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Leopold Blue
Meg Bergman is fifteen and fed up. She lives in a tiny town in rural 1990s South Africa - a hot-bed of traditionalism, racial tension and (in Meg's eyes) ordinariness. Meg has no friends either, due largely to what the community sees as her mother's interfering attempts to educate farm workers about AIDS. But one day Xanthe arrives - cool, urban, feisty Xanthe, who for some unknown reason seems to want to hang out with Meg.
Xanthe arrives into Meg's life like a hurricane, offering her a look at a teenage life she never knew existed. But cracks quickly begin to show in their friendship when Meg's childhood friend Simon returns from his gap year travels. LEOPOLD BLUE is an emotionally taut and beautifully-written story from a debut author with a mesmerising voice.
Xanthe arrives into Meg's life like a hurricane, offering her a look at a teenage life she never knew existed. But cracks quickly begin to show in their friendship when Meg's childhood friend Simon returns from his gap year travels. LEOPOLD BLUE is an emotionally taut and beautifully-written story from a debut author with a mesmerising voice.
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2013
4 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Rowell
4 books1 followerRosie Rowell was born and grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing a BA degree in English and Economics at the University of Cape Town, Rosie arrived in the UK on a short working holiday and never quite managed to leave. She now lives in in the wilds of West Sussex with her husband and three children, but returns to South Africa as often as the bank balance will allow. She has recently completed a MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths University of London. Her first novel, Leopold Blue, was published by Hot Key Books in 2014. Almost Grace will be published in June 2015
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 23, 2018
I think it must be quite difficult to write a character like Meg: one whom the author wants to be reasonably sympathetic to the reader while also being...well. Meg isn't terribly pleasant for much of the book. She's young and feels isolated and as though the world is against her, which is not unusual for a teenager, but in Meg's case it's the early 90s in South Africa, and Meg is the sort of low-key racist that she'd probably think is not racist: Meg would much rather that her mother, a trained doctor who is unable (due to sexism) to practise in rural South Africa and is instead trying to inform local (black) workers about AIDS, focus on housewifery and stop doing things that make their family stand out in town. As far as Meg is concerned, in short, caring about the lives/health of people who are not family is selfish, because...teenage ego & popularity are more important than the lives of people who have been beaten down and oppressed for years and years and years and years.
This isn't criticism of the way the character is written. Of the character, yes, although she's largely a product of her time and place. But...it makes her real as a character. She doesn't really have the self-awareness, or political awareness, to understand that the (black) maid isn't going to sympathise with her ingrained racism; she doesn't have the confidence to understand that just because somebody is willing to be a quasi-friend doesn't mean that their friendship is worth pursuing.
I'm not entirely on board with Meg's transformation at the end. It's realistic in a lot of ways (she doesn't magically reverse course on all her views), but she also gains/regains, very quickly, a lot of the things that she's been missing: her relationship with her sister, her friendship with Simon, a better understanding of her mother, a seemingly decent friend at school... She gets away pretty unscathed. I still don't really like her, and overall I think I'd have preferred to spend the book in another character's head...Simon, or Marta, or Meg's mother. But...I'm sufficiently intrigued to have my eye on Rowell's other book at the library.
This isn't criticism of the way the character is written. Of the character, yes, although she's largely a product of her time and place. But...it makes her real as a character. She doesn't really have the self-awareness, or political awareness, to understand that the (black) maid isn't going to sympathise with her ingrained racism; she doesn't have the confidence to understand that just because somebody is willing to be a quasi-friend doesn't mean that their friendship is worth pursuing.
I'm not entirely on board with Meg's transformation at the end. It's realistic in a lot of ways (she doesn't magically reverse course on all her views), but she also gains/regains, very quickly, a lot of the things that she's been missing: her relationship with her sister, her friendship with Simon, a better understanding of her mother, a seemingly decent friend at school... She gets away pretty unscathed. I still don't really like her, and overall I think I'd have preferred to spend the book in another character's head...Simon, or Marta, or Meg's mother. But...I'm sufficiently intrigued to have my eye on Rowell's other book at the library.
February 26, 2014
'Leopold Blue' is set in a very important time in history; one that many young people are oblivious to, but should be reading about. This was a setting that was very prominent when reading Rosie Rowell's debut novel, especially after the recent death of Nelson Mandela, who was mentioned throughout the book. This was also a novel that not only tackled politics, and this was widely-discussed, but also the way that South Africa was changing during the 1990's and the belief that black people were not equal to those who were white began to end. Rowell writes this stylishly, perfectly capturing life in Leopold, a small-town that our main protagonist, fifteen year-old Meg, fears she will never be able to escape from.
