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47 pages 1 hour read

Dinaw Mengestu

The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears

Dinaw MengestuFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears follows Sepha Stephanos, an Ethiopian refugee living in Washington, DC, 17 years after fleeing the Red Terror revolution. Over three days in early May, Sepha faces eviction from his store while he reflects on his past, his relationships with friends Joseph and Kenneth, and his evolving connection with his neighbor Judith and her daughter Naomi. The novel deals with themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the impact of gentrification.

Reviews & Readership

4.0

9,044 ratings

63%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dinaw Mengestu's The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears has been praised for its evocative portrayal of immigrant experience and thoughtful exploration of displacement and identity. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it is lauded for its compelling characters and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears?

A reader who would enjoy The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu is one who appreciates deeply human stories of immigration, displacement, and identity. Comparable to Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah, this novel resonates with those who seek poignant, thought-provoking narratives exploring cross-cultural experiences.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington, D.C. • 1990s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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