Absolutely loved it. This is one of those books where the setting drives the plot as much as the events themselves. Interesting that we don't actuallyAbsolutely loved it. This is one of those books where the setting drives the plot as much as the events themselves. Interesting that we don't actually get to see Ah Hock's time in prison, I wonder if that was an intentional choice and if so, why?...more
I didn't find Odili to be a particularly interesting or likeable main character. But as is Achebe's way, A Man of the People is a very prescient exploI didn't find Odili to be a particularly interesting or likeable main character. But as is Achebe's way, A Man of the People is a very prescient exploration of post-colonial corruption in an unnamed country that feels oddly familiar....more
Very interesting! Reads more like a narrative than a history book, and provides a great insight into the golden age of piracy.
I would've liked the autVery interesting! Reads more like a narrative than a history book, and provides a great insight into the golden age of piracy.
I would've liked the author to be a bit more reflective and off some analysis of the events he described. The pseudo democracy that the pirates established in Nassau is fascinating, but we mostly get description and the reader is left to grapple with its significance.
The book also shows its age in terms of its treatment of race. It mentions that many pirates were Black, many freed slaves, but doesn't get into the question of race relations. Some of the descriptions of slaves are also a bit problematic....more
3.5 for me. Gotta love Achebe's lyrical style, absolutely chocked full of proverbs. Carrying on with Things Fall Apart's themes of modernization and c3.5 for me. Gotta love Achebe's lyrical style, absolutely chocked full of proverbs. Carrying on with Things Fall Apart's themes of modernization and clashes between culture and values.
But I didn't find Obi to be as compelling a protagonist as Okonkwo. He seems thin as a character; we are told he's an idealist but we rarely get inside his head (except when calculating his debts)....more
I like this subversive take on the post-apocalyptic thriller. We never learn what causes the apocalypse and that'Closer to a 3.5 but I'll round it up.
I like this subversive take on the post-apocalyptic thriller. We never learn what causes the apocalypse and that's okay, it isn't the point. The setting is a novel one: what happens at the end of the world to the people who have been pushed to the edges of society by colonialism?
A few gripes: we don't really get a lot of character development; I found myself mixing up many of the characters because we don't know much of anything about them beyond their names. Even the main character, Evan, doesn't get a whole lot of personality beyond being a generally good guy invested in his cultural traditions.
This sets up well for a sequel and I look forward to checking it out.....more
Dallaire's optimism is surprising (given all he's been through) and inspiring. This is as much a story of personal growth as it is a treatise on peaceDallaire's optimism is surprising (given all he's been through) and inspiring. This is as much a story of personal growth as it is a treatise on peacekeeping, so don't expect a political science-type book....more
Short and sweet, but a useful overview of the history of Nollywood and some of the more recent trends in the industry. Nollywood is a cultural and ecoShort and sweet, but a useful overview of the history of Nollywood and some of the more recent trends in the industry. Nollywood is a cultural and economic giant with humble origins, and this short text gives a crash course and contrasts the New Nollywod with the more traditional films. Also includes some short summaries of representative films....more
Loading...
