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Loading... Half of a Yellow Sun (original 2006; edition 2007)by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Work InformationHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2006)
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Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun is set in Nigeria during the Biafran War at the end of the 1960s and sheds light onto the life in Nigeria at the time from the very personal perspectives of the characters. Protagonists Odenigbo and Olanna live in the university city of Nsukka and lead a rather quiet life before the war. There are frequent gatherings at their home where politics in the country are discussed and there is a very theoretical side to these discussions that permeates the beginning of the novel. When war breaks out, the protagonists' lives are thrown into turmoil and time and again lower and lower living standards and an increasing fear of death become the new normal. Through a variety of characters from different parts of society Adichie manages to portray the consequences of war through a multitude of lenses, each with a different focus. What it comes down to in the end - no matter what the characters' social background was - is friendships, relationships and love. Will I be able to see my mother, my sister, my beloved one again? When will this war be over? Will my child survive? I found Adichie's novel a very enlightening read that really gripped me at times, but I also had to put it away every now and then. The suffering and the constant fear of loss in every possible sense of the word was put into words so well that it made me really sad. Living in a western country that is safe, I think it is important to read novels like Half of a Yellow Sun as they hold up the mirror to one's own life and make you question if not more could be done to help those in need when it might just be the coincidence of birth that put you into the life you are leading. 4 stars. This was a very interesting read. The story is set during the Biafran War, which, I am ashamed to say, I knew very little about, so this was a good opportunity to find out a little bit more about the whole event. And obviously, being I as curious as I am, prompted some independent research into the history of Nigeria and the tragedy of this war. We witness history unfold through the eyes of three main characters: the beautiful and smart Olanna, who abandons her wealthy family to live with the revolutionary professor Odenigbo; their servant boy Ugwu; and the English writer Richard, who is desperately in love with Olanna's twin sister Kainene. I loved how the author managed to show the way in which war affected the characters, and brought out the best and the worst in all of them as they were forced to face unimaginable difficulties, poverty, hunger and tragedy. All of the main characters underwent significant change as a result of the war, both in their personalities and responses to the adversities they must face, and in their view of the world, as their ideals and political opinions are ultimately crushed. The author was really good at describing the horrors of the war and, even though some images were slightly too graphic for my taste, it was never overwhelming or distracting from the main point she was trying to make in the specific moment. Overall, this was a really good book, and I can totally see why it was celebrated as much as it was. The only reason I'm not giving it full marks is because I found the author's prose, while for the most part excellent, was at times slightly too stiff and formal, and some of the characters reacted in way which, to me, seemed somewhat inconsistent with their personality as had been described up to that moment. But that may just be me being too critical, and this is an excellent book nonetheless. Originally posted on Book for Thought. An excellent book, with powerful, absorbing writing. The characters are complex, interesting and feel very real. The author explores multiple aspects of society in Nigeria and Biafra, spanning classes, urban/rural divides and gender. I can't wait to read her other book, Purple Hibscus [b:Purple Hibiscus|126381|Purple Hibiscus|Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1171914358s/126381.jpg|1057017]
While there are disturbing scenes, the writing is superb, and Adichie puts a human face on war-torn Africa. The characters are authentic, the story is compelling. It is a worthwhile read, which will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the last page. Belongs to Publisher SeriesGallimard, Folio (5093) Is contained inHas the adaptationInspiredAwardsDistinctionsNotable Lists
A haunting story of love and war from the best-selling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists. With effortless grace, celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie illuminates a seminal moment in modern African history: Biafra's impassioned struggle to establish an independent republic in southeastern Nigeria during the late 1960s. We experience this tumultuous decade alongside five unforgettable characters: Ugwu, a thirteen-year-old houseboy who works for Odenigbo, a university professor full of revolutionary zeal; Olanna, the professor's beautiful young mistress who has abandoned her life in Lagos for a dusty town and her lover's charm; and Richard, a shy young Englishman infatuated with Olanna's willful twin sister Kainene. Half of a Yellow Sun is a tremendously evocative novel of the promise, hope, and disappointment of the Biafran war. No library descriptions found. |
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Adichie does not sidestep some of the particulars of the Biafran War, however. The book is an opportunity to understand better (particularly for those of us who were not taught about the Igbo and the Hausa) the complex politics, racism, and global manipulations/voyeurism that brought about between 500,000 and two million Biafran civilians dying of starvation. ( )