Ratings6
Average rating3.7
I'm not certain I have the words necessary to explain all this book achieves. Masterful writing, by turns a humourous and heart-rending account of an African nation surviving post-colonial corrupt and violently oppressive rule, satirizing deluded despots, remembering victims and atrocities, encouraging action even in the face of danger and leaving hope for change. Among powerful passages are those which are incredibly difficult to read. I can't quite explain why the transformation of what might be a composite of several beleaguered peoples (not just Zimbabwean) in recent history into various members of the animal kingdom helps to tell this story even clearer but somehow it does - it's not all in fun - perhaps they stand out sharper as archetypes, or the anyman/animal is easier to relate to in a situation outside (this) reader's experience.
Goes heavy on repetition and lists, but in a way that helps to drive home points, and takes on the feel of chanting, song, ritual. Highly, HIGHLY recommend the audio book.
If you can deal with the content, I think it's worth a read. I'm not sure I'll ever stop thinking about it.
⚠️ SA and physical assault, misogyny, genocide, mention of torture, violence/gore