Dec 28, 2022mwahlmeier rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This is quite a provocative book. It is narrated by Darling, who, throughout most of the book, is a tween living in a Zimbabwe slum in the 2000s, having been displaced from her modest home by paramilitary violence. She and her friends…
Mar 14, 2022williedb rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this, stark and stunning look at her early life in ravaged Zimbabwe. Some of her descriptions come out of nowhere but are stunningly accurate, like not being able to find voice in America etc. Quite interesting to see what…
Mar 14, 2018kyletmorales rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book that really takes you into the mind of the first-person narrator. It will challenge your conceptions of what it means to grow up in a developing country and make you realize that almost everyone in the US internalizes some…
Dec 09, 2017lukasevansherman rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I've always disagreed with the idea that books are mere "escapism." I would argue that good books offer the exact opposite, which is engagement with the world. Or if they are escapism, the world being what it is, escape can be a healthy…
Sep 04, 2017ladiablesse rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
What a great title: We Need New Names. And when it's spoken in the book, the context is benign, part of the kids' games distracting them from the oppression of life under Mugabe and AIDS. Yet at a deeper level, the book speaks to a more…
Nov 15, 2015raar rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I enjoy reading books set in other cultures and places - it's a great way to learn about the world. Writing from the perspective of a 10 year old girl gave the book a kind of innocence, but at the same time there was a moment in the book…
From our 2015 #80DayRead Adult Summer Reading Club traveler Kate: Stephen King spoke about avoiding passive voice for good literature: Bulawayo takes this and soars with it. Packed with start contrasts between childlike innocence and the…
Jun 22, 2015uncommonreader rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This novel was expanded from a 2011 Caine Prize story. The first part, set in Zimbabwe and told from the perspective of a child, provides a portrait of life under the latter part of Mugabe's reign; the second part, set in Detroit and told…
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eringate
Apr 24, 2015eringate rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book...up until the time she arrived in America. I guess when you're describing your native country to readers (most of whom have never been) the words full richer and much more alive. Post displacement, the story…
Apr 04, 2015JudithE rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I couldn't quite become engrossed. In all fairness, my culture and the author's may just be too far apart. I don't know what the problem is, but I eventually stopped listening. I can see how it could be an important book for some people.
Feb 11, 2015westiegrrl rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Bulawayo is a writer to watch for. At the beginning, the narrative is set in a war and disease-ravaged Zimbabwe. 10 yr old Darling and her buddies live in a shanty town next to a rich white enclave. Along with playing "Find Bin Laden",…
Sep 22, 2014Anistasya rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This book was engrossing at times, and occasionally disturbing. A frank and realistic reflection on what it means to be an immigrant and to leave you country behind.
This story was told in a unique voice, which gave me a sense that the…
"Ten-year-old Darling used to go to school, but as Zimbabwe falters under a violent regime, she and her friends spend much of their time stealing fruit from rich neighbourhoods (and hiding as gangs invade the homes). Though their lives are…
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Jane60201
Jan 17, 2014Jane60201 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I agree that the first part of the book set in Africa was more well written and compelling than the part set in America. However, it is unusual to find a book that can integrate modern technology (use of Skype, laptop porn, etc.) into an…
Dec 30, 2013RainyMe rated this title 0.5 out of 5 stars
The first part of this book was riveting; then her situation changed and it became page after page of pointless dialogue. Then the story suddenly skips on to the next generation and it feels like the author is in a big rush to finish. The…
Dec 27, 2013nursemelanie rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I was not sure what to expect from this book except the story about life in Zimbabwe. The shift to American life was sharp and served the story well. A heart-wrenching story because it is surely a fictionalized account of the experiences…
The book was alright; but, not what it promised to be. The book started out OK with an interesting perspective on growing up in Zimbabwe. Not nice! From there, the story seemed to wander to America where it offered an interesting contrast…
The author was interviewed on the CBC Radio Program "The Sunday Edition" on November 3, 2013. To listen to the audio file go to www.cbc.ca/sundayedition/ and follow the links under "Past Programs".
Sep 24, 2013SPL_Laura rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Bulawayo's voice is mesmerizing, her characters are wonderfully portrayed, he sense of place magical. A must read if you want good writing. I finished the book with the taste of mangoes in my mouth.
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We Need New Names