Reviews with content warning for Rape - China Room

Could’ve been a high rating if the modern setting in the dual timeline actually made sense.

Short read though to help knock out BOTM challenges and the 2022 reading goals.

Content Warnings

mochi21's review

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challenging tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

I thought this was going to be a multi generational story mostly surrounding the strength of a child bride as she lives her life serving the family of her adult husband and the strength of her addict grandson as he heals and grows.

I thought it would be a heavy read but not to this extent. This is borderline trauma port, except it's not even that because nobody is unhappy with their conditions, at least not for the right reasons.

The pacing and writing is actually quite beautiful but I cannot stomach the romanticization of forced child marriage or rape.

sujav is very clear that he believes he should own Mehar and when he rips her clothes off the first time they have sex when she believes he is her husband (which is unrealistic in its own right. Anybody who's had sex more than once can tell the difference between sexual partners) he is extremely clear that he wants to hurt her and the goal is to assault her.

In a world where children are still being sold to adults for marriage, this story depicts it in a positive light and for that reason, I can't give this book any higher than two stars.

Also, for all the beautiful writing, there is a lot of crass language, if you're offended by that kind of thing.

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dominicangirl's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

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

4.75

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biblio_jordyn's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

What could have been better?
This book has dual timelines and perspectives throughout different sections of the book and I think the transitions could have been a bit better/more apparent to make it easier to read. I, also, think the author had a ton of GREAT things going on, but I wish it delved deeper. It felt like I was just getting a taste of several serious topics and different cultural elements, which left me wanting for more, especially when it came to the addiction piece of the story (very lacking for such a serious addiction).

What I enjoyed?

The writing was attention grabbing and had me hooked from page one, as well as being impactful.

I felt pretty immersed in the 1929 Punjab Indian culture and the future timeline. I think the author did an excellent job of transporting us.

I loved how it illustrated how culture and our upbringing play such a deep part of who we are.

I loved the present timeline illustrating the struggles of immigration and racism in England (usually I just see the US).

This book was a very quick read and I understand all the positive reviews! It has a little bit of everything and it’s a book you appreciate more as you sit on it.

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ladymirtazapine's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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emmagreenwood's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.0

Content Warnings

thecriticalreader's review

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

I chose this as a Book of the Month add-on because the premise sounded interesting.

Plot:

China Room follows two plots, one in 1999 with a young man and another with his great-grandmother, Mehar, in 1929. Mehar’s plot is much more fleshed out than the young man’s, although both were intriguing. Ultimately, however, Mehar’s plot plays out rather predictably, and the young man’s plot fizzles out anticlimactically.

Characters:

Most of Sahota’s characters have clear defining characteristics, but none are really explored as individuals. Sahota is more interested in the factors that motivate the characters—outside influences, relationships, etc. than he is in the people themselves.

Setting:

This book takes place in a small Indian village. As someone who has never been to India, Sahota does a good job capturing the stifling nature of the village. However, it could be hard to visualize as someone with little knowledge of India and Indian history. Of course, Sahota should not feel obligated to cater to white audiences—but this was just my experience reading the book. It gives a fascinating glimpse into rural Indian culture circa 1929.

Themes:

The main theme explored in China Room is relationships. Relationships between family and lovers. Characters navigate complicated relationships in complicated circumstances, often trapped between their own desires and societal expectations. For me, thematic exploration was the most compelling part of China Room.

Writing Style:

Sahota’s writing toes the line between dense and flowery. I never got overly frustrated with his writing, but at times I felt myself skimming over descriptive paragraphs to follow the plot.

Conclusion:

China Room is a challenging yet intriguing read, especially as a white American. The plot is captivating, especially initially, even if the resolution leaves something to be desired. Mehar’s plotline is much more interesting than the plot involving her great-grandson.

Other Points:

I did not connect to Mehar’s and Suraj’s relationship. I found it reflected more lust than love, so I wasn’t particularly rooting for them to make it to the end. Suraj seemed rather entitled and creepy (he did, after all, assault Mehar). I wished Mehar would find a place where she could be herself, but that place did not seem to be with Suraj.

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