49 pages 1 hour read

NoViolet Bulawayo

We Need New Names

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo follows 10-year-old Darling and her friends in a Zimbabwean shantytown called Paradise as they navigate life’s challenges, dreaming of a better future. Darling eventually moves to America, facing the harsh realities of immigrant life, such as cultural misunderstandings, homesickness, and socioeconomic struggles that contrast sharply with her idealized dreams. The novel addresses sensitive issues such as violence, sexual abuse, and displacement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo captivates with its poignant narrative and vivid prose, presenting a compelling portrayal of displacement and identity. Readers admire the rich, evocative language and the heartfelt journey of the protagonist. Some critics note a fragmented structure and inconsistent pacing, but the overall reception is strongly favorable.

Who should read this

Who Should Read We Need New Names?

Readers who enjoy We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo often appreciate powerful coming-of-age narratives set against socio-political backdrops, much like Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. They seek stories highlighting resilience amid turmoil, cultural transitions, and rich, complex characters.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Immigration / Refugee

Genre

African American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction