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madelineb's review
sad
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
2.0
Really interesting piece of history I don't know much about but the writing and characters felt flat and shallow. There's A LOT of trauma in this book that is gut wrenching but ultimately all the characters heal with one event or conversation that fixes each person's pain
Spoilers but kinda not really, it's the beginning plot:
I also thought maybe we'd make the connection that Shanti goes in this family exploration after a miscarriage and her grandma got pregnant after having sex once but nope, that irony was just for me I guess
Spoilers but kinda not really, it's the beginning plot:
I also thought maybe we'd make the connection that Shanti goes in this family exploration after a miscarriage and her grandma got pregnant after having sex once but nope, that irony was just for me I guess
crunchrice's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
suzea's review
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
kaylynnlock's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Violence
Moderate: Islamophobia
tstanley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
tobarp's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I did not know about this historical event. The horrors are another atrocity of colonialism. I am grateful to this author for sharing this work with us.
adclark87's review
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thisishalee's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.5
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a beautifully written debut about the lasting impacts of Partition on one family over three generations. The story begins in August 1947 New Delhi with sixteen year old Deepa (a Hindu) being torn apart from her secret Muslim boyfriend Amir. Amir's family is forced to leave as the Indian subcontinent is divided into the newly formed Muslim majority Pakistan and the Hindu majority India. Amir promises to return to Deepa but forces prevent this and she ends up moving to London with her godparents after her parents are killed. Nine months later in London Deepa gives birth to a son.
Fast forward to present day Atlanta, we get to know Deepa's granddaughter Shanthi (Shan), a 40 year old Anglo-Indian woman whose marriage is dissolving. Shan never had much of a relationship with her father and she embarks on a journey to discover more about her past which ends up leading her to her estranged grandmother, bringing the story full circle in a satisfying way.
I loved that this was told more as a series of interconnected short stories, jumping between characters, places and time. With multiple perspectives the author shows the many ways Partition effected families over time. One million people died during the violence of Partition and over 15 million became refugees. Families were separated and the grief, shame and loss had long reaching effects. This was excellent on audio, voiced by Audie award nominated narrator Deepti Gupta and highly recommended for fans of M.G. Vassanji and Shilpi Somaya Gowda.
⚠️CW: miscarriage, suicide, death of loved ones due to violence and extremism
Fast forward to present day Atlanta, we get to know Deepa's granddaughter Shanthi (Shan), a 40 year old Anglo-Indian woman whose marriage is dissolving. Shan never had much of a relationship with her father and she embarks on a journey to discover more about her past which ends up leading her to her estranged grandmother, bringing the story full circle in a satisfying way.
I loved that this was told more as a series of interconnected short stories, jumping between characters, places and time. With multiple perspectives the author shows the many ways Partition effected families over time. One million people died during the violence of Partition and over 15 million became refugees. Families were separated and the grief, shame and loss had long reaching effects. This was excellent on audio, voiced by Audie award nominated narrator Deepti Gupta and highly recommended for fans of M.G. Vassanji and Shilpi Somaya Gowda.
⚠️CW: miscarriage, suicide, death of loved ones due to violence and extremism