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abbie_ 's review for:
The Wondrous and Tragic Life of Ivan and Ivana
by Maryse Condé
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(#gifted @worldedbooks) The Wondrous and Tragic Life of Ivan & Ivana charts the life of the titular twins growing up in Guadeloupe, moving to Mali to reunite with their estranged father, and finally moving to Paris. They share an intense relationship, verging on incestuous at times which they both try to quell, but their paths diverge drastically as Ivan becomes drawn into the world of radicalisation. This was a frustrating read for me as I think the strong content was let down somewhat by the translation. Awkward because Condé's translator is also her husband... oops 😂 *please see 4th paragraph*
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But first of all, the good. Condé is keen to remind the reader that there is no distinct line between right and wrong. While Ivan walks the perilous line of radicalisation, she also critiques the 'liberal' west, personified by people who so often spout nonsense about not seeing race. She demonstrates with a keen eye how easy it is for disillusioned young people to become drawn into darker circles, as they are constantly let down by a system which is designed to fail them. Guadeloupe is, as Ivan regularly reminds us, 'not exactly a country, but a French overseas department, lacking a narrative of its own'.
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She paints an unsettling portrait of how France is viewed by some Guadeloupean, often as a place promising better opportunities (given the unemployment and poverty on the island) but once they arrive there, France has nothing for them except menial jobs. Which, as we see, can sometimes push young people onto the wrong path.
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I had some issues with the translation, but please check out the comment on my Instagram page from @lili_tartinette about the translation choices made. This is why I wish all translated books would include a translator’s note, to illuminate international readers about why certain linguistic decisions were made.
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Overall, powerful themes and bold characters, and I would still recommend if the plot sounds interesting to you, as Condé has a sharp eye for social commentary.
.
But first of all, the good. Condé is keen to remind the reader that there is no distinct line between right and wrong. While Ivan walks the perilous line of radicalisation, she also critiques the 'liberal' west, personified by people who so often spout nonsense about not seeing race. She demonstrates with a keen eye how easy it is for disillusioned young people to become drawn into darker circles, as they are constantly let down by a system which is designed to fail them. Guadeloupe is, as Ivan regularly reminds us, 'not exactly a country, but a French overseas department, lacking a narrative of its own'.
.
She paints an unsettling portrait of how France is viewed by some Guadeloupean, often as a place promising better opportunities (given the unemployment and poverty on the island) but once they arrive there, France has nothing for them except menial jobs. Which, as we see, can sometimes push young people onto the wrong path.
.
I had some issues with the translation, but please check out the comment on my Instagram page from @lili_tartinette about the translation choices made. This is why I wish all translated books would include a translator’s note, to illuminate international readers about why certain linguistic decisions were made.
.
Overall, powerful themes and bold characters, and I would still recommend if the plot sounds interesting to you, as Condé has a sharp eye for social commentary.