The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu, 240 pages.
A bit disappointing considering all the crazy good reviews it got. Possibly because it is a new perspective in a somewhat tired international fiction genre. An Ethiopian immigrant reflects on his life here after 17 years. Two friends, a new neighbor, and his own thoughts inform most of the story.
The novel ambles along, there are no big surprises or conflicts, much like the main character's way of life as a disenchanted owner of a convenience store. The writing can be luminous at times:
"There is something unsettling about spring in D.C., a cautionary tale of overindulgence and inflated expectations that seems embeded in the grass and trees. I thought I had long since learned to keep those expectations in check, but it happens anyway, doesn't it? We forget who we are and where we came from, and in doing so, believe we are entitled to much more than we deserve." (p.44)
I don't doubt that it captures a side of the immigrant experience, a remnant of hopefulness for the future that lives alongside the reality of "is this it?". But I was expecting to be blown away and it was merely a breeze. I still think it is worthwhile to read because it is so different, but there's no rush. 3.25 stars.
(If you are interested in reading it, I'll be glad to send you my copy. Just let me know.)
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