44 pages • 1 hour read
How Beautiful We Were
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Fictional African Village • 1980s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue follows the struggle of a fictional African village, Kosawa, against the environmental and social exploitation by an American oil company, Pexton, and the complicity of their own government. Through multiple narrators, including Thula Nangi and her family, the novel explores themes of colonialism, resistance, and the fight for justice amidst catastrophic ecological destruction and political corruption. This novel includes discussion, but not description, of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, forced pregnancy, and prejudice against individuals with mental illnesses.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Dark
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Imbolo Mbue's How Beautiful We Were has been praised for its emotive prose and vivid storytelling that captures the struggle of a small African village against corporate exploitation. While critics commend its powerful themes and character depth, some note the pacing can be slow and the narrative structure challenging. Despite this, it is considered a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read How Beautiful We Were?
Readers who cherish poignant, character-driven narratives will enjoy How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue. Fans of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will appreciate Mbue's exploration of community, resistance, and environmental justice in a fictional African village.
384
Novel • Fiction
Fictional African Village • 1980s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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