Tonight is the first event for the new book, and I've spent most of the afternoon at home with curlers in my hair and cucumber circles on the eyes...
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As always, Brooks pulls us into a complex, beautiful and haunting past. With her amazing gifts, she brings a moment and a place from our country's past into sharp and lush detail.
This book by Russell Hoban continues to speak loudly to us of our culture's flirtation with destruction. Hoban uses language here in magical and disturbing ways to invite us to consider what has meaning for us personally amidst the culture that we have cobbled and scrapped together out of the remnants of the past. If it is slow going for you at first, find someone you can read it aloud to (or who will read it to you) - this is a book you can return to and grow with.
I've used this in a college level course that addresses African literature, and students have had very powerful responses to Okri's work. While some have passionately hated it, most have found it magical and deeply rich. Okri does expect a reader to come to the table with wit and attention, but isn't too much to ask most of the time. I don't think you can consider yourself versed in African literature without including Okri in your reading.
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Maryam has commented on (3) products.
Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
Maryam, January 1, 2012
As always, Brooks pulls us into a complex, beautiful and haunting past. With her amazing gifts, she brings a moment and a place from our country's past into sharp and lush detail.Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban
Maryam, September 20, 2011
This book by Russell Hoban continues to speak loudly to us of our culture's flirtation with destruction. Hoban uses language here in magical and disturbing ways to invite us to consider what has meaning for us personally amidst the culture that we have cobbled and scrapped together out of the remnants of the past. If it is slow going for you at first, find someone you can read it aloud to (or who will read it to you) - this is a book you can return to and grow with.The Famished Road by Ben Okri
Maryam, December 5, 2006
I've used this in a college level course that addresses African literature, and students have had very powerful responses to Okri's work. While some have passionately hated it, most have found it magical and deeply rich. Okri does expect a reader to come to the table with wit and attention, but isn't too much to ask most of the time. I don't think you can consider yourself versed in African literature without including Okri in your reading.(17 of 29 readers found this comment helpful)