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wishknots's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much. It has everything from shocking moments that made me gasp, gentle moments that made me cry and hilarious moments that made me spill my tea. And there’s a rescue dog! See, everything.
It’s my favourite book of the year, so far and I think I’ll be rereading this book a lot, which isn’t something I do very often. I’ve often wondered what would be my “comfort read” and this might be it. Don’t be misled by that, it is brutal at times but there is so much of the good side of humanity in this book. Though thought provoking and saddening, streaks of positivity run through it.
It’s my favourite book of the year, so far and I think I’ll be rereading this book a lot, which isn’t something I do very often. I’ve often wondered what would be my “comfort read” and this might be it. Don’t be misled by that, it is brutal at times but there is so much of the good side of humanity in this book. Though thought provoking and saddening, streaks of positivity run through it.
ermw0's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
I picked up this book because of the cover. It is so colorful and striking. The initial few chapters I liked, but once the story got into gear like turned into love. I didn't want this book to end. I was cheering for Geeta the entire time and wanted her to have the best. I loved each of the women and how dynamic, flawed, and faceted they were. They all felt real and the relationships felt real. The bonds of female friendship truly are lifesaving and I loved this depiction of the long road those friendships take.
hedsen's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
eviestoneman's review
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
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
3.75
ines's review
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
sardini's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
rishitamall's review
dark
funny
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
One of my friends ordered this book for me, and I was a bit reluctant to even pick this up... I've read dark humour once before and I loved it.. But in this one the plot seemed a bit disturbing, and I was wondering if I would have this dilemma of whether anything justifies killing.. But soon I remembered that sometimes it's best not to go into the "right or wrong" debate because somethings are just beyond it... When an imbecile system and society pushes one to the wall, they'ill take their chances... They are not the real culprit..
Coming to the book... I loved the writing style, characterization, the way emotions have been put into words, the highs and lows in the female friendship, THE TWISTS, the author's understanding of ground realities.. I was visualizing it as a Priyadarshan film.. The way the author has brought Geeta alive in this story, I could feel her.. Strong, self reliant, living in isolation by choice (to some extent), but lonely and gaining awareness of the extent her vulnerability as the story progresses... She needed loyal female friends, one of whom might have even blackmailed her, but they stood by her, when faced with an outsider !!
One thing that touched me on a personal level was the whole realization about how as kids, we didn't question injustices... I realised this a few years back, and honestly I did feel guilty.. It's difficult to understand how on one hand while I stood by a class fellow in the Principal's office because she was right (she made it look like I was in danger later, because her ego didn't allow her to accept that I saved her), on the other hand I did not say a word when some class fellow was being mercilessly beaten by a lunatic teacher frustrated with his/her own life, for absolutely no reason... Some sort of shared/collective fear the rest of us in the class had I guess... I wish I had not kept quiet..
A few things that didn't make sense to me was giving the dog an English name and use of english words in conversation (I am not referring to the narration), as the story is set in a village.. I understand that the women had some basic education and knew a bit of English, but I don't think people talk to each other in English in rural areas.. That's just a small thing.. Also, I am wondering if there was a way to show casteism but skip casteist slurs/terms.. The author's intention is clear, but just another small thing...
Then the small bit about Ramayan.. Ramayan has been re-told several times.. I am not sure whether it was in the original Valmiki Ramayana, or a re-telling, that Ravan had raped Rambha and was cursed, which is why he didn't touch Sita.. If this was in the original Ramayana, then perhaps Ravan was an out and out villain, contrary to what is often posted on social media and even written in this book.. If it's in a re-told version, then of course there's nothing wrong with the interpretation...
Loved it !!! An explosive debut novel...
Coming to the book... I loved the writing style, characterization, the way emotions have been put into words, the highs and lows in the female friendship, THE TWISTS, the author's understanding of ground realities.. I was visualizing it as a Priyadarshan film.. The way the author has brought Geeta alive in this story, I could feel her.. Strong, self reliant, living in isolation by choice (to some extent), but lonely and gaining awareness of the extent her vulnerability as the story progresses... She needed loyal female friends, one of whom might have even blackmailed her, but they stood by her, when faced with an outsider !!
One thing that touched me on a personal level was the whole realization about how as kids, we didn't question injustices... I realised this a few years back, and honestly I did feel guilty.. It's difficult to understand how on one hand while I stood by a class fellow in the Principal's office because she was right (she made it look like I was in danger later, because her ego didn't allow her to accept that I saved her), on the other hand I did not say a word when some class fellow was being mercilessly beaten by a lunatic teacher frustrated with his/her own life, for absolutely no reason... Some sort of shared/collective fear the rest of us in the class had I guess... I wish I had not kept quiet..
A few things that didn't make sense to me was giving the dog an English name and use of english words in conversation (I am not referring to the narration), as the story is set in a village.. I understand that the women had some basic education and knew a bit of English, but I don't think people talk to each other in English in rural areas.. That's just a small thing.. Also, I am wondering if there was a way to show casteism but skip casteist slurs/terms.. The author's intention is clear, but just another small thing...
Then the small bit about Ramayan.. Ramayan has been re-told several times.. I am not sure whether it was in the original Valmiki Ramayana, or a re-telling, that Ravan had raped Rambha and was cursed, which is why he didn't touch Sita.. If this was in the original Ramayana, then perhaps Ravan was an out and out villain, contrary to what is often posted on social media and even written in this book.. If it's in a re-told version, then of course there's nothing wrong with the interpretation...
Loved it !!! An explosive debut novel...