A Bend in the River

by V.S. Naipaul

A Bend in the River is a thoughtfully written novel with rich historical context and insight into postcolonial Africa, but I wanted to like it more than I did. While Naipaul’s prose is undeniably skilled, I found it difficult to fully connect with the characters or have more than an arms-length interest in the story. The emotional distance and detachment left me admiring the craft more than enjoying the experience.