Dust

The book doesn't excellent job of describing the aftermath of colonial Africa in this case Kenya In a compelling and accessible story. I liked it

Dust is challenging, enriching, and colorful. Its complexity means that one needs to pay extra attention to the nuances of the story, but the author’s lyrical writing style encourages the reader to rise to the challenge. Some will be put off by how intellectually demanding it is and the violence within the plot makes for an uncomfortable reading experience at times. In those moments, I recommend readers simply trust Owuor and put faith in her ability to tell a story that’s worth your time. And if even if you don’t like the story, I think it’s extremely difficult to finish the novel and not at least appreciate her craft.In terms of the story, it is incredibly dynamic as people come in and out and secrets are uncovered. The prose is also rhythmic as Owuor weaves song and sound to give the story even more vibrance. The successful incorporation of local languages in the narrative shows that African literature does not need to be completely in English and that the English language can and should be molded to fit the needs of African writers. I also personally enjoyed how Kenya itself is a main character in the novel, living, breathing, and persisting through its own ups and downs just like everyone else. In this sense, it reminded me of how the village in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart also took on a life of its own. The novel asks important questions such as “What endures after death?” and "In what ways does the state influence people's life experience?" It also leaves the reader thinking about the characters and their struggles even when they’re not reading it which I think is a sign of compelling storytelling. I don’t think the book is for everyone, nor do it necessarily satisfy my personal tastes, but I’m glad I gave it a shot!

I bought this book specifically because it was written by a Kenyan author. We lived in Kenya for several years in the 80s and fell in love with the country so I was eager to read a novel about Kenya. But in all honesty I found it a challenging book to get through. The authors prose is very lyrical and at times I found it overly so - perhaps that reflects more my desire to get straight to the points in a story than her skill as a writer. However there were other aspects of the novel which made it challenging. First the author often has the characters speaking in local dialects and/or Kiswahili but she doesn't always translate the phrases/conversations into to English. I found this frustrating and wondered how much information I was missing to both the story and the development of some of the characters. Also quite a bit of the book revolves around things that happened during a particularly turbulent time in Kenyan history. Even with my modest background in Kenyan history I was often puzzled and confused by many of these references. So between the use of dialect, writing style and the historical references the book didn't come together for me till the very end when the secrets were revealed and the plot lines converged. The last chapter was both masterful and frustrating because it leaves the reader unsure and wondering what really happened to the key characters.If you want to read a novel about Africa this may not be the best place to start. But if you've got some background on Kenya and/or Africa its worth the time it may take to get into and through this novel.

OMG this book was heavy on the lyrical prose... too heavy. If you've ever read "the God of small things", this is written in that style TIMES TEN! I just wanted to get through with it, but there were so many back and forths, so many new characters and bit players and the writing... it was just too much plus it was quite a melancholy read. But I plowed through it, although I skimmed the last few pages.**SPOILER ALERT***Please someone tell me who is Isaiah's father?? At first I thought it was the Trader, but then I'm thinking, "Nyipir" (did he call Selena "memsahib" or was it the Trader, or even Guluga)? I searched all over the internet but couldn't find the answer.I have other questions but this one is definitely the burning one. tia

Kenya retold. What I most enjoyed was the shattering of many a cliche. This is a book of mystery and of agonizing love. The language cracks upon your skin as sharp as nyahunyo whip. You feel as fear-gripped as the characters. As nervous. As disturbed. Beware, you will not leave this book unscathed. Especially if you are a Kenyan. It will make you face things you would rather not face. Things you, we, must face head on. Basically, I loved it. And now, the business of digesting these words. Breaking them open like macadamia, rock upon rock, on rock. There is white, exquisite flesh to be found here. A second read. Yes, you must read then reread this one.

I was hooked, right from the start.It's writer, Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor is an artist working on a massive piece of canvas that she dots with memories, untold fables; unsung songs and unseen images of tragedies, compromises, betrayals and love. The result is a beautifully, brutally crafted piece of work. What has for too long been said in whispers, or in passing, is made explicit.I hope it will evoke conversations. For if we do not speak, the ghosts we buried will break through the walls built around our collective conscience. Indeed they do so every election cycle. They then retreat to the shadows and watch the cycle of fervent celebration turn to bitter disillusionment. An incredibly good book that should disrupt our attempts to push for collective amnesia.Hurried reader, do get yourself a copy. The heart will relate to the prose and the poetry weaved therein.

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor writes in intensive, almost poetic, prose. Each sentence is crammed with erudition, multiple unexpected adjectives, and creative similes. Some are short staccato words. This all makes for a slow concentrated read. Perseverance is rewarded with an epic account of a Kenyan and British family whose lives are worked out in the northern territories. They epitomise the conflicts of colonial rule and national independence. Love and abuse in individual relationships are set in the context of social and political repression, torture and murder. The plot is complex, the storytelling very skilled.

This is a gloomy and lengthy novel with characters that aren't easy to like. Set in northern Kenya in the early 21st century and during the Mau Mau rebellion, it tells the story of a Kenyan family and a white couple. The link between them is gradually revealed over the course of the book. It's a story that would have worked better if I'd had more liking for the characters. As it was, I had to really force myself to keep reading through. It paints a bleak picture of Kenya, and shows how the post-electoral violence of 2007 had its roots in the country's troubled past. It wasn't a particularly enjoyable novel but might be worth reading if you have a particular interest in Kenyan history.

I expected a lot of this book, considering one review described it as the great Kenyan novel. In parts this novel is wonderful, the author manages to hit in these place the balance between writing style, narrative and meaning. In other places, the story gets lost in the attempt to impress with language. Some characters have such successful characterizations that they are a joy to explore, others fell so short that I wonder why they were even in the book. Still, I am glad I read it, an attempt at greatness has achieved a thoroughly good book. Looking forward to more from the author.

An interesting book. A little incohesive and wordy.

beautiful and haunting book. very glad i found it.