It is going to be impossible to portray in a review the thoughts and feelings that this book evoked for me. This is another story of a war I knew nothing about-the Biafran war-my history knowledge is obviously lacking. I think these times in history are so important as they serve as a reminder of how devastating a war can be on its people. I read this book for an online reading challenge and I’ll admit I was a bit leary in the beginning but it grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go.
The characters in this story are just amazing, they drew me into their lives so completely. There are five main characters, the first being Odenigbo who is a professor at the university and is referred to as a revolutionary. Then there is Ugwu who is thirteen when he comes to live with Odenigbo as his houseboy. As Odenigbo’s love interest we have the beautiful Olanna, on the other side is her more troublesome twin sister-they are not identical whom Richard is quite taken with.
As the story evolves, we are taken along with these characters as they struggle through the war. They are confused and terrified by all that is happening to them. The journey they take through this war; having to move at a moment’s notice and leave all their belongings behind; or the starvation and having to see themselves and children wasting away not to mention the violent murders is difficult to read. At the same time this is an emotional novel that lets us see the resilience, faith and hope of the people.
My favorite character would be Ugwu. Although only a houseboy, his character develops into so much more. I really didn’t want the story to end-I wanted more on Odenigbo, Olanna, Baby, Ugwu, Kainene and Richard. I wanted to know what their futures held for them as I had come to care a great deal for them. There are some things that we never come to know by the end of this story but then with war this is the way of life for those left behind.
I found this to be a very good novel. It not only gives us some of the history of the Biafran war which took place between 1967-70, but it is also an excellent portrayal of families living through the hardships they were forced to endure during this time period.
The author also has another book called Purple Hibiscus out that I look foward to reading in the near future.
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If you have reviewed this novel and wish to leave me a link, please feel free to do so.
Ugwu was such an interesting character, wasn’t he? He was probably my favorite in the book as well. I am glad you liked this one. It certainly is a powerful book. It definitely increased my interest in that area. It’s a shame there is still so much turmoil in that country today.
Great review. I have the same problem when a book moves me. It’s hard to put my feelings into words.
Another one I keep thinking I need to read. If someone could just drag me away from the historicals. And Jewel Quest III! 🙂
Lezlie
I’ve been wanting to read this one since I first heard about it, Dar.
Now I want to read it even more, after reading your excellent review.
I’ve been on an African trend lately in terms of my reading. I never read many novels set there in the past, besides The Poisonwood Bible, but I’ve read a string of them lately and it’s left me wanting more!
Wendy, I agree. I feel so much emotion for the people involved. I wish it didn’t have to be that way. I’m sure becoming more interested in history-I can’t believe when I pick up some of these books all that I’ve missed in this world. I wish way back when I was in school that this type of history would have been taught along with the other stuff.
Thanks J.Kaye. I sat with a pad and paper for this one because I just couldn’t put what I was feeling or thinking into words-I’m still not sure I really did.
lol Lezlie, and I feel that way about the historicals. I’m still thinking of setting up a personal challenge for myself in the new year to read historicals.
Shana, I loved The Poisonwood Bible. You know I love a book where I learn something in the process and I think that’s why I like reading these kinds of novels about different countries or cultures.
i just reserved this book at the library.. i read Purple Hibiscus and totally loved it.. need to read this now:) thanks for the awesome review:)
Thanks Ramya, I ordered Purple Hibiscus the other day so I should get it this week sometime. I look forward to reading it. I can’t wait to see your thoughts on Half of a Yellow Sun.
After reviews like yours and Trish’s, how can I resist? I’ve also heard great things about Purple Hibiscus. I really looking forward to discovering this author.
Really great review. I read this book in January and was similarly very moved by it and am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author. If you’d like to check out my review you can read it here: http://ilivedonrum.blogspot.com/2008/01/half-of-yellow-sun-chimamanda-ngozi.html
hey dar.. just wanted to drop by and tell you that you are absolutely sweet!:) and surely the best commentator ever!:) you actually commented on each story of mine!:) thanks for being such a wonderful blogging buddy:)
Nymeth, I’d love to read your thoughts on this novel when you’ve read it.
Thanks Veronica-I’m going to add your review. I agree on the jumping of time periods. I forgot to put that in my review but I didn’t understand it either.
Ramya, I truly did enjoy those stories so it certainly wasn’t hard reading them!
I’ve heard really good things about The Purple Hibiscus and can’t wait to get my hands on it. You talk about your troubles writing this, but I think you did a great job expressing the way you felt. I also really loved Ugwu and I really admired Olanna–she was such a strong woman.
I’ve been meaning to read this book for awhile…thanks for reminding me of it!
I really liked this book and am now looking forward to reading Purple Hibiscus by this author. Great review.
This book sounds fascinating and something I would really enjoy reading. Thanks for your thoughtful review.
This is such a good review Dar.. so well written.
hey dar.. you’ve been awfully silent this week!:) whats up??
by the way, like i mentioned in my email to you.. i have moved my blog location..I am so sorry for the inconvenience. Please visit me now at:
http://ramyasbookshelf.blogspot.com
Dar, I’ve been hearing a lot about this book lately; your review is well-written, and has me finally adding it to my wish list.
Wow, this looks so good!
You wrote such an excellent review, too!
Great review! I've added this one to my list. I love books that grab you right from the beginning. I don't know anything abou the Biafran war, but I agree that it's important to remember these things and how they affect people.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) and I were just discussing yesterday how history classes don't teach enough.
–Anna
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com
I began this one when it first came out, but just wasn’t in the mood and didn’t want to spoil a good book. I have yet to pick it up again, but I will – when it calls loud and clear. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Dar.
Thanks Trish, I got Purple Hibiscus in the mail yesterday-not sure when I’ll get to it though. When I’m done with it, if you haven’t already read it, I’ll send you my copy.
softdrink, I think you’ll like it. I’d be curious to read your review when you do.
Thanks Natasha, I have Purple Hibiscus in my hands-now just to find the time to read it. I really do enjoy her writing style.
Thank you Lisa, Linda and Toni 🙂
Anna, I agree with you both. I have mentioned it to my mom so often that when I was in school we never went over material like this. We did current events but no history-not even the history of our own country, let alone anyone else’s. It’s disappointing because I think kids are missing out on some really important stuff.
Thanks so much Dawn, I hope you’ll enjoy it when you do read it.
Joy, I hope you do pick it up one day again but you’re right you have to be in right frame of mind for this one I think.