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lipglossmaffia's Reviews (1.52k)
I love Torre but this particular novel was pretty basic. Lacking the usual pizzazz that I've become accustomed to. The plot twists felt hasty, the ending also felt blaaaahhh. I dunno, I just didn't enjoy this one much.
I bought this book at Ake Festival in 2018, Farah was the headline act and I had never heard of him before Ake fest. Apparently, he's a big deal, in the class of Achebe, Ngugi, Gordimar, etc, those folks who got into trouble for their writing pre & post independence and stuff. Anyhoo, that wasn't even my main attraction, he looks like my late grandpa and shares the same first name so, I thought, SERENDIPITY.
Hiding in Plain Sight is unlike any novel I've read before. I understand why it has a low rating on GoodReads and weirdass reviews. It demands your attention but there is nothing "serious" going on per se. The novel begins with a murder, but the plot uncovers, NOT the murderer and the motive, but the complex mental workings of the victim's sister, Bella. From Somali but transplanted to Italy, Bella is an internationally travelled celebrity photographer.
Now, she finds herself at a crossroads: Does she continue to live her life of luxury and freedom in Rome or does she move to Nairobi and take the burden of raising her half brother's children? There is also another "problem", The kids' mother, Valerie shows up to "reclaim" her children after a 14-year absence and it's clear that her motives are dubious. Duh.
This book fascinates me although I can't really say I find the writer's style particularly enjoyable. It's kinda like a meditation on trying to have family relationships in a world of dislocation and self-definition, as nationalities and cultures blend and are misremembered and redefined under social and financial pressures.
Nurruddin Farah is an acquired taste for sure, I'm going to read one more of his books before I conclude if he's for me or not. Do you know of this writer?
Hiding in Plain Sight is unlike any novel I've read before. I understand why it has a low rating on GoodReads and weirdass reviews. It demands your attention but there is nothing "serious" going on per se. The novel begins with a murder, but the plot uncovers, NOT the murderer and the motive, but the complex mental workings of the victim's sister, Bella. From Somali but transplanted to Italy, Bella is an internationally travelled celebrity photographer.
Now, she finds herself at a crossroads: Does she continue to live her life of luxury and freedom in Rome or does she move to Nairobi and take the burden of raising her half brother's children? There is also another "problem", The kids' mother, Valerie shows up to "reclaim" her children after a 14-year absence and it's clear that her motives are dubious. Duh.
This book fascinates me although I can't really say I find the writer's style particularly enjoyable. It's kinda like a meditation on trying to have family relationships in a world of dislocation and self-definition, as nationalities and cultures blend and are misremembered and redefined under social and financial pressures.
Nurruddin Farah is an acquired taste for sure, I'm going to read one more of his books before I conclude if he's for me or not. Do you know of this writer?
What a lovely, lovely book. These characters are going to stay with me for a very long time. I loved the pacing, the multiple POVs, I love everything.
This is the one of the best 2nd person POV narrative styles I've ever enjoyed. And I love that the characters will stay in my head for a long long time. Such an interesting novel
Absolutely enjoyed this one. I'm more motivated to read Japanese Crime novels
Despite "that" plot twist, I still feel butterflies in my tummy when I think of this book so I'll still recommend it