Meg is a character that will be familiar to all teenagers who pick up this novel, if not for the fact she has to deal with peer-pressure in her attempt to finally keep the friend she finds, endless arguments with her parents who keep her from 'fitting-in' and the jealousy she feels for a boy called Simon, who's A Grades have meant she has always been compared to him. Meg, when we first meet her, has no friends. She's restless. In a town that runs deep with family-history and ties, with beliefs and traditions that have been there for what seems like forever, Meg's mum makes it difficult for the family to be a part of the community. This was also another aspect of the novel that was an interesting look at the difference between our times, and the 1990s. Her mum has a different-outlook on Leopold, and is trying to campaigning to help people with AIDS, a life-threatening disease but, the town dislikes her for it. Whilst reading, you wonder why Meg is so critical of her mum's choice to try and save lives, but shockingly, something like this separates them from the rest of town.
Xanthe is rebellious, outgoing and uncontrollable, and when she is seated beside Meg at school, after recently moving from Cape Town, its clear she is different from the other girls. Not scared of being the centre of attention, Xanthe is very much a force to contend with throughout this novel, and Rowell writes honestly about what it is like to show that you are 'cool' in front of your friends. We can all relate to the way Meg is desperate to keep the first friend she has had, and to follow-her into situations she would rather avoid. There's peer-pressure, and the need to simply 'fit-in' when Meg is used to not doing so. From missing a school class, to taking drugs and drinking under-age, our main character is willing to go-against those that she loves, including her younger sister, Beth, to not feel lonely again.
There's jealousy, anger and upset; friendship, family and feuds. Rowell's debut is a coming-of-age novel that is all about finding-yourself and the pressures of being young. It does have some strong language, which does only make it more believable, and 'Leopold Blue' could have been made better by there being more of a background of life in South Africa, in 1993. The political-side of things is interesting and intriguing, but there were some parts I couldn't understand, as I have never looked at this period of history before. There's no doubt that other teenagers may feel this way. Some parts of this novel were slow-paced, but I could still relate to the characters throughout.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with this review-copy, in exchange for an honest review!
You can find this review, and more, over at my blog: A Day Dreamer's World
Meg is a character that will be familiar to all teenagers who pick up this novel, if not for the fact she has to deal with peer-pressure in her attempt to finally keep the friend she finds, endless arguments with her parents who keep her from 'fitting-in' and the jealousy she feels for a boy called Simon, who's A Grades have meant she has always been compared to him. Meg, when we first meet her, has no friends. She's restless. In a town that runs deep with family-history and ties, with beliefs and traditions that have been there for what seems like forever, Meg's mum makes it difficult for the family to be a part of the community. This was also another aspect of the novel that was an interesting look at the difference between our times, and the 1990s. Her mum has a different-outlook on Leopold, and is trying to campaigning to help people with AIDS, a life-threatening disease but, the town dislikes her for it. Whilst reading, you wonder why Meg is so critical of her mum's choice to try and save lives, but shockingly, something like this separates them from the rest of town.
Xanthe is rebellious, outgoing and uncontrollable, and when she is seated beside Meg at school, after recently moving from Cape Town, its clear she is different from the other girls. Not scared of being the centre of attention, Xanthe is very much a force to contend with throughout this novel, and Rowell writes honestly about what it is like to show that you are 'cool' in front of your friends. We can all relate to the way Meg is desperate to keep the first friend she has had, and to follow-her into situations she would rather avoid. There's peer-pressure, and the need to simply 'fit-in' when Meg is used to not doing so. From missing a school class, to taking drugs and drinking under-age, our main character is willing to go-against those that she loves, including her younger sister, Beth, to not feel lonely again.
There's jealousy, anger and upset; friendship, family and feuds. Rowell's debut is a coming-of-age novel that is all about finding-yourself and the pressures of being young. It does have some strong language, which does only make it more believable, and 'Leopold Blue' could have been made better by there being more of a background of life in South Africa, in 1993. The political-side of things is interesting and intriguing, but there were some parts I couldn't understand, as I have never looked at this period of history before. There's no doubt that other teenagers may feel this way. Some parts of this novel were slow-paced, but I could still relate to the characters throughout.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with this review-copy, in exchange for an honest review!
