It seems I have succumbed to one of the many viruses plaguing the country, my throat and nasal passages having swollen themselves into a gooey network of mini-tortures (I'm not being overly dramatic or anything, no no no), hence the lateness of my post and my apologies. I must say, these stories were not quite the cure for feeling ill, but they were definitely acute glimpses into the ordinary lives of ordinary men (many of whom disdained women in short white shorts). I must note that the women in these stories are not particularly fleshed out, but they are mostly stories about men, and men not at the best of times. All, as the title suggests, find themselves at some aimless point in their lives, some with hope of finding their way, some who haven't yet found that hope when the story ends. (I particularly liked "Matters of the Heart" - the priest was fantastic.)
I have a sneaking suspicion that these might be better savored than gobbled - reading them back to back highlighted similarities in names and phrase that could at times be confusing.
You should read this if:
- You are looking for unique, realistic glimpses of ordinary life.
- You are interested in portraits of life in Kenya (particularly Nairobi).
- You can relate to being down on your luck, sometimes at rock bottom.
- Reading about experiences that are likely worse than your own has an uncanny way of lifting your spirits.
- You currently can't stand your ex (the exes in these stories will make you appreciate them more, in one way or another).
- Tragedy is your middle name.
Don't read this if:
- You're looking for a little levity.
- You're currently on a fluffy bunny kick.
- Stories about those at their worst or during their worst might just be the thing that pushes you over the edge into a dark, gloomy depression for the rest of the winter.
- You're going through a divorce. Wait until later.
- You're lounging on the beach in the sun.
*I received this from TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. See what others thought here.
