The Other Hand
I would have ranked this higher, were it not for the ridiculous hype on the jacket and the annoying Editor's letter at the front; all of which tell me that is book will change my life, that it's a masterpiece. This book stands on its own without needing it.
I also pretty fundamentally disagreed with the assertion that "it's hilarious - although the scene on the African beach is horrific".
This is not a 'hilarious' book - it is one of the most challenging reads I have had this year. It tells the desperately tragic story of three people - two English and one Nigerian whose lives coincide in the most terrible way.
Asylum and immigration in the UK are controversial topics in which media hysteria continually advocates that most asylum seekers are bogus. This book, which has been obviously extremely well researched, lays bare that lie; in a tight, devastating and tragic tale.
Yes, this is a book that carries a very strong message and yes, this is a book that deserves to be read. Just try not to get too angry about the hype surrounding it - the subject deserves better.
I would have ranked this higher, were it not for the ridiculous hype on the jacket and the annoying Editor's letter at the front; all of which tell me that is book will change my life, that it's a masterpiece. This book stands on its own without needing it.
I also pretty fundamentally disagreed with the assertion that "it's hilarious - although the scene on the African beach is horrific".
This is not a 'hilarious' book - it is one of the most challenging reads I have had this year. It tells the desperately tragic story of three people - two English and one Nigerian whose lives coincide in the most terrible way.
Asylum and immigration in the UK are controversial topics in which media hysteria continually advocates that most asylum seekers are bogus. This book, which has been obviously extremely well researched, lays bare that lie; in a tight, devastating and tragic tale.
Yes, this is a book that carries a very strong message and yes, this is a book that deserves to be read. Just try not to get too angry about the hype surrounding it - the subject deserves better.
