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ambi_reads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
American Betiya follows follows two main persons - Indian American Rani and American Oliver.
As a person of Indian heritage myself, I was most definitely excited to read about its representation in the westernised world. I truly believe it is something we need more of.
I applaud the author for showcasing the discrimination that Indians also face on a daily basis. I applaud the author for showcasing the vibrancy and rich culture that we have - from our most amazing festivals, to the delicious food, to the respectable (to an extent) people, to the community we built, to the sacrifices made, to the language, to the clothing and so much more. I applaud the author for calling out persons who only accept certain parts of our culture while disposing of the rest showing why it SHOULD NOT be that way. This is the first novel of its kind that truly held ALOT of substance to the Indian culture I am proud to be a part of.
It most certainly hurt my heart and soul seeing the racism/discrimination being birthed from Oliver and his views on Rani and her culture. I definitely am a Rani. There are things in our households that are hard to explain to others but when we try, our family gets looked down at which hurts us in the process. The same was with Rani. I loved that the author showcased how the sacrifices our forefathers made has molded the way Indians think and act - they just want to protect their children from the harsh world that they know. I really did not like how Oliver could not understand this much nor respect the views following the fact that Rani did warn him beforehand. I loved that Rani was able to grow from this experience and cut ties from her toxic relationships to grow and truly identify real connections when they do show up.
On the other hand, I also really felt sorry for Oliver. Coming from a toxic home really takes on toll on someone and affects their personalities and their relationships with others as was seen with Rani and him. I did understand his view of art - it was the only way he could have truly expressed how he felt but sadly even through that medium, he was inconsiderate at times.
Overall, the character development was HIGH in this novel which I definitely enjoyed!
There were so many other themes I loved also:
1. Role Models and how they influence our view of the world
2. Friendships when strong enough truly knows no bounds
3. Family who is always there for you, love you and have the best intentions though we question their actions at times
Do be warned, some triggers present in the book are death of a loved one, suicide and drug abuse.
American Betiya had my emotions all over the place - from excitement to anticipation to hope to anger to frustration to pride to appreciation to love.
I really was unsure where the story would have ended but I am absolutely pleased with the choices made by all characters involved. This really is a remarkable book.
As a person of Indian heritage myself, I was most definitely excited to read about its representation in the westernised world. I truly believe it is something we need more of.
I applaud the author for showcasing the discrimination that Indians also face on a daily basis. I applaud the author for showcasing the vibrancy and rich culture that we have - from our most amazing festivals, to the delicious food, to the respectable (to an extent) people, to the community we built, to the sacrifices made, to the language, to the clothing and so much more. I applaud the author for calling out persons who only accept certain parts of our culture while disposing of the rest showing why it SHOULD NOT be that way. This is the first novel of its kind that truly held ALOT of substance to the Indian culture I am proud to be a part of.
It most certainly hurt my heart and soul seeing the racism/discrimination being birthed from Oliver and his views on Rani and her culture. I definitely am a Rani. There are things in our households that are hard to explain to others but when we try, our family gets looked down at which hurts us in the process. The same was with Rani. I loved that the author showcased how the sacrifices our forefathers made has molded the way Indians think and act - they just want to protect their children from the harsh world that they know. I really did not like how Oliver could not understand this much nor respect the views following the fact that Rani did warn him beforehand. I loved that Rani was able to grow from this experience and cut ties from her toxic relationships to grow and truly identify real connections when they do show up.
On the other hand, I also really felt sorry for Oliver. Coming from a toxic home really takes on toll on someone and affects their personalities and their relationships with others as was seen with Rani and him. I did understand his view of art - it was the only way he could have truly expressed how he felt but sadly even through that medium, he was inconsiderate at times.
Overall, the character development was HIGH in this novel which I definitely enjoyed!
There were so many other themes I loved also:
1. Role Models and how they influence our view of the world
2. Friendships when strong enough truly knows no bounds
3. Family who is always there for you, love you and have the best intentions though we question their actions at times
Do be warned, some triggers present in the book are death of a loved one, suicide and drug abuse.
American Betiya had my emotions all over the place - from excitement to anticipation to hope to anger to frustration to pride to appreciation to love.
I really was unsure where the story would have ended but I am absolutely pleased with the choices made by all characters involved. This really is a remarkable book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
dhwani's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Grief, Racism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Addiction, Death, and Racism
Minor: Transphobia, Cursing, Car accident, and Cancer
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