Half of a Yellow Sun
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 9780007200283 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 9780007200283 Global Overview for this book
7 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Saturday, December 20, 2008
In 1960s Nigeria, a country blighted by civil war, three lives intersect. Ugwu, a boy from a poor village, works as a houseboy for a university lecturer. Olanna, a young woman, has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos to live with her charismatic new lover, the professor. The third is Richard, a shy Englishman in thrall to Olanna's enigmatic twin sister. When the shocking horror of the war engulfs them, their loyalties are severely tested as they are pulled apart and thrown together in ways that none of them imagined...
Journal Entry 2 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wow! That was one heck of a book. I've written my thoughts on it on my blog, so to avoid repeating myself, I'm just going to put a link.
Half of a yellow sun
Half of a yellow sun
Journal Entry 3 by Caroley from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Now an international bookray
A few guidelines:
1. Journal the book when you receive it so I know it arrived safely.
2. PM the next person and make a note that you've done so.
3. Take as much time as you need to read it, but try and move it along within a reasonable time.
4. Mail the book to the next person. PLEASE put on a JE or release note when you've done this.
Please PM me if you would like to join in. List is subject to order change depending upon shipping preference.
DryKid (UK, UK shipping pref) <- Book is here
Wigglywoods (UK, Intl shipping, near end)
perryfran (US, Intl shipping)
MarysGirl (US, US shipping pref)
Released 15 yrs ago (3/6/2009 UTC) at Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posted to Jozebedee.
Posted to Jozebedee.
Received the book safely - thanks Caroley! Got a couple of bookrings in the TBR pile to get through first, so will start this asap!
Journal Entry 6 by Jozebedee at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/7/2009 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I really enjoyed this book, and learnt a little about the history of the war too, which I was unaware of. Thanks for the opportunity to read the book. Posting off to voveryte now, who is next on the list.
I really enjoyed this book, and learnt a little about the history of the war too, which I was unaware of. Thanks for the opportunity to read the book. Posting off to voveryte now, who is next on the list.
Journal Entry 7 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, April 9, 2009
Received today! Will try to read as soon as possible, though as soon as I finish my current read...
Journal Entry 8 by voveryte from -- Somewhere in London 🤷‍♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, April 23, 2009
Amazing! Thanks so much Caroley for giving a chance to read this wonderful book, and thanks Jozebedee for posting the book to me.
I fell in love with all the characters in the book and wished all the best for all of them, though usually I have one or two characters in a book that I like. They all seemed so real to me and so human. The war theme was very interesting too, as I haven't read much about it before, but again, I was more into characters - how they behave, what are they like facing cruel war situations and famine. I will definitely read other books by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as I liked her style of writing and also I want to read more African literature.
The book will be posted to christina82 tomorrow.
I fell in love with all the characters in the book and wished all the best for all of them, though usually I have one or two characters in a book that I like. They all seemed so real to me and so human. The war theme was very interesting too, as I haven't read much about it before, but again, I was more into characters - how they behave, what are they like facing cruel war situations and famine. I will definitely read other books by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, as I liked her style of writing and also I want to read more African literature.
The book will be posted to christina82 tomorrow.
Journal Entry 9 by voveryte at a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases on Thursday, April 30, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/27/2009 UTC) at a RABCK, By Mail/Post/Courier -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
sent to christina82
sent to christina82
This was in my mailbox when I came home from work. I have to finish my current read before starting this one - but it shouldn't take that long.
Thanks for sharing - look forward to reading it.
Thanks for sharing - look forward to reading it.
Just finished reading this. At first I thought it hard to get into - I thought that the story moved on too slowly and also that it was a bit boring, but as I read on the story really captured me. I didn't know anything about this period in Nigerian history but thought the story moving and thought-provoking. This has really been a great and moving read - thank you so much for sharing - I definally have to read more from this author.
I got the address from the next person, so this will be in the mail tomorrow.
I got the address from the next person, so this will be in the mail tomorrow.
The book is here. Thank you, christina82, for sending it and also for the beautiful postcard.
I've got two other bookring books to finish before this one but I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I've got two other bookring books to finish before this one but I'm really looking forward to reading it.
Two weeks ago, I went to the doctor’s. Suddenly, he asked if I remembered pictures of starving Biafran children with swollen bellies. I certainly do. How could anyone, who’s seen them, ever forget? — It’s not the only thing I remember. Being Finn, I was also touched by Biafra’s choice for national anthem. Considering the history of the hymn, it wasn’t a bad choice either even if it was surprising.
Unlike Olanna, I don’t look for or believe in signs. But I must admit that when I finally found some time for Half of a Yellow Sun and realized (or remembered) that it’s about Biafra, I was sure I’d enjoy the book. Guess, what happened.
