"And then I saw that, in a country, the government's one thing and the people are another."
"At times all the big things in life can be seen in one small thing. You don't have to explain much: it's enough to look."
Set in 1990s Angola, Good Morning Comrades provides a glimpse into a nation shaped by war, socialism, and foreign influence through the eyes of Ndalu, a young boy. The story captures the innocence of childhood during a time of a politically charged environment. While Ondjaki paints vivid moments of life in Luanda—school days, Cuban teachers, and the quiet contradictions of a struggling society—the book left me wanting more.
At just over 100 pages, the novel feels too brief to fully capture the weight and complexity of Angola’s history during this period. The narrative lightly touches on themes of colonialism, socialism, and cultural identity, but it doesn’t dig deep enough to leave a lasting impact. I found myself more engaged with the Afterword than the story itself. The Afterword provided a fascinating account of Angola’s history, the Cuban influence on its revolution, and the geopolitical tensions of the time—topics that felt far richer and more compelling than the narrative Ondjaki chose to tell. It was only after reading it that I realized how much more the author could have included to make the book feel substantial.
Unfortunately, the brevity of the novel makes it feel underdeveloped. Ndalu’s perspective, while sincere and occasionally charming, didn’t hold my attention. For such a short book, I was surprised to find myself bored at times, waiting for something to give the story more depth or momentum.
That said, the book does succeed in presenting a slice of life during a pivotal moment in Angola’s history, particularly through the lens of a child trying to make sense of the world around him. The camaraderie between Ndalu and his friends, the subtle critiques of socialism, and the portrayal of a community in flux are all interesting aspects, but they feel overshadowed by the book’s lack of depth.
The novel touches on important themes without ever being heavy-handed. It explores how colonialism and socialism left their mark on Angola. Through Ndalu, we see how children absorb the world around them, often understanding more than adults realize, even as they hold on to their sense of wonder. The book also looks at how foreign influence—from Cuban teachers to Soviet ideals— helped to shape the identity of a new generation of Angolans.
Good Morning Comrades had the potential to be much more. While it captures small, everyday moments with authenticity, it misses the chance to tackle the enormity of the historical context it’s set in. For readers interested in Angola’s history, the Afterword is where the real insight lies.
I read this as part of my Read Around the World Challenge for Angola.
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