How Beautiful We Were Summary
How Beautiful We Were is a novel by Imbolo Mbue, and the audiobook version is narrated by Prentice Onayemi. Set in a fictional African village called Kosawa, the story follows the community's struggle against an American oil company that has polluted their land, poisoned their water, and destroyed their way of life. Through the voices of various characters, including the determined young woman Thula, Mbue explores themes of environmental justice, corporate greed, and the power of community resistance.
The audiobook version of How Beautiful We Were is a powerful and moving experience. Prentice Onayemi's narration is excellent, capturing the cadences and rhythms of the characters' speech and bringing them to life with sensitivity and nuance. He deftly switches between different accents and dialects, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
At just over 16 hours long, the audiobook version of How Beautiful We Were is a relatively long listen, but the pacing of the story keeps listeners engaged throughout. Mbue's prose is vivid and evocative, and the story she tells is both timely and timeless. Through the struggles of the people of Kosawa, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the global forces that shape our lives, as well as the power of collective action to effect change.
One of the strengths of the audiobook version of How Beautiful We Were is the way it weaves together different perspectives and voices. Through the eyes of Thula and others, listeners get a sense of the complexity and diversity of the community, as well as the ways in which their experiences intersect and overlap. The result is a rich and layered portrait of a people and a place.
Overall, the audiobook version of How Beautiful We Were is a fantastic choice for anyone interested in environmental justice, social activism, and the power of storytelling. With excellent narration and a well-crafted story, it's a deeply moving and thought-provoking listen that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