***
The novel is well-written, easy-read, and the author weaves personal histories of the protagonists into the history of Biafra nicely.
However, this all makes me a bit ambivalent. It’s almost too well-written, in bestsellerish kind of way. Personal relationships between the protagonists seemed a bit overwhelming to me, like Adichie was downplaying their suffering during the war. She didn’t mean to, I know, she just wanted to make it easier to her readers to absorb.
It’s easy to believe she’s learnt creative writing in the US. Half of a Yellow Sun is, obviously, written for American and European readers. To me, it is an ethical problem; for whom should an artist create his/her art in the first place, for his/her own people or for outsiders? I think it’s good to introduce your culture to those who aren’t familiar with it but... Well, let me put this way: Finnish researcher Mari Maasilta once said that Senegalese films are made for European audiences and they aren’t even shown in Senegal. In her dissertation African Carmen. Transnational Cinema as an Arena for Cultural Contradictions, she states that transnational African films balance between different kinds of expectations. On the one hand they try to correct stereotypical images Westerners have made of Africa. On the other hand, she says, Western audiences are interested in Africa because it’s exotic—but at the same time they want African films to be carried out in accordance to Western ways of narration. Adichie writes like she was an African film maker, her narrative style follows European/American traditions instead of African one(s). Surely, you can read African cultures in the plot but not in the way the story is told. And that’s what I’m missing.
I like to read about ordinary people and their experiences. I was wondering why Adichie chose to write about such well-educated, upper or middle class, privileged characters (they were all that, even Ugwu, in a way). I then read the scene Olanna and Odenigbo visiting Amala at the hospital: How much did one know of the true feelings of those who did not have a voice? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes from a well-educated middle class family and she writes what she knows. And that’s how it should be.
And still I’m wondering... I guess I am stereotyping now. It’s difficult to understand that kind of African middle class in early sixties, the decade during which Finnish middle class was not that well-educated, did not eat meat every day, did not drive Peugeot 404’s, etc. And yet the way Adichie describes the early sixties remind me of the way the my grandmother’s generation talked about pre-war era. The author says she’s asked older people to recall their memories of the 60’s and used them as her material. That’s the way it’s done, yes. However, recollections tend to change gradually and, finally, there’s not much truth in them. I’m not saying people are lying—because they aren’t—it’s just what happens to all of us. I’m afraid Adichie trusted a bit too much to that golden image created by those reminiscing. I realize this book is fiction, but still. (She might, of course, have done it in purpose. Perhaps she wanted to change the stereotypical images people like me have in their minds. I doubt it, though.)
One more thing I quite don’t understand is the structure of this book. Why four segments or parts, why mentioning (in the second part) events which have already happened and then jumping backwards and explaining them in the third part? It made me rather confused, I thought I had missed a chapter or two. I really don’t see the purpose of it unless it’s used to make reading easier so that the war time events do not become too overwhelming; unless it’s used to hide something (like there’s something lacking in the timeline); unless it’s used to prolong the narration. (Seems to me, there’s some sort of consensus that a bestseller should have at least 400 pages. As for me, I firmly believe that almost any novel with more than 350 pages needs some serious editing. I know it sounds ridiculous, thinking of my lengthy JE’s.) Might be the first option although my bet is on the last two. (I think I may reread the book someday, just to find out if there really is something lacking. But then I’ll read the first and then third part before parts two and four.)
There was something I really enjoyed. If you think of the five main characters in the book, it’s the two women, Olanna and Kainene, who turn out to be the strong ones, eventually. They never give up, no matter what.
Having seen so many praising reviews, I had such high expectations, and now I must say I was a bit disappointed with Half of a Yellow Sun. It’s got too much of bestseller quality to my taste, it’s too entertaining and too easy somehow, I was hoping for text with a bit more edge, something more challenging. But even if I’m not fond of any “must read” lists, I admit it is an important book because of the theme, because of Biafra, and that’s why its place on 1001 books is well-earned.
Now I think I need to go somewhere quiet to reflect and to question my own attitudes...Maybe I am stereotyping. And if I’ll see it really is so, I’ll send a thank you note to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She made me ponder. :)
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. Thanks for sharing, Caroley!
***
I’ve got Mizuchy’s address and I’ll mail the book asap. I’m sorry for having kept it this long.
Unlike Olanna, I don’t look for or believe in signs. But I must admit that when I finally found some time for Half of a Yellow Sun and realized (or remembered) that it’s about Biafra, I was sure I’d enjoy the book. Guess, what happened.
***
The novel is well-written, easy-read, and the author weaves personal histories of the protagonists into the history of Biafra nicely.
