Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

2 reviews

emily_mh's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted 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? No

4.5

I think the main reason I adore Jaigirdar’s romance books is that the story is never just about romance. The MCs always have a full life outside of the love they may be pursuing which makes for dynamic characters and a layered story. 

Nishat and Flávia were so sweet together. I think a few more conversations between the two of them would have been nice, but this wasn’t a biggie. I loved the way Jaigirdar described how a crush feels, and I was so impressed that she got me to like Flávia and root for her romance with Nishat after the way she acted in the beginning/middle of the book! Alongside the romance the book confronts cultural appropriation, exhibiting its hypocrisy and how it feels to have your culture stolen. Additionally, the story shows what coming out looks like, both when you’re accepted or not, or have have a choice in it or are outed, and also the complicated role family can play in it all.

Nishat was such a great MC. I liked how she stuck to her guns but also went through personal growth, too! I loved that the writing made me feel what she was feeling. Her relationship with her sister Priti was amazing and exactly like what my relationship was like with my sister in our teens. 

On top of all this I really liked reading about henna, especially the descriptions of Nishat’s designs and how henna can be passed down as a tradition in Bengali families. I cannot wait to read more by this author!

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wonderlandbooks's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.0


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