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49 pages 1 hour read

We Need New Names

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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NoViolet Bulawayo

We Need New Names

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo follows 10-year-old Darling and her friends in a Zimbabwean shantytown called Paradise as they navigate life’s challenges, dreaming of a better future. Darling eventually moves to America, facing the harsh realities of immigrant life, such as cultural misunderstandings, homesickness, and socioeconomic struggles that contrast sharply with her idealized dreams. The novel addresses sensitive issues such as violence, sexual abuse, and displacement.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Challenging

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

24,563 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo captivates with its poignant narrative and vivid prose, presenting a compelling portrayal of displacement and identity. Readers admire the rich, evocative language and the heartfelt journey of the protagonist. Some critics note a fragmented structure and inconsistent pacing, but the overall reception is strongly favorable.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Need New Names?

Readers who enjoy We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo often appreciate powerful coming-of-age narratives set against socio-political backdrops, much like Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. They seek stories highlighting resilience amid turmoil, cultural transitions, and rich, complex characters.

3.9

24,563 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Zimbabwe • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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