- Paperback: 316 pages
- Publisher: Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (29 Dec 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0061956317
- ISBN-13: 978-0061956317
- Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 13.4 x 2.1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Once again Boyd brings together unrelated topics, interesting settings, and full characters to create a story that's utterly absorbing and hard to pigeonhole. Narrated by Hope Clearwater (an unfortunately clunky name for a protagonist), the story looks back at two traumatic times in her life, as she attempts to make sense of them. One of these storylines begins with the completion of her dissertation and her subsequent marriage to a brilliant but troubled mathematician. The other storyline concerns her work some years later at a chimpanzee research center in an unnamed African country (presumably Congo). Both of these threads revolve around the quest for knowledge and the mania that quest can result in, and both are compelling. The latter is especially gripping, containing elements of a thriller within its arc, and the backdrop of civil war. Boyd consulted extensively with Jane Goodall in his research for the book, and the result is a vividly realistic portrait of a tiny international scientific community, complete with petty jealousies and massive egos.
It's difficult to write about this book and do it proper justice. So much of it is about Hope's internal struggles about her life, and the difficulties of being married to someone who is greatly flawed. She makes a good feminist character, strong but not pushy, intelligent but not snobby, often conflicted about what the best course of action is, and sometimes mistaken. Her struggle for respect in both the personal and professional realms is at the heart of the book, and is a theme with wide resonance. It's one of the best cases of a man writing in a woman's voice I can recollect. All the characters that surround Hope, even the most insignificant, are carefully crafted and rich in texture. From her Egyptian mercenary lover, to her charismatic project leader and his frigid wife, to her powerful academic advisor, and the volleyball coach turned rebel—each rings true. The novel is not perfect, there are a few minor flaws, such as a contrivance whereby Hope is never able to take photos proving her observations. On the whole though, it's another very solid, and eminently readable work from Boyd.
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I cannot believe I'm the first person to review such an excellent book which really should be on any list of potential modern classics
The book follows the life of ecologist Hope Clearwater and is simultaneously set at three different stages in her recent life - her marriage to an egg-head boffin mathematician whilst she studies ancient hedgerows, her time studying chimpanzees in a major African ecological project and finally her life 'on the beach' reviewing her life.
Interspersed between these three layers are occasional insights into the world of higher mathematics.
If that sounds confusing be assured that it isn't. I found this a fascinating read and was most surprised that the author managed to keep the links between all layers running so smoothly without causing confusion.
The mental breakdown of her husband and her relationship with him, finds numerous parallels in the breakdown of relationships between the two rival tribes of chimps. In all cases Hope is battling against others who don't respect her work or, in the case of the head of the chimp project, are actively seeking to discredit her findings.
The characters are beautifully portrayed especially her husband who finds solace and inspiration digging ditches in unlikely places, her lover who builds horsefly aeroplanes (well worth the read for that alone) and the 'rebel leader' and his band of volleyball playing 'soldiers' who inadvertently kidnap Hope (and find it quite difficult to get rid of her).
I recommend this highly
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A friend of mine lent me this over a year ago, and it had been gathering dust. The synopsis on the cover didn't entice me at all....not many people would be into primates, higher maths, Africa. To cut a long story short I picked it up because I had nothing else to read. I had to stay up all night.....it is a fantastic storyline, pure and simple. There are so many threads to this, and even the seemingly highbrow mathematical references weave in and out of the story seamlessly. The chimp storyline has a shocking and distressing denouement...read it, you won't be disappointed. "Brazzaville Beach" will definitely enter my list of top 10 all time fave reads.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Gruesome
Disappointingly and needlessly graphic when describing cannibalism and acute animal cruelty. If that's your thing read on - if not stay clear.
Published 3 months ago by GeetarzArab
Fabulous story
This is a must read. The story is gripping throughout and the style is that of a master at his art. William Boyd must be one of the best writers around. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Rosa L
Beach
I first read Brazzaville Beach more than 10 years ago and thought it was marvellous. Having re-read it recently I still think so. Read more
Published 11 months ago by ShinyTig3r
Monkey business meets men and mathematics
William Boyd is new to me, but I wouldn't hesitate to read him again. Very verbose, pacy writing that transports you easily to a nature reserve somewhere in Africa, a hedgerow... Read more
Published 11 months ago by S. Marsden
Less than the sum of its parts
The first thing I want to state - unequivocally - is that I'm a huge William Boyd fan. Books such as An Ice Cream War and New Confessions are among my most re-read. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. R Robertson
William Boyd's Brazzaville Beach - a thriller in Africa
William Boyd is a great writer. He doesn't waste words but sets the scene with just enough detail to take you there without holding up the action. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Borneo Sue
Another delight from William Boyd
I just love the skilled way that Boyd covers major issues and fundamental questions through clever characterisation and structure. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Ms. S. H. H. Smith
OK but it didn't move me
The first William Boyd novel I read was Restless, and I loved it. Books of his I've read since I've enjoyed less. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Penny Waugh
astonishing, erudite, and a joy to read
This is probably one of the best books William Boyd has ever written. One of his greatest strengths as a writer is never patronising his audience or stooping to the lowest common... Read more
Published on 9 April 2010 by Jamie Gray
Excellent piece of literature
(*spoilers) This book sat on my shelf at home for about a year before I picked it up. I only bought it because I'd heard the author's name somewhere; but had no real preconceptions... Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2010 by aus_books
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