A short novel that exposes the reader to South Africa's dark and unforgiving past. I personally felt comfortable with the IsiZulu dialogue because I aA short novel that exposes the reader to South Africa's dark and unforgiving past. I personally felt comfortable with the IsiZulu dialogue because I am from KwaZulu-Natal (the province that the novel is set in).
I didn't need a history lesson on Apartheid to understand the subtle racism Patricia was guilty off. I did have trouble liking any of the characters. The novel dealt with a young, black boy who was taken care of and loved by his mother's white employer, and is now grown up and feels the need to address certain truths that his white guardians didn't know of or ignored.
Ironically, his truth isn't the absolute truth at all. Nevertheless, the emotions by each character are expressed extremely well. It was a thoughtful, but intense, read....more
It was a good read. Not particularly the greatest. Was misled by the beginning which created an impression that the plot was heading towards biologicaIt was a good read. Not particularly the greatest. Was misled by the beginning which created an impression that the plot was heading towards biological warfare, instead it was more a heist in a medical lab led by the head scientist's son. Also it comes across as Toni Gallo being the protagonist but her background is never fully explored, whereas the drama in each of her boss's family is given lots of chapter time. It was a like a b-grade action movie. Not much character development but tons of action....more
Ken Follett is a personal favourite of mine so I am biased when I read any of his novels. He is such an incredible writer that I think all his novels Ken Follett is a personal favourite of mine so I am biased when I read any of his novels. He is such an incredible writer that I think all his novels are great. The way he blends historical events/people with fictional characters is astounding. This time it's World War II and Britain's spycatchers are trying to get their hands on Germany's most intelligent and ruthless spies, Die Nadel (The Needle). The chapters flit between characters' points of view: the chief spycatcher, Professor Godliman; the German spy, Die Nadel and an ordinary housewife/mother, Lucy. How these characters come to meet is what makes this novel worth reading!...more
I have one word to express my feelings about this book and that is: Wow! I had the privilege of reading a Jeffery Archer omnibus that had Shall we telI have one word to express my feelings about this book and that is: Wow! I had the privilege of reading a Jeffery Archer omnibus that had Shall we tell the President? and Kane and Abel in one novel. So after reading Shall I tell the President? I came across the poised, intelligent and diplomatic character of Florentyna Kane who just became President of the USA. Unfortunately, the narrative dealt with a FBI agent trying to stop the new President from being assassinated so she hardly played a role in the plot. However, upon reading Kane and Abel I discovered that this narrative is based on her father's, Abel Rosnovski, enemity with William Kane. I was gobsmacked when I first started reading and I couldn't understand how Florentyna became a Kane if the two men were extreme rivals. It's a definite must-read for people who enjoy long-winded tales of two characters' journey through their lives. The writing is also pleasant to follow....more
Fast-paced and action-packed. Definitely worth a read as it runs like a Hollywood movie through your head (Bruce Willis as Connor Fitzgerald anytime).Fast-paced and action-packed. Definitely worth a read as it runs like a Hollywood movie through your head (Bruce Willis as Connor Fitzgerald anytime). It's extremely unputdownable...more
A brilliant and refreshing study of a person's account from addiction to rehabilitation. Rachel's character is masterfully written allowing the readerA brilliant and refreshing study of a person's account from addiction to rehabilitation. Rachel's character is masterfully written allowing the reader to have a firsthand view of the stages an addict goes through when recovering, such as denial, then anger, then acceptance, etc. It is a feel-good novel with lots of colorful characters that I would have loved to have seen more of such as, Clarence, Mike, Chaquie or even Helen (Rachel's hot, unapologetically honest sister). Nevertheless, this was Rachel's journey of recovery and it was down with aplomb. Not rushed, neither too laborious. Highly recommended!!!...more
Loading...
