Reviews

Room for a Stranger by Melanie Cheng

thereadingmum's review against another edition

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

For the first 20 pages I was very tempted to DNF this book. The plot picked up thereafter and I could probably have finished this short novel in less than a day. However, the quality of the writing, the characters and the ending just didn't do it for me.

I'm not entirely sure why but the Asian characters really got on my nerves. Obviously not all Chinese immigrants are the same and I admit people from Hong Kong are not the same as Singaporeans. We do, however, share a lot of the same values and ambitions. I just found Andy so stereotypical as to be a bit of a caricature and thus mildly offensive. His initial POVs were terrible and makes foreign students look bad, IMO. I also find it incredulous that he would know nothing about cleaning given that he grew up without any domestic help. 

I don't like to be totally negative and this book wasn't terrible. Although the language was stilted and dialogue awkward, it did have many moments of beauty. It just really wasn't for me. 

charmainekim's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

kaydee's review against another edition

5.0

This was a beautiful novel about the connections made between ordinary people. I devoured it.

rorom's review against another edition

4.0

In my 21 years of living (16 of those in Melbourne) this is the first accurate representation of Australia in literature I’ve ever read. Thank GOD! Can you believe it wasn’t just about the bush? And wildlife? And didn’t say mate 25,000 times? Finally a book that truly shows the beautiful mess of people, cultures, and lifestyles Australia consists of. Where the vast differences between us can sometimes make us feel like strangers, but the things that unite us make us family. Cheng effortlessly combines the stories of two complete opposite characters without sacrificing any elements of either. In truth, they each become more interesting because of the stark contrasts between them. And isn’t that what our nation is all about, anyway? Adored this read 100%. Thank you to Melanie Cheng for giving us a true Aussie read!

bookspluscaffeine's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars. A character driven novel exploring many themes including loneliness, friendship, ageing, culture. It didn't go where i expected it to, I think I wanted the happy ending. Still a worthy read but slightly missed the mark for me.

susannes_pagesofcrime's review against another edition

4.0

This book is both heartwarming and sad, is well written and leaves you wanting just a little bit more at the end.

thunderhead's review against another edition

4.0

I had no idea when I picked it up that this was the exact book I’d been craving to read. An Australian novel set in Melbourne it centres on the unlikely bond between an elderly woman and a university student from Hong Kong as they end up housemates. It’s subtle but real and well and truly addictive.

meganori's review against another edition

5.0

This book was just so lovely. It was simple and clean but very moving. An elderly woman takes in a student boarder from Hong Kong. They are both loners. It's good.

alexandra296's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

1.75

susannahb3's review against another edition

4.0

Loved this! A hard-to-put-down Australian novel about Meg, a 70 year old single woman, who opens her spare room to a 21 year old uni student from Hong Kong. A beautiful story emerges, of normal people and their loneliness, insecurities, and ultimately the friendships that can save them.