'Small Country' by Gael Faye is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in Burundi during the 1990s, revolving around the life of Gabriel, a young boy caught in the midst of war and genocide. Through Gabriel's eyes, the author explores themes of childhood innocence shattered by conflict, the impact of ethnic identity on relationships, and the loss of home and belonging. Faye's writing style is described as poetic and honest, effectively portraying the transformation of a once idyllic life into a harrowing tale of survival and loss.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Gabriel at the forefront, showcasing the struggles of mixed-ethnicity families during wartime and the loss of innocence.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is poetic and emotional, effectively capturing the transition from innocence to the harsh realities of war through an autobiographical lens.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the innocence of childhood with the harsh realities of the Rwandan genocide, showcasing Gabriel's transformation as war disrupts his idyllic life.

Setting:

The setting is crucial, situated in Burundi during the pre-genocide era, with shifting dynamics that reflect the encroaching violence and societal upheaval.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, initially leisurely during childhood and gradually becoming intense as the story transitions into the chaos of war.

I’ll never know the true cause of my parents’ separation. There must have been some fundamental misunderstanding from the outset—a manufacturing flaw in their encounter, an asterisk nobody saw or want...

Notes:

The book is titled 'Small Country' and is originally called 'Petit Pays' in French.

It was written by Gael Faye, who has a French father and a Rwandan mother.

The narrative is set in Burundi during the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s.

The main character, Gaby, reflects on his childhood at the age of ten.

Gaby lives a privileged life in Bujumbura, Burundi, before the onset of violence.

The story highlights the impact of civil war on the lives of mixed-ethnicity children.

It won the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens, a French literary award aimed at young readers.

The novel is partially autobiographical, taking from Faye's own experiences.

The book has been praised for its poetic and accessible language.

It tackles themes of identity, nostalgia, and the loss of innocence.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes triggers for violence, genocide, ethnic conflict, and familial trauma.

From The Publisher:

Already an international sensation and prize-winning bestseller in France, an evocative coming-of-age story of a young boy, a lost childhood and a shattered homeland.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ALBERTINE PRIZE

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY ESQUIRE

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN FICTION

LONGLISTED FOR THE ASPEN WORDS LITERARY PRIZE

Burundi, 1992. For ten-year-old Gabriel, life in his comfortable expatriate neighborhood of Bujumbura with his French father, Rwandan mother and little sister Ana, is something close to paradise.

These are carefree days of laughter and adventure - sneaking Supermatch cigarettes and gorging on stolen mangoes - as he and his mischievous gang of friends transform their tiny cul-de-sac into their kingdom.

But dark clouds are gathering over this small country, and soon their peaceful existence will shatter when Burundi, and neighboring Rwanda, are brutally hit by civil war and genocide.

A novel of extraordinary power and beauty, Small Country describes an end of innocence as seen through the eyes of a child caught in the maelstrom of history. Shot through with shadows and light, tragedy and humor, it is a stirring tribute not only to a dark chapter in Africa's past, but also to the bright days that preceded it.

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About the Author:

Gaël Faye was born in 1982 in Burundi to a French father and Rwandan mother. In 1995, after the outbreak of the civil war and the Rwandan genocide, the family moved to France. An author, songwriter and hip-hop artist, he…

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