You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this book as a parallel to some of the craziness occurring in the world right now. A thoughtful and accurate depiction of the process of becoming a refugee and the search for home when you were only a guest in your old home to begin with.
I enjoyed the fact that the sexualities of both protagonists aren’t shied away from or spotlit. The fact that Jaipal is bisexual is something that’s stated virtually from the time you get to know him as a character. While I would’ve liked to see him end up with his friend/friends-with-benefits, I understand that that wasn’t really central to the plot of this story.
Overall, it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed reading it and found the slow transformation from normal life into “new normal” as disturbing as I did engaging. Bhumi’s observations about plants and their allegories to her changing circumstances were finely written and appreciated.
I enjoyed the fact that the sexualities of both protagonists aren’t shied away from or spotlit. The fact that Jaipal is bisexual is something that’s stated virtually from the time you get to know him as a character. While I would’ve liked to see him end up with his friend/friends-with-benefits, I understand that that wasn’t really central to the plot of this story.
Overall, it wasn’t bad. I enjoyed reading it and found the slow transformation from normal life into “new normal” as disturbing as I did engaging. Bhumi’s observations about plants and their allegories to her changing circumstances were finely written and appreciated.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I rarely leave reviews, but something about this book prompted it. I started this book thinking it would be on my favorites shelf for sure. I finished it feeling strangely empty. I don't know if it is because I came into the novel with different expectations or what. I think the characters were depicted very realistically and it made for an interesting read. Yet, I felt I could know more about their backstory to really connect with them. I felt like something about their motivations were lacking, but it could be that I just cannot relate enough to such a dire situation.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to read a fictionalized account of what I believe is similar to the 1980s coup in Fiji. I will be looking out for more from Batsha in the future.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to read a fictionalized account of what I believe is similar to the 1980s coup in Fiji. I will be looking out for more from Batsha in the future.
As racial tensions rise on a small Pacific island, a brother and sister of Indian descent are forced to make difficult decisions. One gets out and seeks asylum in California, while the other gets stuck behind to watch unrest foment into a coup. Will they find their way to each other again?
So many interesting themes and characters here. I appreciated the balance in the two lead characters' narratives. Great if you love character-driven historical fiction and books that explore complicated family dynamics.
So many interesting themes and characters here. I appreciated the balance in the two lead characters' narratives. Great if you love character-driven historical fiction and books that explore complicated family dynamics.
Just finished this one up and immediately had great thoughts to share. The author really astounded me, I didn't know it was a debut until after I had finished the book. It explores relationship, culture, identity, belonging, and so many other topics that are really important to harp on. In a similar vein as Transcendent Kingdom, a brother and sister are forced to live out their diverging paths from one similar starting point. Their trials and tribulations resound throughout their homeland and the countries in which they seek refuge. I found it really heartbreaking, moving, depressing, yet hopeful. LOVED this one, and it may turn into a 5 star read with more thought.
Tender and heartfelt. So many threads: Fiji+colonialism+East Bay Asian diaspora+LGBTQ...Fiction that teaches you about the world, gently.
I received an uncorrected proof in exchange for this review.
Mother Ocean Father Nation is gripping and expansive, lush with moments of dread and bright flourishes of beauty.
The pacing is pitch perfect and I didn't want to stop following this family.
Eye-opening as well as expansive Nishant take the reader through the experience of existing in the long shadow of an empire
Mother Ocean Father Nation is gripping and expansive, lush with moments of dread and bright flourishes of beauty.
The pacing is pitch perfect and I didn't want to stop following this family.
Eye-opening as well as expansive Nishant take the reader through the experience of existing in the long shadow of an empire
I won this in a giveaway and thought it was overall interesting, not the most plot driven but not in a bad way. A look into the impacts of a coup on a family that just want to make it through.