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year23's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It would have helped to have some time/date stamps to the chapters and provide a family tree at the top. It is near impossible to know what time period each story is in until you start piecing it together - but given how many characters and stories are being told, you would need to take notes to do so. The book also shifts between first and third person narration - it's confusing but I also wonder if that's intentional on the author's part.
Despite the confusion, there is clearly a compelling story here - multiple stories, from individuals growing up, navigating life amidst the culture of Oman. It's strange to say this story is about just the three sisters - it's also about their partners, and children. In addition to exploring the struggles of women in this society, it's also sharing about the life of men in Oman, the traumas they commit as well as the challenges they face due to patriarchal/cultural expectations.
The strength of the writing and new to me perspective and learning about life in Oman may have me reading this at another time when I can really sit with it and piece it together better. I do recommend - but just with some caveats to be mindful that there will be some confusion, but even with that, worth the investment.
Despite the confusion, there is clearly a compelling story here - multiple stories, from individuals growing up, navigating life amidst the culture of Oman. It's strange to say this story is about just the three sisters - it's also about their partners, and children. In addition to exploring the struggles of women in this society, it's also sharing about the life of men in Oman, the traumas they commit as well as the challenges they face due to patriarchal/cultural expectations.
The strength of the writing and new to me perspective and learning about life in Oman may have me reading this at another time when I can really sit with it and piece it together better. I do recommend - but just with some caveats to be mindful that there will be some confusion, but even with that, worth the investment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Colonisation, Child death, Abandonment, Bullying, Body shaming, Child abuse, Body horror, and Death
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