49 pages • 1 hour read
NoViolet BulawayoWe Need New Names
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.