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mackenziekral's review against another edition
DNF - I really was enjoying this. One of the few DNFs that I would consider trying again in the future.
christinenina's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
There were some really good elements to this novel - it's well-written, for sure, and the audiobook was an excellent way to enjoy the characters and their spicy stories. I didn't love the darker plot turn, and even though I was enjoying the story, I somehow had to force myself to start listening to it each time I was selecting what to listen to (but then would happily be in the world of Southhall with Nicki and the widows for ages). I'm glad I made it to the end, but it felt like a long journey.
sarah_tollok's review
4.0
A writer myself, I am often sad that I don't have a group of writing peers to meet up and collaborate with. Now I am doubly sad that I will never get to write with the wonderful group of bibis from the writing group portrayed in this book. At first, I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to keep all the widows straight in my head. Admittedly, this was partly due to the unfamiliar Punjabi names that my internal dialog struggled with. But before long I was able to distinguish each of their personalities from one another and they became clearer to me as individuals.
Nikki was hard for me to get to know at first, but for different reasons. In retrospect, it was because she was unsure of herself and her place in the world. As Nikki's path and purpose became clearer to her, and as Nikki's confidence grew, she became more real and engaging to me as a reader as well.
I loved the overall theme of self expression and owning one's life story. The fact that this was done through the sharing of sexual fantasies by older women made it even better. And did I mention that the stories were quite good? They were, umm, *cough cough*, VERY good.
Side note: I love when a book tells you a character's favorite book. Now I need to go out and find myself some Beatrix Potter, preferably a copy with a tea stain in the corner.
Nikki was hard for me to get to know at first, but for different reasons. In retrospect, it was because she was unsure of herself and her place in the world. As Nikki's path and purpose became clearer to her, and as Nikki's confidence grew, she became more real and engaging to me as a reader as well.
I loved the overall theme of self expression and owning one's life story. The fact that this was done through the sharing of sexual fantasies by older women made it even better. And did I mention that the stories were quite good? They were, umm, *cough cough*, VERY good.
Side note: I love when a book tells you a character's favorite book. Now I need to go out and find myself some Beatrix Potter, preferably a copy with a tea stain in the corner.
she_em's review against another edition
5.0
A great story that was very well told! I love reading about a culture that has details that are new to me! I learned so much reading this. There were so many characters but they were all very well defined.
fraulynn's review against another edition
5.0
Not only is this a great story with sympathetic characters, I actually learned a lot about Punjabi culture and people. It's got a little bit of everything-- romance, mystery, tragedy, humor, but it doesn't feel disjointed at all. Jaswal's descriptions are vivid without being laborious, and the plot moves along at a quick pace.
kogrubbs's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic read. Excellent narration. This book had it all: action, drama, romance, suspense, and spice.
hadidee's review against another edition
A great title and premise but having come up with a fun premise, the author seemed to lose confidence in it and added a brutal murder side plot which took over the the main story. The juxtaposition really jarred.
Also jarring was the mix up of different traditions (it's a Hindu tradition for widows to wear white, not a Sikh one), and the American-english phrases and details: English house don't have screen-doors, and the letter box is a hole in the front door not an american mail-box on a pole.
I didn't much like Nikki until more than half way through the book, and then felt sorry that she ended up with the emotionally-warped Jason. Sadly I didn't find the erotic that erotic; it felt forced and I ended up skipping the stories after a bit.
But I really liked the scene between Nikki and her Mum at the end when they finally talk about her Dad's death and, Mum's anger at Nikki for keeping so much of her life secret. And I liked the relationship between Nikki and Mina; I would have liked more of their interactions.
Also jarring was the mix up of different traditions (it's a Hindu tradition for widows to wear white, not a Sikh one), and the American-english phrases and details: English house don't have screen-doors, and the letter box is a hole in the front door not an american mail-box on a pole.
I didn't much like Nikki until more than half way through the book, and then felt sorry that she ended up with the emotionally-warped Jason. Sadly I didn't find the erotic that erotic; it felt forced and I ended up skipping the stories after a bit.
But I really liked the scene between Nikki and her Mum at the end when they finally talk about her Dad's death and, Mum's anger at Nikki for keeping so much of her life secret. And I liked the relationship between Nikki and Mina; I would have liked more of their interactions.
naddice's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The voice actor did a wonderful job of capturing the different accents of the women. I love how all of the tiny details that seemed like fluff earlier in the story came together to support the overall plot. Very smart and we'll written. I'll be looking out for more from this author.
feelingfrazzled's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
preciouspossums's review
4.0
Good. Saucy but not that saucy. Takes a while to get any information about the main plot but captivating nonetheless. Lots of characters that I kept mixing up but by the end I got it. Also interesting to learn a little bit about Punjabi culture and Sikhism.