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Friday, January 28, 2011

LBT's Generic Book Corner: Nervous Conditions


Welcome friends, Romans, countrymen, and lend me your eyes (figuratively speaking - I love a good 'literally' as much as the next monster, but ew), for I have returned to discuss another book that I have read and liked (I have a feeling that if I ever discuss the books I have hated, it might be funnier, although less pleasant by my end). Today I want to bring to your attention Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. I was assigned this book by a professor whom I hated with the fiery passion of a thousand suns, so I was prepared to hate it by association. But damn, the bastard can pick a book.



The story starts with the words "I was not sorry when my brother died," which for me, at least, counts among the most gripping opening phrases ever. On its face, it is the coming-of-age tale of a teenage girl in colonial Rhodesia. However, that is an oversimplification of a complex, rich, fantastic book. I know I am not so much reviewing (not that I ever review) as gushing, but I love this book, and I really wish it had more visibility. I also wish I did not have to thank Professor Asshole for assigning it to me.

Til next time!

LBT
Posted by lilbobbytables at 12:25 PM
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5 comments:

  1. DavidJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    That sounds pretty good. Also, "Damn, That Bastard Can Pick a Book" is what I want on my gravestone.

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  2. lilbobbytablesJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    It is very good! Do not let my terrible formatting on this post fool you. I lack the vocabulary to fully relate my feelings for this book, which is ever so aggravating. But I recommend it without reservation.

    And as a certified gravestone technician, I can make your dream a reality for the low, low price of $49.99....

    ReplyDelete
  3. TeachermanJanuary 28, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Thanks for the recommendation, LBT! Sounds really interesting. In a related note, I have always wanted to start a story with the opening sentence, "I killed my father when I was 16; I've been seeing a lot of him lately."

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  4. lilbobbytablesJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    I would probably buy 17 copies based on line alone, Teach. Just to sweeten the pot on that story train.

    ReplyDelete
  5. thekelburrowsJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Based on LBT's recommendation as well as the Amazon reviews, it sounds like this book might be an interesting parallel to Weeds by Edith Summers Kelley. There is only one way for me to know for sure and so I'm off to donate more of my salary to Amazon.com. Weeds is one of my Aunt Jane's favorite books and I heartily recommend it to all.

    ReplyDelete

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