Reviews

This was a solid 4 stars until the last 30 pages. The person responsible for the crime did not make any sense to me. After that, it was 3 stars. That last paragraph made it 1.5 stars. I’m giving it 1 star because while I think there’s a lot of content that can be explored intellectually, I don’t think the story connected well. All the view points did not entirely match the character or their development through the story. I am bitter I wasted my time on this book and I don’t think this author is for me.

None of the characters are particularly likable and they are not perfect, which I was actually on board with. While I was reading, I felt engrossed in the story, but upon reflection, they are all underdeveloped, flat characters. I was glad that this story did not beat a dead horse and/or go in circles like Take It Back, but it left me feeling really frustrated.

The author demonstrates prejudice, discrimination, classism, and sexism well. I also really liked the ability angle. I think this show cases how a lack of communication and compassion can escalate a situation quickly. I also appreciated all the view points.

This was readable and at the same time very far fetched. We saw kind of a redemption arc with Tom in prison. Yes, Salma had feelings about the flag from her childhood, but that last paragraph bothers me because it doesn’t entirely fit the narrative of her character. I guess the message is that biased and unbiased prejudices and discriminatory actions will win out over change. I clearly don’t agree with this sentiment.

If this was not the genre of a “thriller” I wonder if those last 30 pages would have been written. I did not need a “twist” to know that people are assholes and that people are even bigger assholes when they feel cornered.

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emotional tense

3.0

The narration of this one was well done and kept me engaged in the storyline.

Normally I love a good neighborhood drama, but this one was just okay for me.

The Khatuns move into a new area hoping for a fresh start. They attend a block type party which is awkward at best. Then they see a neighbor removing a anti-racist sign from their yard, confront him, and this snowballs into some drama and more.

I struggled to have sympathy for any of the characters. But I do applaud the author for a thought provoking book.