Reviews

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, by Balli Kaur Jaswal

zoes_human's review against another edition

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3.5

So far this is the 2018 winner for most awkward title when folks ask what you're reading ...

There were no big surprises but everything unfolded in a way that was fun to read. The pace was quick, I smiled often, and I even laughed a few times. I would qualify it as a light read yet still addressing some substantial topics with a feminist perspective.

A couple of warnings: 

There is a romantic subplot. It's not overwhelming or strongly focused on. Tolerable and corralled into limited areas. It's reasonable romance as well. Nothing eye-rolling.

There is explicit sexual content. I would feel silly pointing this out given the title, but apparently some folks weren't expecting any to actually be there. I guess they thought the title was more referential or metaphoric.

aprilmay11's review against another edition

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5.0

What a cute but little naughty book!!! I LOVED it so much. I loved that this. I love how it empowers women so much! And is a cute read!

alexiswiththefreckles's review

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

literally_kirsten's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This one had me laughing out loud and cheering the characters on! The "whodunit" was just enough to add a little something into the mix and the cultural references were 👌

junkyard's review against another edition

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3.0

The murder subplot should have been explored more or removed entirely. As is, it’s half baked. 

diannagendron's review against another edition

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2.0

As per the GR rating system, 2 stars is "it was OK."

The quality of the writing, the development of character, and one heck of a weak, spliced up plot really smacked of 'general fiction' to me...just overall not very sophisticated. Throw in some chick lit, erotica, and maul the thriller genre and I guess you have this book. I think this was a missed opportunity to convey an interesting set of ideas and to unveil a community of women and their particular immigrant experience; the "genre bending" was nothing but a distraction and disservice. The themes piqued my interest, the execution not so much. Into the cover though.

llkendrick's review against another edition

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4.0

Ok, I really liked this book! It is not a collection of erotic stories, but a story about Punjabi women who get together to learn English but then turn it into a creative writing class - creatively writing erotic stories. There are excerpts from their erotic stories in this, so many might not like that, but they are done in such a campy, ridiculous way that it's laughable. I laughed a lot throughout the book, loved all the characters, and was sad when it ended. I also enjoyed learning more about this culture, arranged marriages, and their religion.

marcellaandherbooks's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

olivia_rose1999's review against another edition

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emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

aleex's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25