Review of Lost Inheritance
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Review of Lost Inheritance
[Following is a volunteer review of "Lost Inheritance" by Obert Holl [author name "Baruch"].]
A captivating historical memoir of Zimbabwe and its vividly recalled history interwoven into a personal saga of life in the former colony. Lost Inheritance opens with an entertaining history of the author’s Obert Holl paternal line, back to his great-great-grandfather, William Holl the Elder, an accomplished engraver in 19th-century England. Then, this detailed family history forms a solid beginning for the story to follow. The book chronicles the complex history of Zimbabwe from colonization to Rhodesia under the Matabele Rebellion. A central figure of the author’s grandfather, Harry Patrick Holl, comes alive to war with the challenges and advantages of colonial Rhodesia. The socio-political changes that shaped the nation—the birth of African nationalism and the struggle for independence—are woven into his story.
Like all good tales, the narrative veers to a sentimental folder as it deals with lost inheritance, not only literal but figurative. The author remembers the story of his father Benjamin and his siblings, who were not allowed to inherit their rightful birthplace because they were not 100 percent white. The fact that it was this personal tragedy brings to light how deep the discrimination and injustice were at that time. This journey is both relatable and inspiring, and that provides a fresh and unique insight into the difficulties of being both black and living in Zimbabwe.
The extensive historical detail in the first chapters may be one of the possible dislikes for some readers. While it adds context to the sharing (for the reader meant to learn about something new), it might be too much for the reader who just wants to learn more about a personal story. But what I like about the book is the detail it brings to Zimbabwe’s past and how it affected ordinary people, although it is also a strength of the book. While improvements would have been a timeline more structured from one historical period to the next and between different generations, the book could have been much better. A better version of the narrative would do this by increasing the clarity and fluidity of the narrative, allowing the reader to easily continue following the endlessly fracturing family history, the tangled family history, and Zimbabwe’s history past roots.
The editing was perfect. Once in a while, repetition and abrupt transitions may be found to make the reading more clear and coherent. But these minute grievances are not big enough to make any difference to the basic reading experience. Lost Inheritance is a 5 out of 5 star read. Lost Inheritance is a good read that is helpful and informative. Persons interested in Zimbabwean history, memoirs, and family and legacy are recommended to read it. The book presents an inimitable, personal take on the country's past, filled with a moving family saga familiar to those who read it.
******
Lost Inheritance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A captivating historical memoir of Zimbabwe and its vividly recalled history interwoven into a personal saga of life in the former colony. Lost Inheritance opens with an entertaining history of the author’s Obert Holl paternal line, back to his great-great-grandfather, William Holl the Elder, an accomplished engraver in 19th-century England. Then, this detailed family history forms a solid beginning for the story to follow. The book chronicles the complex history of Zimbabwe from colonization to Rhodesia under the Matabele Rebellion. A central figure of the author’s grandfather, Harry Patrick Holl, comes alive to war with the challenges and advantages of colonial Rhodesia. The socio-political changes that shaped the nation—the birth of African nationalism and the struggle for independence—are woven into his story.
Like all good tales, the narrative veers to a sentimental folder as it deals with lost inheritance, not only literal but figurative. The author remembers the story of his father Benjamin and his siblings, who were not allowed to inherit their rightful birthplace because they were not 100 percent white. The fact that it was this personal tragedy brings to light how deep the discrimination and injustice were at that time. This journey is both relatable and inspiring, and that provides a fresh and unique insight into the difficulties of being both black and living in Zimbabwe.
The extensive historical detail in the first chapters may be one of the possible dislikes for some readers. While it adds context to the sharing (for the reader meant to learn about something new), it might be too much for the reader who just wants to learn more about a personal story. But what I like about the book is the detail it brings to Zimbabwe’s past and how it affected ordinary people, although it is also a strength of the book. While improvements would have been a timeline more structured from one historical period to the next and between different generations, the book could have been much better. A better version of the narrative would do this by increasing the clarity and fluidity of the narrative, allowing the reader to easily continue following the endlessly fracturing family history, the tangled family history, and Zimbabwe’s history past roots.
The editing was perfect. Once in a while, repetition and abrupt transitions may be found to make the reading more clear and coherent. But these minute grievances are not big enough to make any difference to the basic reading experience. Lost Inheritance is a 5 out of 5 star read. Lost Inheritance is a good read that is helpful and informative. Persons interested in Zimbabwean history, memoirs, and family and legacy are recommended to read it. The book presents an inimitable, personal take on the country's past, filled with a moving family saga familiar to those who read it.
******
Lost Inheritance
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Eve Code by Mariett Ramm
