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By: DARF 004
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2024-05-27 21:33:42 |
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Mostly enjoyed. The cultural aspects were appreciated. It was quite long but worth the read. |
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By: WHANG 023
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2023-06-24 19:42:26 |
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It is certainly a substantial read and it is roughly in 3 parts: 1 Nigeria, 2: America, and 3: Nigeria. It is both an immigrant story and a love story and it veers from one to the other. Some found it a bit disjointed, but the main character is a bit disjointed in both her being and her life. In spite of myself I enjoyed reading this book. It has lots going for it in the characters, the scenarios, the unlikeliness of it all. At nearly 500 pages it requires a degree of commitment, Would I recommend it? Dunno. |
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By: MARTIN 003
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2020-02-12 11:15:19 |
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Universally enjoyed, although two people found they did not entirely like Ifem, the main character, finding her selfish and shallow. Others disagreed with that so we had a stirring conversation! Other aspects of the book we all liked were the issues over race, identity, love, politics and family. The blogs that form a significant element in the second half were felt to be a real strength and feature of the novel's success. |
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By: HAMIL 003
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2020-02-12 10:40:19 |
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Everyone appreciated 'Americanah' - the light it threw on life for black communities in the US, UK and in Nigeria, of course; and the skill of the author whose writing was much admired. There was a tremendous discussion with the list of questions very useful, as were the page references. The issue of hair braiding was especially fascinating. |
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By: AUCK 199
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2020-02-12 10:36:35 |
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Everyone in the group enjoyed the book and agreed that it was a great achievement. The writing and use of English is excellent, with some enviable turns of phrase. The author displays a thorough knowledge of life in the U.S. and in great Britain, highlighting the treatment of immigrants, particularly of those who are undocumented... The one criticism discussed was that the book was too ambitious, in covering every aspect of the life of travelling Nigerians, and many many aspects of Nigerian life. This is just a small criticism because the novel was an enjoyable and compelling read. |
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By: ROTO 002
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2020-02-12 10:30:31 |
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Highly rated by all group members. Thoroughly enjoyed the clever writing style. Gave great insight into aspects of race and racism not previously considered. Possibly favourite book of the year. |
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By: CHCH 465
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2020-02-12 10:28:49 |
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Thought-provoking, but could have been shortened/edited more and still conveyed a powerful story. |
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By: AUCK 360
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2019-11-20 10:25:23 |
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Hard to get into - took perseverance. Great insight into racism in the UK and US, and corruption in Nigeria. Big discussion about African hair. A little long and little polemic at times. Great way of developing the concept of identity in context. |
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By: TAUR 019
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2018-09-21 13:55:44 |
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Thoroughly enjoyed. Thought-provoking and informative. |
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By: NAP 023
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2018-09-21 13:53:29 |
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An outstanding read! The author's own experiences are no doubt the background to this insightful description of the degradation suffered by coloured people outside their own country. The parallels between USA and England were obvious, and probably in NZ too. Great discussion! |
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By: TEPUK 006
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2018-09-21 13:50:41 |
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All enjoyed the well-drawn characters, insightful descriptions and comments on human nature. The style of writing was enjoyable. Provoked a lively and lengthy discussion. |
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