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elenichristine's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
4.0
jillianslay's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
a lot of parts of this book are so similar to my life but the last chapter made me cry so much. I miss my nanny - she was a hard woman, she worked long days and walked home, she had very little but gave to the church and those in need, she loved her kids but fought hard with them. makes me miss her
kevorkian's review against another edition
5.0
As a first generation Canadian from a non-English speaking family, who spent my first few years of life twenty minutes from the main character of this book, Frying Plantain made me feel some shit.
The book is written through twelve short stories and follows the main character, Kara, from childhood to early adulthood as she navigates between being a Canadian and a Jamaican girl/woman. The family dynamics that Kara has to work with are beyond complex and definitely not stable. Her grandmother and mother both have serious mental health issues that have been untreated and that weight is left on Kara to deal with. To top that off, she struggles to fit in with both her "real" Jamaican neighborhood friends and her white friends at school.
Like I said, I felt some shit. I loved the Canadian references - the description of someone's puffy black jacket tight at the waist with the faux-fur hood GOT ME. That was the exact Canadian teenage fashion when I was growing up, too (that and tna pants - those who know, know!). Kara's white friends not understanding certain things when it came to her relationship with her mum reminded me of all the little different differences between me and my friends growing up when it came to our relationships with our parents. Let's just say, I wouldn't trade it for the world, but growing up with immigrant parents is hard! I think if you're a first generation Canadian or love an immigrant story, you'll enjoy this book. I definitely recommend it.
The book is written through twelve short stories and follows the main character, Kara, from childhood to early adulthood as she navigates between being a Canadian and a Jamaican girl/woman. The family dynamics that Kara has to work with are beyond complex and definitely not stable. Her grandmother and mother both have serious mental health issues that have been untreated and that weight is left on Kara to deal with. To top that off, she struggles to fit in with both her "real" Jamaican neighborhood friends and her white friends at school.
Like I said, I felt some shit. I loved the Canadian references - the description of someone's puffy black jacket tight at the waist with the faux-fur hood GOT ME. That was the exact Canadian teenage fashion when I was growing up, too (that and tna pants - those who know, know!). Kara's white friends not understanding certain things when it came to her relationship with her mum reminded me of all the little different differences between me and my friends growing up when it came to our relationships with our parents. Let's just say, I wouldn't trade it for the world, but growing up with immigrant parents is hard! I think if you're a first generation Canadian or love an immigrant story, you'll enjoy this book. I definitely recommend it.
annetjeberg's review against another edition
5.0
I really like the concept of short stories that follow the life of one person, and this is a beautiful example of that. Wonderful insights and quite relatable too.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
clare_c's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
A quick and interesting read. A book comprised of Short stories that are interconnected and presented chronologically. The individual stories often end abruptly and detail Kara’s experiences as a Jamaican growing up in Canada.
A quick and interesting read. A book comprised of Short stories that are interconnected and presented chronologically. The individual stories often end abruptly and detail Kara’s experiences as a Jamaican growing up in Canada.
imaima's review against another edition
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
shaeloef's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kimuchi's review against another edition
3.0
Don’t read this and visit your therapist on the same day, unless you want to confront a dozen demons; all named Shame. It’s a great collection. Scenes between Kara’s mother and grandmother are gripping, and visceral.
I loved River Mumma much more, but liked this one a lot. Since this is a young writer’s debut, I’d say I’ll be on the lookout for her next release.
I loved River Mumma much more, but liked this one a lot. Since this is a young writer’s debut, I’d say I’ll be on the lookout for her next release.