Reviews

I know some people felt the book was slow, but that was not my experience with it at all. I always had a hard time putting the book down. I loved both Lily and Kath separately, and I adored them together. I was deeply invested in their story. That being said, I could have done without the flashback chapters. I was always disappointed when they popped up throughout the book, because they slowed the momentum of Lily and Kath's story. And I wish the storyline about Communism had either been beefed up or dropped altogether. There wasn't enough there.

nataliekilgo's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

I really enjoyed this. Well written characters and a beautiful love story. The author did a great job sprinkling in comments to show the culture of the 50s, specifically towards Chinese people and other Asians. I did not quite understand the point of the chapters that went back in time, other than to show more about what life was like back then - but I didn’t think they were necessary to the story of Lily and Kath. I enjoyed the ending - I thought it was going to be a sad ending, but it ended on a hopeful note. Loved it!

cor_luz's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I urge every queer person to read this book. It is a reminder of how far we have come for our rights and how queerness is seen by society. It also serves as a reminder to continue to fight for our rights. Our predecessors did so much for us to be where we are today, and we can't let them down now.

jana07's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

sheiltheshell's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I did not ask to have my heart ripped out like this I-

caseyaonso's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.5

what an emotional story!! there’s such a gentle quality running throughout this that you see through the characters, it’s deeply affecting and relentlessly heartwarming despite the awful things that happen and overall a lovely coming of age story.

“A little at first, but as soon as we left the ground I wasn’t scared anymore. There was too much to look at.” quote in hindsight too like

brendenwong's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

More...