The Good Braider

by Terry Farish
The Good Braider cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 7525
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-14
  • ISBN: 9781477816288
  • Publisher: Skyscape
  • Published: 2013-08-20
  • Reviews: 3

The Good Braider follows the life of Viola, a young girl who endures unimaginable brutality in Sudan before embarking on a perilous journey to Egypt and eventually to Portland, Maine. Her quest for freedom and security is complicated by the lingering memories of her past and the traditions that her mother and other Sudanese adults hold dear. The book is not just a narrative of Viola's experiences but also includes historical facts and a map of Sudan, providing a broader context to her story. /n/n Viola's journey is one of immense courage and determination, as she navigates the challenges of being a refugee and the cultural clashes she faces in her new home. The book delves into the complexities of identity, tradition, and the universal human desire for safety and belonging. It is a poignant exploration of the refugee experience, highlighting the strength and resilience of those who have endured unimaginable hardships.

Reviews
Nerdy Book Club · Paige Tucker · 2013-11-06
powerful 4.75

Viola's journey is one of immense strength and resilience, making it a powerful and moving narrative. The book is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome.

The Good Braider tells the story of Viola, a young teenage girl from Sudan, who must face a journey that many of us would never have the strength to undertake. The reviewer, Paige Tucker, praises the novel for its powerful portrayal of Viola's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The book is a moving narrative that highlights the challenges and hardships of immigration, making it a compelling and emotionally charged read. Tucker appreciates the way the book handles tough subjects with sensitivity and grace, making it a powerful and moving experience.

Quick quotes

    Viola, a young teenage girl from Sudan, must go on a journey that many of us would never have the strength to face.

    The Good Braider is an extremely powerful look at what it's like to journey from one life to another, and the challenges and hardships that come with it.

    This is one of those books that leaves you kind of breathless at the end, as if you have witnessed something terrible and something beautiful.

Slatebreakers · 2013-01-03
beautiful 4.50

The narrative beautifully captures the rollercoaster of life experiences of a young girl, blending fiction with a poignant reality. It's a story that resonates deeply with the struggles and triumphs of immigration and identity.

The Good Braider is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of a young girl navigating the complexities of immigration and identity. The story is not just about the physical journey from Sudan to America but also the emotional and psychological struggles that come with it. The narrative is rich with cultural details and emotional depth, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the way the book handles tough subjects with sensitivity and grace, making it a powerful and moving experience.

Quick quotes

    The Good Braider is a beautiful narrative of a girl who has encountered a rollercoaster of life experiences.

    Although it is fictional, it is a story that resonates deeply with the struggles and triumphs of immigration and identity.

    The story is a simply told tale of one girl and her mother and the privation and brutal situations and people they must endure.

Goodreads · 2012-05-01
haunting 3.90

The novel is a haunting tale of escape and survival, offering a universal story of a young immigrant's struggle to build a life. It's a riveting and emotionally charged narrative that leaves a lasting impact.

The Good Braider is a novel that delves deep into the harrowing journey of a young immigrant, making it a haunting and unforgettable read. The story of Viola, a teenage girl from Sudan, is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she navigates the challenges of starting a new life in America. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to capture the essence of the immigrant experience, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant story. The book's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions add to its appeal, making it a must-read for those interested in stories of resilience and hope.

Quick quotes

    Terry Farish's haunting novel is not only a riveting story of escape and survival, but the universal tale of a young immigrant's struggle to build a life on.

    It's the story of a teenage African girl named Viola who leaves her home in South Sudan after a traumatic event and embarks on a perilous journey to America.

    The Good Braider is a beautiful, lyrical novel that tugged on my heartstrings in many moments.

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