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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death, Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
emotional
reflective
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not in the mood and felt like I needed to read first book
“The world is good. And we have the chance to be the same, but you can’t choose for people who they will be, like people can’t choose that for you. Be vigilant in this world, but be open.”
The Two Lives of Sara is the kind of book that weaves itself into the core of you and lingers long after the words off the page have faded.
Those who have read author Catherine Adel West’s Saving Ruby King will already be peripherally aware of Sara King, and aware that her life was one of trauma and struggle. This novel delves into what happens when bad things happen to people and how it can shape them. And what happens when good things happened to people who aren’t used to it.
It’s a story set in a very specific time and place, and speaks to the unique circumstances of Black life in the segregated south, yet has a universality to it that transcends its setting/time period. Like Ruby King, The Two Lives of Sara is beautifully crafted and poignant.
Honestly? I hated the ending. It stabbed me right in the heart. And yet, I sensed that it was coming, even as much as I dreaded it. Not all stories end happily, though I’ll admit that I wanted it so badly for Sara, for Lebanon.
If a bittersweet ending doesn’t put you off, you will absolutely enjoy this book. But if you want things to end on a happier note? This might not be the book for you.
Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for generously providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Two Lives of Sara is the kind of book that weaves itself into the core of you and lingers long after the words off the page have faded.
Those who have read author Catherine Adel West’s Saving Ruby King will already be peripherally aware of Sara King, and aware that her life was one of trauma and struggle. This novel delves into what happens when bad things happen to people and how it can shape them. And what happens when good things happened to people who aren’t used to it.
It’s a story set in a very specific time and place, and speaks to the unique circumstances of Black life in the segregated south, yet has a universality to it that transcends its setting/time period. Like Ruby King, The Two Lives of Sara is beautifully crafted and poignant.
Honestly? I hated the ending. It stabbed me right in the heart. And yet, I sensed that it was coming, even as much as I dreaded it. Not all stories end happily, though I’ll admit that I wanted it so badly for Sara, for Lebanon.
If a bittersweet ending doesn’t put you off, you will absolutely enjoy this book. But if you want things to end on a happier note? This might not be the book for you.
Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for generously providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes