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outtiegw's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
5.0
bahoulie's review against another edition
5.0
This book was great. I loved the device of all 1st chapters, it really allowed Rabih to do what he was trying to do, without causing any real discomfort in me. I didn't necessarily completely understand everyone, but I didn't care. It was so engrossing.
sophiavass's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jsykverd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abortion, and Sexual assault
cami_stokes3859's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Mental illness, Death of parent, War, Suicide, and Cursing
Minor: Murder
lynnedf's review against another edition
4.0
This book is such genius: every single chapter is written as though it's a first chapter ... and it is such a wonderful, engrossing read! It felt like meeting a new friend and getting to know her bit by bit; every story (chapter) stands on its own, but when combined as a larger piece (an entire book) the whole story comes to light. It flips back and forth, from characters perspectives, from Lebanon to New York City to San Francisco. Although this is mainly the story of Sarah Nour El-Din, you also get to know her sisters, stepmother, mother, father, brother, ex-husbands and best friend: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Highly addictive story.
Highly addictive story.
ghadasreads's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, a great disappointment. Despite being a smooth and fast read, the structure got frustrating, but mostly, I couldn’t sympathize with Sarah as much as I was probably expected to. I have a whole bucketful of sympathy but not much of it for women who choose to be passive in their lives and willingly play the role of the victim.
farwen's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
kwansbff's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is brilliant. While the characters are flawed, I just came to love them in the way one loves their family. The form is genius and fits both the story and narrator perfectly. If you’re looking for good books with unique forms— this is it.
I will say that a lot of what I enjoyed was the form, although I did come to like the story as well. It wasn’t my favorite aspect of the book. I did learn quite a bit about a place I hadn’t known much about before, though, which was very interesting. I also found the ending a little lackluster.
[Note: some eh jokes & heed the content warning]
I will say that a lot of what I enjoyed was the form, although I did come to like the story as well. It wasn’t my favorite aspect of the book. I did learn quite a bit about a place I hadn’t known much about before, though, which was very interesting. I also found the ending a little lackluster.
[Note: some eh jokes & heed the content warning]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape