This book gives an excellent overview of the slave trade and the way that the white people of various empires used it while attempting to manipulate the end of slavery to their own benefit. The author has solid historiography and an authorial voice that easily keeps the reader interested. Although this work does not go significantly in depth, I definitely recommend this book to those interested in learning more about this topic.
When I first requested this alc from Libro.fm, I did not realize that Levings designed this follow up book as more of a guide to many of the topics that she addressed in her memoir. Thus, I went into the read with a little bit of hesitation, since those types of books I do not tend to pick up. This book surpassed my expectations and ended up being an excellent insight into the many different ways that religious trauma affects a person and how a person can possibly move through this. Levings speaks from experience, not expertise, even though she does have expertise in this area and that makes it much more approachable.
I have admit that even shortly after finishing this book, I do not remember enough to give it the review it deserves. I know that I read and consumed the material within the book but for some reason, my brain did not hold onto that material. I remember being impressed by the writing and wish that I could remember more of the details.
(I do not rate memoirs.)
I have admit that even shortly after finishing this book, I do not remember enough to give it the review it deserves. I know that I read and consumed the material within the book but for some reason, my brain did not hold onto that material. I remember being impressed by the writing and wish that I could remember more of the details.
My experience with Kuang’s work since reading Babel has gone downhill. Her writing is beautiful and vivid. I could easily see the experiences that the main character narrated. The biggest problem though is the fact that Kuang failed to make me care about almost anything in the narrative. This book did not really have a driving purpose. Rather, it told the story of the summer when a first generation Chinese immigrant spent the summer in Taiwan trying to improve her Chinese. I wish I could say more positive things because I have really enjoyed Kuang’s work before, but this one was just not it.
I loved this book so much! Swift created highly engaging characters and a story that sucked me right in. I knew when I reached the end of the narrative and could not help smiling from ear to ear that I had found another five star read. It’s the emotional connection that does it for me to bump a book up from a high four star into five star territory.
Leave a Reply