Reviews

Dava Shastris Last Day: A Novel by Kirthana Ramisetti

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anikarajan's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

babyruth510's review against another edition

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3.0

Interesting premise. Would make a good beach read.

licurl64's review against another edition

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5.0

In some ways, this book reminded me of Evelyn Hugo.

I found myself relating to Dava in so many ways and I imagine that enjoyment of the book is likely dependant on how much the reader relates to Dava. As a small business owner – a woman who often finds it difficult to juggle family and business, despite my best intentions – I saw so much of myself in her. The story will likely stick with me for a long time.

blackbutterbeer's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.5

camchorse's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

2.75

kategci's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I wanted to like this so much more than I did. Unfortunately, the premise while interesting, was not enough for me. Dava Shastri is dying and has gathered her children to be near. She was not a great mother, and her kids are a fairly dysfunctional bunch. She has released her death notice prior to actually dying and is not at all happy with what the media has to say about her. Her need to control all aspects of her life and legacy make her very unattractive and her kids are seemingly thinking about how to do damage control, whereas in normal families they might just be allowed to grieve. I have recently read several novels about the 0.001% and their problems and unfortunately, the authors have not triggered the empath in me. The throughline for this novel is popular music from the 80s and 90s, so this may be of more interest to some.