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rachaeljk's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
duursmac's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bookishbrainfart's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
jarcher's review against another edition
1.0
This felt like a particularly dramatic medical soap opera. In some places the medical knowledge was well-versed, while in others it was confusingly misinformed (I’m not sure the author entirely understands what an abscess is). The most frustrating part for me was the lack of insight into what it’s like to study and work in medicine. It really felt like the author’s field research was limited to Greys Anatomy (the TV drama, not the textbook).
badmom's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Beautifully vivid descriptions of farming areas in India and an interesting story of one young man’s split life between his home village and Dallas, Texas. Some characters are relatively shallow compared to others, seemingly brought in for some breadth but not much depth, and a few plotlines are left dangling, unresolved. Overall a unique and thoughtful perspective of what makes life rich & meaningful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Violence, Classism, Suicide, Hate crime, Death of parent, Xenophobia, Sexual violence, Racial slurs, and Grief
Minor: Religious bigotry, Islamophobia, Cancer, Death, Alcohol, Addiction, and Drug abuse
dawnp's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
bobbykarmakar's review against another edition
5.0
Anil is the golden son, the eldest of his siblings and one who is taking on the great responsibility as the Arbiter for his community, even if he does move to Dallas, Texas for a medical internship. I very much admired his character. His mother warned him to stick to his Indian values of staying away from meat, alcohol, and girls. His rebellious side was certainly enjoyable, and one anyone would be curious about, whether or not they reside in North America. He’s taken a risk in a new culture but still honest to his heritage in his homeland.
A beautiful coming of age story where Anil begins this journey at the age of 23, an age I am very quickly approaching as I write this and also a big factor as to why I deeply connected to this story. Being Indian myself (culturally, being born and raised in Canada), the culture is very similar, but I for one don't know much at the top of my head about my culture, nor read as much fiction on this topic as I’d like to. Shilpi has woven another remarkable story, like Secret Daughter, and authentic to the Indian culture; one that can be reflected for those of the same background or those wanting to explore it. The ignorance and denials of the characters in India are very relatable and true in its form.
What I love about cases or situations that I see in stories is every character's point of view; The Golden Son included. It’s when the reader knows each side and then seeing it unravelled to the other characters. Their reactions may be ignorant or be in denial. But as the events absorb them, truth be told or not, the overall result comes to a fair conclusion, such as this case as well.
A beautiful coming of age story where Anil begins this journey at the age of 23, an age I am very quickly approaching as I write this and also a big factor as to why I deeply connected to this story. Being Indian myself (culturally, being born and raised in Canada), the culture is very similar, but I for one don't know much at the top of my head about my culture, nor read as much fiction on this topic as I’d like to. Shilpi has woven another remarkable story, like Secret Daughter, and authentic to the Indian culture; one that can be reflected for those of the same background or those wanting to explore it. The ignorance and denials of the characters in India are very relatable and true in its form.
What I love about cases or situations that I see in stories is every character's point of view; The Golden Son included. It’s when the reader knows each side and then seeing it unravelled to the other characters. Their reactions may be ignorant or be in denial. But as the events absorb them, truth be told or not, the overall result comes to a fair conclusion, such as this case as well.
lcoverosey's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 star. I like this author. Interesting cultural information given thru a fictional account.
mseil24's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25