You can find this review, and more, over at my blog: A Day Dreamer's World
May 3, 2014
3.5* - see full review (with a GIF) on my blog if you wish... http://spreadingukya2013.blogspot.com...
You know that feeling when there's many awesome books but there's one standing out for a ridiculously gorgeous cover? You can see where I'm going with this? So, part of the reason I was attracted to it was the gorgeous font, a leopold blue, contrast to the grey sky- supposed to be blue- with a plain girl, windswept hair & OK... you probably can see for yourself that's it's eye-catching.
Another: a vital part of our history is ingrained in this book. This isn't too historical (I'm not ashamed to admit I dropped History) but of two important periods- to me- personally- this holds one so it was going to be a hit on that level anyway, unless it was totally inaccurate to my knowledge. But for Rowell, knowledge was on her doorstep. I always love it when you find out afterwards that the author themselves knew more about this first-hand & from their direct surroundings than research found in books (which is awesome, though), internet & the such. So, I loved this aspect. Any period where there was civil rights movement around that time, or it had newly been affected by that, is a gem to me. I just love it, I love it when I have it in school, to write essays about (but not in History... HAH!) & I love reading about it- fictionally is amazing too.
You can tell, even if you don't have former knowledge (where have you been? :L), that the history surrounding the story, around Meg, is of much significance. It feels powerful & there's unrest as socially & politically, society begins to change. You can tell our society, probably not just South Africa's, wouldn't be the same without the historical background in Leopold Blue. Apartheid has just been broken down & I know about this, I think all teens should. Some history seems "dead" but I assure you: this history isn't yet. This book hasn't died & I hope never will (but if it does, read it before it's too late *evil laugh*). I was kind of surprised though how it was only the 1990's (heck, I was born then), that seems even more recent when Mandela's work started much more before then & often the civil rights is focused on a period before. I think some other decades would've been accurate, but this gives an indication & I guess, some parts moved slower than others. So others may have been several years ahead of those in this rural town, where AIDS is rife (and being sorted by Meg's Mother).
SO, yes... Another thing which actually interlinks is the notes on the bottom of the page (I assume these also exist in the final edition, they simply must!). They provide further information & define "language" which South Africans use, thus they appear a lot more at the start but lessen out as you go along. Later on, you're aware anyway & remember for the most part what a bakkie is, what a Dominee is & such. It's mainly a good thing, but when you're not used to it- as many books don't call for it- it can be a little distracting to need to look mid-sentence or something. It's a unique feature to this book which gives it flavour.
Meg's coming of age" didn't really make me like her, I can't for sure say she improved but she changed. She became less bored & came to respect her Mother's decisions & fantastic work, she ended up realising what had become of other relationships she had & yes, Meg was always too good for Xanthe & while Meg may have been different to the girls she'd become tired of, Xanthe was still more flawed than Meg had considered. I hated the peer pressure, but I guess it was realistic, raw & will never be a nice thing to read about it. Being aware of how Meg deals with it, gives purpose & honesty to the book. While I wouldn't go so far as to say there were dull moments, the actual plot & some of Meg's life, were overshadowed by bits where there was Xanthe being "colourful". I wouldn't want a selfish, misleading influence like Xanthe on myself or my children but Meg's Mother & her... the relationship between them was fragile, to say the least. It built up & this is one of the elements which gave me most satisfaction. It shows, family are there for you, even when friends aren't. Or at least in Meg's, which is enough of a happy ever after for me. I also don't think Meg needed a guy to complete her, making this seem more like reality- a teenage girl's life- than a work of fiction, where many things seem ideal, fit for a movie.
I do think I found it hard to like Meg's Mum at points as well, I couldn't for a while think I was on the side of both. Beth & her Dad seemed to get the less interesting flaws, seemed nicer, for most of the novel, while you have Meg & her Mum being more reckless; it was so interesting to see both evolutions- their shades of different & daring varying & how they tied up together.
Of course, as you may have guessed, Simon, to me, wasn't significant nor Xanthe. I just am not sure I would try & befriend someone like Xanthe, especially not when it hurts others. Xanthe certainly had no trouble hurting others... Perhaps I had the biggest problem with some of the characters but they made the story which sat in a vibrant setting, enabling this to be a fictional novel- not historical non-fiction.
So kudos, this was mainly enjoyable & I would recommend it, whether you'll agree with all parts- this certainly allows you to become more concrete in your morals- as its interesting, short & bitter-sweet. It's important to read about self-focused, temperamental, flawed teenagers to gain a balance in the whirlwind of YA, its important as the themes & history behind it are just SO thought-provoking & need to be understood & known about, or it may go to waste. This isn't a ranty, "history preaching" novel, its just a story, like all stories.
And I'll shut up now before I return to complaining about Xanthe. That girl, seriously!
You know that feeling when there's many awesome books but there's one standing out for a ridiculously gorgeous cover? You can see where I'm going with this? So, part of the reason I was attracted to it was the gorgeous font, a leopold blue, contrast to the grey sky- supposed to be blue- with a plain girl, windswept hair & OK... you probably can see for yourself that's it's eye-catching.
Another: a vital part of our history is ingrained in this book. This isn't too historical (I'm not ashamed to admit I dropped History) but of two important periods- to me- personally- this holds one so it was going to be a hit on that level anyway, unless it was totally inaccurate to my knowledge. But for Rowell, knowledge was on her doorstep. I always love it when you find out afterwards that the author themselves knew more about this first-hand & from their direct surroundings than research found in books (which is awesome, though), internet & the such. So, I loved this aspect. Any period where there was civil rights movement around that time, or it had newly been affected by that, is a gem to me. I just love it, I love it when I have it in school, to write essays about (but not in History... HAH!) & I love reading about it- fictionally is amazing too.
You can tell, even if you don't have former knowledge (where have you been? :L), that the history surrounding the story, around Meg, is of much significance. It feels powerful & there's unrest as socially & politically, society begins to change. You can tell our society, probably not just South Africa's, wouldn't be the same without the historical background in Leopold Blue. Apartheid has just been broken down & I know about this, I think all teens should. Some history seems "dead" but I assure you: this history isn't yet. This book hasn't died & I hope never will (but if it does, read it before it's too late *evil laugh*). I was kind of surprised though how it was only the 1990's (heck, I was born then), that seems even more recent when Mandela's work started much more before then & often the civil rights is focused on a period before. I think some other decades would've been accurate, but this gives an indication & I guess, some parts moved slower than others. So others may have been several years ahead of those in this rural town, where AIDS is rife (and being sorted by Meg's Mother).
SO, yes... Another thing which actually interlinks is the notes on the bottom of the page (I assume these also exist in the final edition, they simply must!). They provide further information & define "language" which South Africans use, thus they appear a lot more at the start but lessen out as you go along. Later on, you're aware anyway & remember for the most part what a bakkie is, what a Dominee is & such. It's mainly a good thing, but when you're not used to it- as many books don't call for it- it can be a little distracting to need to look mid-sentence or something. It's a unique feature to this book which gives it flavour.
Meg's coming of age" didn't really make me like her, I can't for sure say she improved but she changed. She became less bored & came to respect her Mother's decisions & fantastic work, she ended up realising what had become of other relationships she had & yes, Meg was always too good for Xanthe & while Meg may have been different to the girls she'd become tired of, Xanthe was still more flawed than Meg had considered. I hated the peer pressure, but I guess it was realistic, raw & will never be a nice thing to read about it. Being aware of how Meg deals with it, gives purpose & honesty to the book. While I wouldn't go so far as to say there were dull moments, the actual plot & some of Meg's life, were overshadowed by bits where there was Xanthe being "colourful". I wouldn't want a selfish, misleading influence like Xanthe on myself or my children but Meg's Mother & her... the relationship between them was fragile, to say the least. It built up & this is one of the elements which gave me most satisfaction. It shows, family are there for you, even when friends aren't. Or at least in Meg's, which is enough of a happy ever after for me. I also don't think Meg needed a guy to complete her, making this seem more like reality- a teenage girl's life- than a work of fiction, where many things seem ideal, fit for a movie.
I do think I found it hard to like Meg's Mum at points as well, I couldn't for a while think I was on the side of both. Beth & her Dad seemed to get the less interesting flaws, seemed nicer, for most of the novel, while you have Meg & her Mum being more reckless; it was so interesting to see both evolutions- their shades of different & daring varying & how they tied up together.
