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This is a novel of twin sisters, Olanna and Kainene which follows them through the Biafran conflict in Nigeria in the sixties. It has really been highly praised by critics. I agree that Adichie does a good job of weaving the romantic and family issues with a compelling historical background. But in my opinion, her technique of episodically following four (or five) different characters doesn't allow her to very richly develop any one of them. I didn't feel well-connected to any of the characters,
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Another 4 stars book, I seem to be choosing some good books which I am enjoying and well written. This book has been around since 2006 and it hauting, harring and down right scary.
There are some quite crude descriptions, emotional hard hardhitting, I had no idea they would be in the book, not that I am complaining, after all the book is about a civil war.
Of all the main characters, my favourite is Ugwu he was always so loyal to his master. I didn’t like the idea that the Olanna and Odenigbo didn ...more
There are some quite crude descriptions, emotional hard hardhitting, I had no idea they would be in the book, not that I am complaining, after all the book is about a civil war.
Of all the main characters, my favourite is Ugwu he was always so loyal to his master. I didn’t like the idea that the Olanna and Odenigbo didn ...more
Fictional, although based on real events, this novel follows Nigeria's split in the sixties and the emerging country of Biafra. Each chapter is from the point of view of one of three main characters, Olanna, a Nigerian professor, Ugwu, a poor houseboy and Richard, an Englishman. This novel shocks you at the types of violence actually used on these people and the extermination of the Igbo people. A real eye opener especially if you don't know much about Nigerian history.
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I think Ian's review said it all. I too remember Biafra and the Blue Peter appeals. My reason for the 4* is that I found it very difficult to relate to either Richard or Odinigbo - weak characters or weak men? I did like the device of using the story within the story as a comment on what was happening as opposed to having to make one of the characters think/say it.
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This book took me a long time to get through. It's heavy, it's complex, it's heartbreaking. It has taught me a lot about a nation I formerly knew nothing about. It introduced me to amazingly written female characters. And then it broke my heart. It has all the elements that make a great book. <3
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Dec 09, 2008
Janna
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Jul 07, 2009
Shannon
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Maggie
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Dee
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Erika
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Oct 07, 2014
Diana Thayer
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Jan 30, 2015
Maria Beardsley
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Jul 04, 2015
Lindsay
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Aug 11, 2015
Phylwil
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Jan 05, 2016
Sumedha
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Apr 19, 2020
Paulina
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Feb 24, 2021
Emily
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