Reviews

What We Were Promised by Lucy Tan

taylersimon22's review

3.0

An interesting story about love and how we think we do or don't deserve it.

danyabichsel's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

yuzureads's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

samanthamarie13's review

challenging emotional informative tense fast-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

5.0

rebeccarudisill's review against another edition

Boring! So boring! 

mattersonhendleton's review

3.0

not much happens but somehow i was still interested

rjsreadingnook's review

4.0

A quiet family drama that also serves as a character study and a window into 2010s Shanghai. WHAT WE WERE PROMISED is a promising debut from Lucy Tan, and I look forward to more from her.

bridget_h's review

2.0

I really thought I should have liked this more, but it was just so boring.

danlandreads's review

3.0

Started great then it seemed to sag and I grew frustrated with the whiny nature of the mother in the story. However a twist in the end really turns everything around and you see nice conclusions to her character's story arc. Up to that point I found all the other characters to be more interesting in the struggles of life. The father questioning how even with a successful career wondering if he squandered his talent. The maid turned nanny dealing with living a life that cuts against expected cultural norms.
The story I'd most like to read is of the brother who left home at an early age to live a life of gambling in the country's underworld.
Tan is an excellent writer and brings you fully into the world of these characters.
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readingbecs83's review

4.0

3.5 stars