Crossbones
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
400
Novel • Fiction
Somalia • 2000s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Crossbones by Nuruddin Farah, the final installment in the Past Imperfect trilogy, can be read independently and follows Somali-American brothers Malik and Ahl as they return to Somalia amid the 2006 Ethiopian invasion. Malik, a journalist, aims to report on the conflict, while Ahl seeks his stepson, Taxliil, who has joined jihadists. Through their journeys, they confront harsh realities and reassess their views on their ancestral homeland. The novel includes themes of war, extremism, and familial strife.
Gritty
Informative
Emotional
Mysterious
Suspenseful
321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Crossbones by Nuruddin Farah has garnered mixed reviews. Critics praise the novel for its rich portrayal of Somali culture and intricate interweaving of personal and political narratives. Farah's character development and vivid settings receive high marks. However, some reviewers find the plot occasionally disjointed and the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read with both strengths and weaknesses.
Readers who enjoy exploring complex geopolitical issues, cultural clashes, and personal narratives within African contexts will appreciate Nuruddin Farah's Crossbones. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun will find this novel similarly engaging.
321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Somalia • 2000s
2011
Adult
18+ years
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