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abeth_parker's review against another edition
3.0
I like the point of this novel: everyone we come in contact with has a history that we know nothing about. But, it read a bit like a collection of short stories. The idea was good, but the execution seemed a bit flat. A quick, easy read, though.
sde's review against another edition
3.0
The author is a good writer, and the situation - an earthquake - brought a lot of different sorts of characters together. We only get to know each character superficially, though, and want to know more. I would have liked a book, for instance, on just the first person to tell her story - a Chinese woman who grew up in India, fell in love with an Indian, and escaped to the US. When we meet her, she is an older woman at the Indian embassy with her granddaughter. I felt the same way about most of the characters - I wanted to know more.
typish's review against another edition
3.0
Right after "Hyperion", another coral novel. If the former sported very different narrative style for every character, here the tone is more uniform - the one we learned to love in Divakaruni.
Not the best of her books to date, but somehow the one with the most interesting finale.
Not the best of her books to date, but somehow the one with the most interesting finale.
madae's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book and how it reminds you that everyone has a story to tell. I would have liked a more definite ending though.
msjaquiss's review against another edition
3.0
This was a nice, light read. I enjoyed the general plot but felt that the individual stories were too contrived. I also felt that the characters were very stereotyped and not developed fully enough. Still, the situation was interesting and this would be a good choice for those times when a reader is searching for something that isn't too heavy.
jnoel's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
marilynsaul's review against another edition
5.0
I first read this book in 2016, and, true to form, I didn't even recognize that I'd read it already. Back then I have it four stars, but upon re-read, I've awarded it another star. It is a difficult book to summarize, so I'll keep it simple without giving any spoilers: A group of people (some complete strangers; others married) are trapped by an earthquake in the lower reaches of a non-descript building. In order to pass the time and allay the mounting terror as the days pass, it is suggested by one of trapped that they each relay a story of one thing that changed their lives. It was a fascinating read; the stories were poignant and beautifully tailored to the individuals we soon learn to appreciate if not love. I highly recommend this inventive and well-written novel.
kellycavolo's review
emotional
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0