Bontle

Sobbing is truly an understatement for all the crying that took place from page 314 onwards

This book spoke to me about a reality I never knew of. I don’t know the African American experience because I don’t live in America. But in every chapter I cried and not because I’m soft, but rather a reality of what happens and how every case is unique hit me. These aren’t just stories and new segments, the killing and oppression of Black people in America is life changing and fatal. Also the look into black on black crime. This was written in a relatable aspect by making Starr seem like she was having a conversation. I recommend anyone and everyone reads this

What a headache of a book

Def would have to return to it in a couple of years from a non-academic perspective to perhaps find appreciation for it.

However, despite my emotional outlook, the book did provide food for thought in terms of how far are the means justified when justifying ends. Balram’s journey is a journey we see presented in media so often and I personally think Adiga’s novel was too resemblant of novels with the same message and themes.

Structure wise, the writing style made up for the lack of engaging content as we became the Premiere. Felt a little too dragged out for the bulk of the book and then a sudden rushed conclusion. I also felt that sometimes the use of a profanity/slur was a bit misplaced and didn’t necessarily add any value to the view of Balram. Rather it could have indicated a bit of lazy writing.