Reviews

I couldn't make it past page 70 in this book. It sounded interesting and I really wanted to like it, but it seemed to be too much of an effort to stay engaged and care about the plot and/or characters

jemini's review against another edition

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4.0

Cockroach by Rawi Hage: 4/5

such powerful and evocative writing. it was written in almost like daily segments that pieced together to follow our main character as he experiences, and tries to survive, life. quite often the main character’s thoughts and actions are hard to stomach but nothing about the story is supposed to go down easy. the symbolism of cockroach really integrates a variety of different meanings within the story from poverty to immigrant. a little bit of magical realism sneaks its way into the story adding more interest. it’s vindictive, dark and angry, if you’re looking for that type of read then check it out.

ella_bee07's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

It was an uncomfortable, candid read with a highly ambiguous main character. The book was difficult to get into at first because of the stark portrayal of the protagonist/(or maybe antagonist)'s unapologetically ugly and morally grey thoughts and past. The unnamed narrator's dishonest actions, unabashed lust, cryptic thoughts, traumatic past and overall unhappiness left me unsure of how to feel; with hints of compassion for his pain whilst still finding him vaguely despicable. The reason I did not give this book a higher rating was because this book was deeply uncomfortable to read. The narrator was so well-written that he radiated misery and I finished the book with an unresolved sense of confusion despite the otherwise thrilling twist that ended the novel.

Overall, it was a dark blunt depiction of a perhaps unlovable main character and his struggles to fit in and survive in his impoverished predicament- often taking on a confusingly dreamlike quality as his identity shifts from human to cockroach to get by. I feel that there is much more to unpack in this novel (it is rich in allusions and would probably make a great book club read), and am tempted to reread it when I am older. I have a feeling I will understand and notice things I could not now, and enjoy on a deeper level then.

Content Warnings

finsternuss's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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