Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: Rose's novel is both entertaining and well-plotted. The moderate pacing is a perfect fit—the storyline unfolds exactly as feels natural, and there are no wasted side anecdotes or filler content. The ending will prove highly satisfying to readers.
Prose: Rose's book is composed of beautiful prose, and readers will frequently find themselves re-reading passages to re-experience gorgeously worded sentences. The opening letter is a fabulous way to begin the book, as it both contains an explanation of what is to come and includes much useful contextual information about Gabon.
Originality: What sets A Dancer's Guide to Africa apart is its original concept. The characters and the setting are unique and exotic, yet also highly relatable because of how they are crafted.
Character Development: The characters mature as the story continues, and the progress they make is both realistic and appealing, causing readers to empathize with them during the events of the book.
Blurb: This book offers an incredibly well-written tale of a woman's adventures and personal growth while working with the Peace Corps in Gabon.
Date Submitted: August 21, 2018
“A nicely observant fish-out-of-water picaresque”
“The author’s … vivid prose and rapt evocations of the African surroundings make the story come alive.”
– Kirkus Reviews
