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solenophage's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
hugogp's review
emotional
reflective
3.0
From the very first paragraph this work is forceful. Its narrative style is incredibly aggressive, demanding that the reader be introspective, and attentive: chapters are short, zappy and we quickly understand our protagonist. The second person narration took a long time to get use to, but once I had settled into the book I enjoyed feeling the sense of confidence and self assuredness of the narrator - as they told me how I felt, reacted and what I needed. This could have become incredibly annoying, and at times it was frustrating to have been given such little trust by the author, but I think it is warranted when the protagonist is Indian American and the book centres around the intricacies of that experience. Laskar guides us through her lived experience using this narration style.
Loss is also a large component of the work and I think this book does a good job conveying the aching, longing that we feel for those who have passed; an unquenchable thirst.
The ending was the most disappointing part of this book for me, it felt rushed and careless. Characters suddenly changed without any explanation, themes - like loyalty - suddenly disappeared from the page, and key relationships were left in ambiguity. I think Laskar tries to do this to empower the reader to imagine our own reading, but when for the entirety of the book we have not been given the freedom to imagine, it seems like an easy out.
Loss is also a large component of the work and I think this book does a good job conveying the aching, longing that we feel for those who have passed; an unquenchable thirst.
The ending was the most disappointing part of this book for me, it felt rushed and careless. Characters suddenly changed without any explanation, themes - like loyalty - suddenly disappeared from the page, and key relationships were left in ambiguity. I think Laskar tries to do this to empower the reader to imagine our own reading, but when for the entirety of the book we have not been given the freedom to imagine, it seems like an easy out.
krystalicia_'s review
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.75
Oof, this book had a lot of emotions. Really at the core of it, it was a book about grief, loss, and the need to be understood. This book follows Heera/Dia through her life as teenager/early adult and her relationship to the Grimaldi siblings, Marie and Marco/Crash. It was interesting seeing their interactions and how she was able to be her true and authentic self, and how her parents interpreted that relationship, especially as she got older and her relationship with Marco/Crash changed and flowed over time.
There was a lot of cultural context that I won’t ever understand from the Indian/Indian-American standpoint, but could definitely understand from the child of immigrants standpoint. For example, Heera did have an arranged marriage and since I’ve personally heard both the pros and cons of this, it didn’t really impact my view of the story. What I did find incredibly fascinating was how relationships had changed with her parents as she now had to abide by the rules of her in-laws who were very concerned about outside perceptions. It was beautiful to see Heera eventually take her life into her own hands, with her parents eventual support, and live her life how she wanted to with the people she wanted to.
I’m not a fan of second person perspective writing so I will admit that at some points, it took me a bit out of the story, but it never really took away from the story. It was a super easy read and easy to get lost in.
readalotwritealot's review
5.0
I really enjoyed Laskar’s debut novel, but this one was even better somehow. Her prose was once again beautiful and this time the story carved into me in a way I just cannot explain.
This was a book filled with such a mix of heartbreak and hope, of family and culture, of love and loss. I loved getting lost in the world of this first generation Indian American living in North Carolina and New York in the 80s and 90s.
My only tiny criticism is the synopsis gives too much away, so skip it.
This was a book filled with such a mix of heartbreak and hope, of family and culture, of love and loss. I loved getting lost in the world of this first generation Indian American living in North Carolina and New York in the 80s and 90s.
My only tiny criticism is the synopsis gives too much away, so skip it.
autumn_alwaysreadingseason's review
emotional
3.5
I loved Devi S. Laskar's first book and couldn't wait to get to this one! I received an ARC at the PLA conference in March and made it a priority to read around its' release date.
The story follows a trio of teenagers--Heera, Marie, and Marco--whose parents all disapprove of their friendship for different reasons. They sneak out at night and cause trouble together--spray painting water towers and stealing from stores. But then a tragedy occurs and the two that are left reinvent themselves in the wake of loss.
Though their parents try to keep them away from each other, they are bound by grief and resurface in each other's thoughts and lives often. This is a heart wrenching coming of age story that examines how we touch each other's lives and find connection in pain.
The story follows a trio of teenagers--Heera, Marie, and Marco--whose parents all disapprove of their friendship for different reasons. They sneak out at night and cause trouble together--spray painting water towers and stealing from stores. But then a tragedy occurs and the two that are left reinvent themselves in the wake of loss.
Though their parents try to keep them away from each other, they are bound by grief and resurface in each other's thoughts and lives often. This is a heart wrenching coming of age story that examines how we touch each other's lives and find connection in pain.
bookswithmybulldog's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Loved it! Fast read that explored the nuances of a first gen Indian American teenage girl growing up in North Carolina under strict, traditional parents. A tragedy alters the course of her life forever, and she is forced to come to terms with it while navigating her life- torn between reckless American teen and obedient daughter. I loved the second person writing, it almost reads like poetry!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
Minor: Alcoholism
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