Of course, as you may have guessed, Simon, to me, wasn't significant nor Xanthe. I just am not sure I would try & befriend someone like Xanthe, especially not when it hurts others. Xanthe certainly had no trouble hurting others... Perhaps I had the biggest problem with some of the characters but they made the story which sat in a vibrant setting, enabling this to be a fictional novel- not historical non-fiction.
So kudos, this was mainly enjoyable & I would recommend it, whether you'll agree with all parts- this certainly allows you to become more concrete in your morals- as its interesting, short & bitter-sweet. It's important to read about self-focused, temperamental, flawed teenagers to gain a balance in the whirlwind of YA, its important as the themes & history behind it are just SO thought-provoking & need to be understood & known about, or it may go to waste. This isn't a ranty, "history preaching" novel, its just a story, like all stories.
And I'll shut up now before I return to complaining about Xanthe. That girl, seriously!
November 4, 2021
A teenager in turmoil, hating what her mother does and feeling ostracised, hating that her father has given preference to her childhood friend's education rather than her own, wanting to change her circumstances, her life, her town - and when she gets what she thinks she wants, suddenly realising that it is her own attitude that needs to change.
January 4, 2023
Ik was geen zo’n fan van het hoofdpersonage, maar ze is wel geloofwaardig met al haar onzekerheden en soms vrij oppervlakkige meningen. Ik leende het boek vooral om iets bij te leren over Zuid Afrika in de jaren 90 en daarvoor is het een heel goed boek.
March 30, 2014
You can read more of my reviews at Queen of Contemporary
You may know by now that I’ll read practically anything Hot Key Books publish. So when Leopold Blue was offered to me to review, I jumped at the chance. Once again, I wasn’t let down. They really are a miracle publisher.
We all know how confusing it can be growing up, and Leopold Blue is a story all about discovery. One of the most striking things about the novel is its beautiful writing and voice. The protagonist, Meg, doesn’t have any friends due to the fact that her mother educates farm workers about AIDS. Set in 1990’s South Africa, the racial and political turmoil in the country during this time is informative without seeming too ‘know it all’ and there’s so much to take out of this book, especially historical information.
As a teenager myself, I know the feelings of wanting to fit in and find friends. When Meg meets Xanthe, the new girl who befriends Meg, we see the changes Meg makes to herself to try to fit in. I loved how authentic Meg’s voice was. There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t believe in the words coming out of her mouth.
Because it is set in such an important part in South Africa’s history, I felt, throughout reading, as if I was witnessing such significance. Even if you’re not familiar with the time, if you’re a younger reader like myself, all questions are answered immediately.
An addition I liked was the footnotes, explaining the language and cultural terms. I know I can sometimes find it tricky to understand such differences between cultures in some books, so it was nice to have an explanation and it also offered a very nice insight. I really enjoy learning about different cultures and I felt like it helped me connect to the story even more.
I feel as if there wasn’t a lot going on in terms of a strong plot because Leopold Blue is very character driven. Understand that I do not mean this in a bad way at all. Sometimes a good character driven novel is just what you need. With high fantasy and dystopia novels so big at the moment, a change is so, so good.
I really enjoyed Leopold Blue. It was a refreshing read and one I will definitely be recommending. You all must read it!
You may know by now that I’ll read practically anything Hot Key Books publish. So when Leopold Blue was offered to me to review, I jumped at the chance. Once again, I wasn’t let down. They really are a miracle publisher.
We all know how confusing it can be growing up, and Leopold Blue is a story all about discovery. One of the most striking things about the novel is its beautiful writing and voice. The protagonist, Meg, doesn’t have any friends due to the fact that her mother educates farm workers about AIDS. Set in 1990’s South Africa, the racial and political turmoil in the country during this time is informative without seeming too ‘know it all’ and there’s so much to take out of this book, especially historical information.
As a teenager myself, I know the feelings of wanting to fit in and find friends. When Meg meets Xanthe, the new girl who befriends Meg, we see the changes Meg makes to herself to try to fit in. I loved how authentic Meg’s voice was. There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t believe in the words coming out of her mouth.
Because it is set in such an important part in South Africa’s history, I felt, throughout reading, as if I was witnessing such significance. Even if you’re not familiar with the time, if you’re a younger reader like myself, all questions are answered immediately.
An addition I liked was the footnotes, explaining the language and cultural terms. I know I can sometimes find it tricky to understand such differences between cultures in some books, so it was nice to have an explanation and it also offered a very nice insight. I really enjoy learning about different cultures and I felt like it helped me connect to the story even more.
I feel as if there wasn’t a lot going on in terms of a strong plot because Leopold Blue is very character driven. Understand that I do not mean this in a bad way at all. Sometimes a good character driven novel is just what you need. With high fantasy and dystopia novels so big at the moment, a change is so, so good.
I really enjoyed Leopold Blue. It was a refreshing read and one I will definitely be recommending. You all must read it!
December 18, 2013
Review by Beth
It was a bit of a coincidence that I began reading Leopold Blue during the time Nelson Mandela’s sad death was announced. It felt quite fitting to be reading about 1990s South Africa at such a time and believe this novel may stay with me for a very long time on that basis.
Meg seems like an average teenager, she’s surly, not exactly best friends with her parents and happy to push her little sister around. Meg is normal, she isn’t particularly happy in her small South African town, but life isn’t unbearable. When Xanthe arrives Meg feels like her life has been revitalised and there’s the chance to throw herself into a whole different lifestyle with brand new friends. Xanthe offers Meg a darker, more exciting side of teenage life which takes her on a whirlwind of excitement but there’s always a question mark over Xanthe’s head. Exactly what is she about? The question mark becomes even bigger when friend from the past Simon comes back and there are serious consequences which Meg has to face.
Sadly I didn’t really warm to Meg at all and Xanthe was out and out unlikeable. Simon too who’s meant to be some sort of golden boy left me feeling a little bit blank. It’s a real shame as the setting and the activities which their friends and family are involved in, especially Meg’s mum campaigning for more AIDs awareness, would make a fascinating tale in their own right. My favourite parts of the novel were definitely when things took a step back from the characters and looked at the country and the political environment that is created.
Leopold Blue is interesting, it puts one of those standard teenager style stories, good girl tries to turn bad but then changes her mind, in a place you’d probably never thought of.
It was a bit of a coincidence that I began reading Leopold Blue during the time Nelson Mandela’s sad death was announced. It felt quite fitting to be reading about 1990s South Africa at such a time and believe this novel may stay with me for a very long time on that basis.
Meg seems like an average teenager, she’s surly, not exactly best friends with her parents and happy to push her little sister around. Meg is normal, she isn’t particularly happy in her small South African town, but life isn’t unbearable. When Xanthe arrives Meg feels like her life has been revitalised and there’s the chance to throw herself into a whole different lifestyle with brand new friends. Xanthe offers Meg a darker, more exciting side of teenage life which takes her on a whirlwind of excitement but there’s always a question mark over Xanthe’s head. Exactly what is she about? The question mark becomes even bigger when friend from the past Simon comes back and there are serious consequences which Meg has to face.
Sadly I didn’t really warm to Meg at all and Xanthe was out and out unlikeable. Simon too who’s meant to be some sort of golden boy left me feeling a little bit blank. It’s a real shame as the setting and the activities which their friends and family are involved in, especially Meg’s mum campaigning for more AIDs awareness, would make a fascinating tale in their own right. My favourite parts of the novel were definitely when things took a step back from the characters and looked at the country and the political environment that is created.
Leopold Blue is interesting, it puts one of those standard teenager style stories, good girl tries to turn bad but then changes her mind, in a place you’d probably never thought of.
November 16, 2013
A really enjoyable read which appealed to me quite nicely.
I really loved the historical setting and the backdrop to the story more than anything else. The book is set in South Africa in the 90s and I enjoyed learning about life during the period for ordinary people particularly looking at the divisions that existed even though they should have passed. I was very much fascinated by it throughout the book.
However I wasn't a huge fan of the main characters so I found myself not all that fussed about what happened to them as such. Also the storyline is very slow so not for everyone but despite both those things I certainly liked it enough.
I really loved the historical setting and the backdrop to the story more than anything else. The book is set in South Africa in the 90s and I enjoyed learning about life during the period for ordinary people particularly looking at the divisions that existed even though they should have passed. I was very much fascinated by it throughout the book.
However I wasn't a huge fan of the main characters so I found myself not all that fussed about what happened to them as such. Also the storyline is very slow so not for everyone but despite both those things I certainly liked it enough.
March 15, 2015
My first read for the Bout of Books 9.0 Readathon
I received this novel for review from the publishers, Hot Key Books.
See my full review Right Here.
I received this novel for review from the publishers, Hot Key Books.
See my full review Right Here.
September 15, 2015
Loved the atmosphere and setting of this novel!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews