But Darling has a chance to escape: she has an aunt in America. She travels to this new land in search of America’s famous abundance only to find that her options as an immigrant are perilously few.
My Thoughts:
What an amazing debut. I’ve listed this as my favorite fiction for March and I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be one of my favorites for all of 2013.
 |
| About the author |
Darling and her friends are both innocent and jaded, as only children in a war-torn country can be. They are cheerful while stealing guavas to fill their empty bellies, even while knowing that those same fruits will only make them sick. The very young Chipo is pregnant. In their childishness, her friends believe that they can get the baby out so that she can run and play with them once more.
Darling is able to immigrate to America, to “Destroyedmichygan”. Her guilt at leaving her friends and family behind is palpable. Unfortunately, life in America isn’t exactly what she had hoped for.
We Need New Names is rich, honest, and stirring. Bulawayo is an author to watch.
The Relentless Reader 
You've done it again with another book with such an interesting setting and plot. I'll go back to my TBR list. You need to stop. My TBR list is never going to be manageable. 🙂
LikeLike
This looks great! I'm putting it on my wish list right now!
LikeLike
Thanks for reviewing this book, it's new to me and sounds awesome. It's gone straight on my wishlist!
LikeLike
It's so exciting to find an amazing author just making their debut and think about what they could write in a whole career! Thanks for sharing your love of this book. 🙂
LikeLike
Wow, We Need New Names sounds like an emotional book. Great review.
LikeLike
I don't know whether to apologize or laugh 😉 LOL <~~ You can see that I decided!
LikeLike
Good to hear Melinda. I have a feeling that this book is going to do very well 🙂
LikeLike
I'm glad to hear it! I think you'll like it!
LikeLike
I know!! I can't wait to see what she does next! 😀
LikeLike
It made me laugh and weep…cliched but true 🙂 Thanks Naida!
LikeLike
Oh, must read it. I'm guessing \”Destroyedmichygan\” is Detroit? I grew up and lived in the area until about five years ago, so I can't help but want to read anything connected to it.
LikeLike
That thought of the baby, so innocent, and considering the age, really understandable. I think I'll have to look for this one myself.
LikeLike
You'd definitely find that part interesting then. The way she describes the cold weather is amazing!
LikeLike
I hope you do Charlie, it's a wonderful read. 🙂
LikeLike
She moves to Detroit!I will have to read this, being a Detroit area girl myself.
LikeLike
I hope you do, you'll love it!
LikeLike
This does sound very good. I had heard that Bulawayo is a great author and I really want to read her work.
LikeLike
I hope you do Brian. I think you'll be very pleased 🙂
LikeLike
To list this as one of your favorites says a lot. I'll have to pay close attention to this one, although it sounds heartbreaking.
LikeLike
It isn't what I'd call a happy read. At the same time, there are real moments of humor in it 🙂
LikeLike
Isn't Bulawayo also the capital of Zim?! 🙂 Sounds like a lovely read.
LikeLike
LOL, I'm not sure! It really was 🙂
LikeLike
Great review! I can't wait to read this!
LikeLike
It's an incredible read and I know you'll love it! Ok, I can't predict the future but I have a good feeling 😉
LikeLike