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year23's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Despite the confusion, there is clearly a compelling story here - multiple stories, from individuals growing up, navigating life amidst the culture of Oman. It's strange to say this story is about just the three sisters - it's also about their partners, and children. In addition to exploring the struggles of women in this society, it's also sharing about the life of men in Oman, the traumas they commit as well as the challenges they face due to patriarchal/cultural expectations.
The strength of the writing and new to me perspective and learning about life in Oman may have me reading this at another time when I can really sit with it and piece it together better. I do recommend - but just with some caveats to be mindful that there will be some confusion, but even with that, worth the investment.
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Child death, Abandonment, Bullying, Body shaming, Child abuse, Body horror, and Death
bluejayreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Pregnancy, Death, Child abuse, and Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Incest, Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, and Slavery
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Sexual content, and Domestic abuse
Other triggers: Childbirth, spousal neglect Note on Incest trigger: Many characters in this story marry their first cousins, and we in the West would categorize that as incest. But it’s clear from the book that not only is that not considered incest in Oman, marrying someone from your family is often preferable to marrying a stranger. It is still incest to us Westerners, but in the book it's treated as a very good marriage option.bodiesinbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Murder
hannah_sakura's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Moderate: Death
Minor: Slavery, Death of parent, Trafficking, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, Grief, Domestic abuse, and Animal death