monitaroymohan's reviews
1079 reviews

Wowza, this was one hell of a book. Outstanding writing, blending in humour, dark humour, the history of apartheid and racism, as well as Noah’s personal history. 

I was most interested by the history of apartheid, as told from the ground up. Most of us know of it more as a concept than the reality. And here Noah gives it in writing, not only what happened but the repercussions of the same. The dehumanization of the people in South Africa by white invaders is beyond shocking. What I found especially riveting was how Noah contextualizes the world’s reaction to the ill treatment of Black people versus the treatment of Jews by the Nazis. We know so much about the Holocaust, and so little about slavery in the Americas and Africa. Noah’s book is a step towards understanding and learning this untold, devastating history. We need to stop centering the plight of only white people over the ongoing suffering of Black people and other communities of colour. 

The misogyny in South Africa is not unknown but still horrifying given how close it is to Noah’s personal life. Absolutely shocking - but it’s the same all over the world, just to varying degrees. Women are not believed, even when they have proof. 

This book is often an amusing read, because Noah is a comedian and that comes out in his storytelling. But this book is not an easy read. Take breaks, take care of your mental health. But it’s a look behind the curtain of a regime that’s often talked about but not explained. 

An excellent if harrowing read. But a must-read all the same. 

A really great, if frustrating and depressing to read. The author contextualizes some of the sexism, misogyny and discriminatory practices of North America. There wasn’t anything much in here that was new to me, but how the pieces fit in with one another was helpful. Her conversations with famous Canadian figures who have been wronged by society were also interesting. 

I do wish I could easily find books like this written by women of colour in Canada. While Renzetti never forgets to mention the cards are stacked worse against most women of colour, getting their first-hand perspectives of the current landscape and what brought it on would be beneficial for all of us. 

Spoiler alert:

Dang this book was bleak. I spent the first 90% of it dying of cringe because, wow, the main character is the kind who lives in her daydreams, builds castles in the air, and does not think about the consequences of her actions. I mean, who lives in another person’s home and drinks all their super expensive wine — which you can’t afford to replace? Just who does that? Acting like the house you’re temporarily staying in, which belongs to someone else, is yours is just foolish. Wishing it was yours, sure, makes sense, but then you come out of that daydream and think of what needs to be done next. What happens when the owner comes back? How am I supposed to understand a character who is so in the now that she doesn’t consider how to plan for the future. Makes for a compelling but embarrassing read. 

The actual story was super bleak and disheartening. Protagonist Jane just can’t catch a break. We can all feel that. But I hate that she never holds her husband accountable. His art isn’t bringing in money so how come she’s always on the hook for everything she does to make sure they have money. How come she’s a sellout when all she’s trying to do is make them more money? Why doesn’t he work harder? And it’s not like he helps around the house either — feeding the children or caring for them. The book acts like this is normal, and yeah, unfortunately it is. But art doesn’t just present us reality, it comments on it and sends a message. This book doesn’t. 

The final part where that Hampton Ford guy basically swindles Jane. It was excruciating to read but really well done. I honestly didn’t see that twist coming. But it sealed the deal on how bleak this book is. I don’t know what our takeaway is supposed to be other than life sucks and people suck more. 

This is an engrossing book, but the characters act in such pedantic ways it’s almost unbelievable. People do act like that but to this extent? I’m in two minds about this read, but I would still recommend it. 

This book is brilliantly written and translated. The poetic nature of the writing really sings. But this is bleak. That’s not the end goal, but the journey is bleak. The way the writer adds in the grief of losing family, custody, body functions, is gruelling to read. It’s fantastic, but it’s heavy.