A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
272
Novel • Fiction
Kigali, Rwanda • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali by Gil Courtemanche follows the tragic love story of a documentary filmmaker, Bernard Valcourt, and a Hutu waitress, Gentille, set against the backdrop of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Bernard, in Rwanda to establish a new television station and document the AIDS crisis, falls deeply in love with Gentille. As violence escalates, their relationship faces harrowing trials, culminating in unimaginable loss. Topics include violence, genocide, and the AIDS crisis.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Melancholic
Mysterious
4,404 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gil Courtemanche's A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali is highly regarded for its poignant portrayal of love and tragedy set against the Rwandan genocide. Critics commend its raw, vivid narrative and emotional depth. However, some find its graphic content challenging and its pacing uneven. Overall, it is praised for its powerful impact and brutal honesty.
Readers who appreciate A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali by Gil Courtemanche are drawn to poignant and visceral narratives set against historical backdrops, similar to Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and Roy’s The God of Small Things. They seek deep emotional engagement and a profound understanding of human resilience amidst tragedy.
4,404 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Kigali, Rwanda • 1990s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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