watching as Janie (the protagonist) learn what love means to her, and how it relates to her independence.
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