However, this all makes me a bit ambivalent. It’s almost too well-written, in bestsellerish kind of way. Personal relationships between the protagonists seemed a bit overwhelming to me, like Adichie was downplaying their suffering during the war. She didn’t mean to, I know, she just wanted to make it easier to her readers to absorb.
It’s easy to believe she’s learnt creative writing in the US. Half of a Yellow Sun is, obviously, written for American and European readers. To me, it is an ethical problem; for whom should an artist create his/her art in the first place, for his/her own people or for outsiders? I think it’s good to introduce your culture to those who aren’t familiar with it but... Well, let me put this way: Finnish researcher Mari Maasilta once said that Senegalese films are made for European audiences and they aren’t even shown in Senegal. In her dissertation African Carmen. Transnational Cinema as an Arena for Cultural Contradictions, she states that transnational African films balance between different kinds of expectations. On the one hand they try to correct stereotypical images Westerners have made of Africa. On the other hand, she says, Western audiences are interested in Africa because it’s exotic—but at the same time they want African films to be carried out in accordance to Western ways of narration. Adichie writes like she was an African film maker, her narrative style follows European/American traditions instead of African one(s). Surely, you can read African cultures in the plot but not in the way the story is told. And that’s what I’m missing.
I like to read about ordinary people and their experiences. I was wondering why Adichie chose to write about such well-educated, upper or middle class, privileged characters (they were all that, even Ugwu, in a way). I then read the scene Olanna and Odenigbo visiting Amala at the hospital: How much did one know of the true feelings of those who did not have a voice? Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes from a well-educated middle class family and she writes what she knows. And that’s how it should be.
And still I’m wondering... I guess I am stereotyping now. It’s difficult to understand that kind of African middle class in early sixties, the decade during which Finnish middle class was not that well-educated, did not eat meat every day, did not drive Peugeot 404’s, etc. And yet the way Adichie describes the early sixties remind me of the way the my grandmother’s generation talked about pre-war era. The author says she’s asked older people to recall their memories of the 60’s and used them as her material. That’s the way it’s done, yes. However, recollections tend to change gradually and, finally, there’s not much truth in them. I’m not saying people are lying—because they aren’t—it’s just what happens to all of us. I’m afraid Adichie trusted a bit too much to that golden image created by those reminiscing. I realize this book is fiction, but still. (She might, of course, have done it in purpose. Perhaps she wanted to change the stereotypical images people like me have in their minds. I doubt it, though.)
One more thing I quite don’t understand is the structure of this book. Why four segments or parts, why mentioning (in the second part) events which have already happened and then jumping backwards and explaining them in the third part? It made me rather confused, I thought I had missed a chapter or two. I really don’t see the purpose of it unless it’s used to make reading easier so that the war time events do not become too overwhelming; unless it’s used to hide something (like there’s something lacking in the timeline); unless it’s used to prolong the narration. (Seems to me, there’s some sort of consensus that a bestseller should have at least 400 pages. As for me, I firmly believe that almost any novel with more than 350 pages needs some serious editing. I know it sounds ridiculous, thinking of my lengthy JE’s.) Might be the first option although my bet is on the last two. (I think I may reread the book someday, just to find out if there really is something lacking. But then I’ll read the first and then third part before parts two and four.)
There was something I really enjoyed. If you think of the five main characters in the book, it’s the two women, Olanna and Kainene, who turn out to be the strong ones, eventually. They never give up, no matter what.
Having seen so many praising reviews, I had such high expectations, and now I must say I was a bit disappointed with Half of a Yellow Sun. It’s got too much of bestseller quality to my taste, it’s too entertaining and too easy somehow, I was hoping for text with a bit more edge, something more challenging. But even if I’m not fond of any “must read” lists, I admit it is an important book because of the theme, because of Biafra, and that’s why its place on 1001 books is well-earned.
Now I think I need to go somewhere quiet to reflect and to question my own attitudes...Maybe I am stereotyping. And if I’ll see it really is so, I’ll send a thank you note to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She made me ponder. :)
I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. Thanks for sharing, Caroley!
***
I’ve got Mizuchy’s address and I’ll mail the book asap. I’m sorry for having kept it this long.
Mailed the book today but didn’t get to the post office until after 5 pm, so it won’t leave until tomorrow. Estimated travelling time is 3—5 working days. Mizuchy should get it by the end of next week.2009 KTMC #33.
Journal Entry 15 by Mizuchy from Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania and Partium Romania on Monday, July 27, 2009
Just got it from the post. I hope to read it as soon as possible and then send it on.
Later edit: wonderful book, just PMed the next on the list.
Later edit: wonderful book, just PMed the next on the list.
Journal Entry 16 by DryKid from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, September 9, 2009
received a few days ago, will get around to reading asap!
