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bookishbuket's review against another edition
2.0
I really admire Shafak’s ability to dive into controversial topics in all her work. As an expat Turk myself, I am always eager to see her offer interpretations of our culture out into the Western world. With that said, this book was a complete miss for me. There’s another 2 star review further down that sums up numerous qualms I also had with this book. A couple thoughts I will add:
- The storytelling doesn’t leave any room for interpretation. Shafak outlines people’s motivations bluntly, which doesn’t allow the audience to speculate the why of anything. And that’s arguably the most important thing and author must achieve: showing not telling.
- The multiple POVs didn’t work for me. The characters spoke too similarly to one another. Their ideas were dissimilar but there wasn’t much about the tone or language that developed character or established a clear divide between the two timelines.
- Aziz’s description of his ex was laughable! Talk about Manic Pixie Dream girl!
I do adore the concept of relenting to selfless love and letting it transform you. Overall though, the writing and pacing felt too amateurish for me to enjoy or appreciate it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Eating disorder
ljtademy3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was absolutely beautiful! A book that I would encourage anyone to read and would go back to read for years to come. It is pretty dense and can be confusing at times, but the messages you take away from it come through the narrative very easily. This book is life changing and reminded me of my spirituality and the connectedness of humanity. It invites you to consider being more gracious, compassionate, loving, and to live by your needs while still being considerate of others. Beautiful beautiful book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, and Adult/minor relationship
raelin's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think this is a book I would love to revisit at some point when I am in a different mood. I read this for book club and my head just wasn’t in a space to absorb the full message.
I enjoyed Rumi/Shams story so much more than the Ella story. I honestly probably could have done without it. Her story felt very brushed over and undeveloped. We heard more about the dishes she made for dinner than what was happening with her relationship with her kids, especially her younger daughter with an ED.
I am interested in reading more from Elif after reading this and watching a couple of interviews with her.
I enjoyed Rumi/Shams story so much more than the Ella story. I honestly probably could have done without it. Her story felt very brushed over and undeveloped. We heard more about the dishes she made for dinner than what was happening with her relationship with her kids, especially her younger daughter with an ED.
I am interested in reading more from Elif after reading this and watching a couple of interviews with her.
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
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