Why should you read this book?
Small Country is Gaël Faye‘s debut novel and it’s completely impressive! I can’t wait to read his future works!
Small Country is a coming of age story that takes place in Burundi, in 1992 and 1993. Gabriel, who is ten years old, lives in an expat neighborhood with younger sister Ana, their French father Michel and Rwandan mother Yvonne. The area they live in is very quiet. However, that quietness quickly comes to an end when Burundi and Rwanda are hit by war and genocide.
When I look back and think about Small Country, the word that comes to mind is sensitivity. This book is beautifully written, heartbreaking and moving. This is one of those novels that you wish it was longer so you could get to know these characters a little bit better. I am surely bewildered by this slender book! Besides the obvious quality of writing, Faye also enlighten us about international events, most specifically about Burundi and its history.
I’d like to thank Hogarth for the free copy. You can buy it here.
“We were full of dreams and it was with impatient hearts that we imagined the joys and adventures life held in store for us.”
Summary
But dark clouds are gathering over this small country, and soon their peaceful existence will shatter when Burundi, and neighboring Rwanda, are brutally hit by civil war and genocide.
A novel of extraordinary power and beauty, Small Country describes an end of innocence as seen through the eyes of a child caught in the maelstrom of history. Shot through with shadows and light, tragedy and humor, it is a stirring tribute not only to a dark chapter in Africa’s past, but also to the bright days that preceded it.
Taken from the publisher’s website.
Published on: June 2018
Format: Hardback
Pages: 192
Price: $25.00
