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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I loved Oleander Girl. I didn't think I was going to when I began the book. I was afraid that the author, like too many I have read recently, would bury a story in artful descriptions. In fact, I sent a text to a friend commenting on the first paragraph of chapter two. It is indeed beautiful.
I was very pleasantly surprised that, while Ms Divakaruni continued to paint beautiful scenes for her story, they support the story line instead of burying it. I did have to look up quite a few Indian words she used for various articles of clothing etc. but I was happy to do that as it filled some voids in my education. (While you are reading, just google 'Indian wedding dress'. Absolutely gorgeous.)
I also got a view into Indian culture, the battles between religions, the rigid cast system in which and by which the characters are bound.
It is a love story. It is a story of changing financial fortunes. It is a search for one's history. It is full secrets that leak out, as they always do, and the price to pay for that. The last 50 pages or so of this book has has all the tension you might associate with murder mystery.
All in all, it is an excellent book. I am so glad I read it. When I began this review, I gave Oleander Girl four stars, and began to write an explanation why I didn't give it five. I couldn't think of a reason, so... I can highly recommend it to anyone.
I was very pleasantly surprised that, while Ms Divakaruni continued to paint beautiful scenes for her story, they support the story line instead of burying it. I did have to look up quite a few Indian words she used for various articles of clothing etc. but I was happy to do that as it filled some voids in my education. (While you are reading, just google 'Indian wedding dress'. Absolutely gorgeous.)
I also got a view into Indian culture, the battles between religions, the rigid cast system in which and by which the characters are bound.
It is a love story. It is a story of changing financial fortunes. It is a search for one's history. It is full secrets that leak out, as they always do, and the price to pay for that. The last 50 pages or so of this book has has all the tension you might associate with murder mystery.
All in all, it is an excellent book. I am so glad I read it. When I began this review, I gave Oleander Girl four stars, and began to write an explanation why I didn't give it five. I couldn't think of a reason, so... I can highly recommend it to anyone.
Unsurprisingly, I loved this as I have all of the author's other works. I didn't think the plot was as strong in this as, say, Sister of My Heart, but her writing is just as wonderful as always.
I do want Indian food desperately now, though!
I do want Indian food desperately now, though!
**I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FOR FREE THROUGH THE GOODREADS FIRST READS GIVEAWAY**
Oleander Girl was a beautifully written book! The strength and hearts of the families were so endearing. I felt like I was part of the family listening like a wallflower as the story unfolded. It twisted in so many ways I was never quite sure where the story would end up.
Oleander Girl was a beautifully written book! The strength and hearts of the families were so endearing. I felt like I was part of the family listening like a wallflower as the story unfolded. It twisted in so many ways I was never quite sure where the story would end up.
I think this book was a gift - and it was a decent read, but I didn't connect with the main character. It could be that I just don't understand the concept of marrying for money and/or status - but I couldn't figure out the main character's motivation. One day she was doing things for family, the next day for herself. I didn't like her fiance's family, I thought she was very immature, I didn't like her grandparents. It was an okay story - but I wouldn't recommend it.
I got this as a daily amazon deal and wasn't expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised and if Goodreads employed half stars, 3.5 would be my rating.
Had a decent pace, but I didn't think the author was up to the multiple narrators switching voices throughout the text. I often had to pause and figure out who was speaking.
One of the best books I have read in a while. Korobi tries to uncover truths about herself and her family. She becomes engaged to Rajat, from a prominent Indian family. The tension between Hindus and Muslims adds another dimension to this well- written book. Highly recommended.
Slow start, builds to a satisfying read
The story weaves together the perspectives of several characters to tell the story of a young couple and the obstacles that they must navigate if they are going to get to have a future together.
The 1st half of the story drags a bit, and a few times I debated if I wanted to keep going. I am glad that I stuck with it, and the pace did pick up.
The one thing that I found distracting throughout the story is that some of the narration is in the 1st person (Korobi is the only character whose perspective is given this way), and the rest is in limited 3rd person. The transitions are not smooth, and while the multiple perspectives add depth to the story, it interrupts flow the way it is done.
The story weaves together the perspectives of several characters to tell the story of a young couple and the obstacles that they must navigate if they are going to get to have a future together.
The 1st half of the story drags a bit, and a few times I debated if I wanted to keep going. I am glad that I stuck with it, and the pace did pick up.
The one thing that I found distracting throughout the story is that some of the narration is in the 1st person (Korobi is the only character whose perspective is given this way), and the rest is in limited 3rd person. The transitions are not smooth, and while the multiple perspectives add depth to the story, it interrupts flow the way it is done.
I liked it, but not enough to go rushing out to read more by the same author...
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/08/oleander-girl.html
The Oleander Girl is Korobi Roy. Her very name stands for the oleander flower - beautiful yet strong. To her knowledge, Korobi was orphaned at birth and raised in a loving home by her maternal grandparents. She knows that there exists some mystery around her parents' death, but she does not know what. The only memento she has of them is a love note found in the book.
As the book begins, she has met and become engaged to Rajat, and is anticipating her future with happiness. Unfortunately, shortly after the engagement, her grandfather dies. His death reveals many family secrets including those surrounding Korobi's parents.
It sets up Korobi on a quest to answer her questions and delve into the past. This brings a trip from India to the United States - a new world and new relationships.
Oleander girl reads like the plot of a Bollywood movie. A beautiful, but not rich orphaned heroine. A handsome, rich young man who sweeps her off her feet. A family revelation that sends one off on a quest. The pull of home and the promises of new love. How will it all end?
This book lacks the depth of other books I have read by the same author. The characters and emotions seem more superficial. Maybe, it is because the plot line resembles a commercial Bollywood movie, which are known more for their showmanship rather than the depth of story. A story that hovers at the surface of relationships and motivations.
The Oleander Girl is Korobi Roy. Her very name stands for the oleander flower - beautiful yet strong. To her knowledge, Korobi was orphaned at birth and raised in a loving home by her maternal grandparents. She knows that there exists some mystery around her parents' death, but she does not know what. The only memento she has of them is a love note found in the book.
As the book begins, she has met and become engaged to Rajat, and is anticipating her future with happiness. Unfortunately, shortly after the engagement, her grandfather dies. His death reveals many family secrets including those surrounding Korobi's parents.
It sets up Korobi on a quest to answer her questions and delve into the past. This brings a trip from India to the United States - a new world and new relationships.
Oleander girl reads like the plot of a Bollywood movie. A beautiful, but not rich orphaned heroine. A handsome, rich young man who sweeps her off her feet. A family revelation that sends one off on a quest. The pull of home and the promises of new love. How will it all end?
This book lacks the depth of other books I have read by the same author. The characters and emotions seem more superficial. Maybe, it is because the plot line resembles a commercial Bollywood movie, which are known more for their showmanship rather than the depth of story. A story that hovers at the surface of relationships and motivations.