Half of a Yellow Sun
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Half of a Yellow Sun
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Half of a Yellow Sun
THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION ‘WINNER OF WINNERS’
CHOSEN AS SERVICE95 BOOK CLUB'S BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST 2023
The international bestseller and Women’s Prize for Fiction’s ‘Winner of Winners’
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionHalf of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a sweeping, evocative novel set in Nigeria during the harrowing years of the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. A profoundly moving narrative that captures the complex fabric of Nigeria's society, the book intertwines the lives of three unforgettable characters amid the tumult of a fierce civil war where a million lives were lost.
The story is anchored by Ugwu, a thirteen-year-old boy from a rural village who becomes a houseboy for Odenigbo, an enthusiastic university professor. Through Ugwu's eyes, we encounter a world marked by intellectual zeal and a burgeoning sense of national identity. Meanwhile, Olanna, Odenigbo's beautiful lover from a privileged background, faces the shattering reality of personal loss and the brutal massacre of her kin. Her journey is one of resilience and profound transformation.
The third pivotal character is Richard, a British expatriate and writer, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he falls deeply in love with Olanna's enigmatic and distant twin sister, Kainene. As their lives converge and intertwine, each character is forced to navigate the swirling maelstrom of political upheaval, personal loyalty, and ethical dilemmas that come with the fight for secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
This extraordinary novel is rooted in the landscape of a nation on the brink of transformation. It delves into themes of colonial legacy, ethnic tensions, and the intricate layers of human relationships. Adichie masterfully explores the ways that love, loyalty, and betrayal intersect with political consciousness, laying bare the depths of moral responsibility and the enduring impacts of conflict. Half of a Yellow Sun doesn't just recount history; it humanises it with a rich tapestry of emotions and vivid storytelling.
A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Women's Prize for Fiction’s ‘Winner of Winners’ accolade and selection as Service95 Book Club’s Book of the Month for August 2023, this novel is essential reading for anyone interested in African history, colonialism, and the power of love amid chaos.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Heartbreaking, funny and exquisitely written, Half of a Yellow Sun is considered a literary masterpiece and classic. It exhibits a ramshackle freedom and exuberant ambition, vividly written and thrumming with life. Comparisons have been made to notable classics, highlighting its compassionate intelligence and intimate portraiture. The novel's depiction of suffering draws readers in deeply, reflecting the author's remarkable storytelling gift.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780007200283
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 15 January 2007
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 310g
Pages: 448
About the Author
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born in Nigeria in 1977. She is from Abba, in Anambra State, but grew up in the university town of Nsukka, where she attended primary and secondary schools. She went on to receive a BS in Communication and Political Science from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MA from Johns Hopkins University, both in the United States. Her short fiction has been published in literary journals including Granta, and won the International PEN/David Wong award in 2003. 'Purple Hibiscus', her first novel, was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and was winner of the Hurston/Wright Legacy award for debut fiction. She was a Hodder fellow at Princeton University for the 2005-2006 academic year. She lives in Nigeria.
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