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bellanr34's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
atsundarsingh's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5
I'm still thinking about how to rate this book because it's so clearly important to me and to my academic and personal life. Ultimately I like that the island is unnamed so that it can stand in for several places. More proof that there are some things only fiction can do.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Deportation, Infidelity, Misogyny, Police brutality, Blood, Classism, Death, Grief, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Colonisation, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Murder, Addiction, Racism, Violence, Alcoholism, and Biphobia
caseys_chapters's review
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
The story takes place in 1985 on an unnamed Pacific island experiencing a coup and racial tensions, causing immense fear in the local Indian community. Siblings Jaipal and Bhumi are separated due to the unrest - one left behind and one forced to leave. The book alternates POVs following their experiences.
It took a while for the story to warm up and grab my attention, but I became more invested as it progressed. The complicated family relationships plus themes of identity and belonging tugged at my heartstrings.
I wish a few of the many layers were further developed, but I thought one component was really well done. Even without directly showing all of the political turmoil and working in the construct of a fictional country, Batsha definitely makes you feel the personal impact on Jaipal’s and Bhumi’s lives.
Overall, Mother Ocean Father Nation is a touching portrait of colonialism, family, and the meaning of home.
It took a while for the story to warm up and grab my attention, but I became more invested as it progressed. The complicated family relationships plus themes of identity and belonging tugged at my heartstrings.
I wish a few of the many layers were further developed, but I thought one component was really well done. Even without directly showing all of the political turmoil and working in the construct of a fictional country, Batsha definitely makes you feel the personal impact on Jaipal’s and Bhumi’s lives.
Overall, Mother Ocean Father Nation is a touching portrait of colonialism, family, and the meaning of home.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
annabulkowski's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Islamophobia, Medical content, Genocide, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Sexual content, Homophobia, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
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