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beccabrune's review against another edition
3.0
I think this was a really unique plot for a book so I enjoyed reading something different. I think the author is talented and I look forward to reading another of their books! But I didn't really ever get hooked. I enjoyed learning about Dava's past but did not feel invested in the family who came off as a wealthy entitled family.
ballen790's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. It seemed like it was be juicy and exciting. It wasn’t and I didn’t like Dava very much. This reminded me of The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo in the aspects of aging celebrity recalling their past and the scandals but this was by no means a juicy as Evelyn’s story.
The characters weren’t very likable. As much as Dava was a visionary and generous, one of her sons said it best; it was basically all for clout. The wonderful things she did were because she wanted people to think of her as generous. Instead of just being generous, she was obsessed with people knowing it and had all these rules for her family and their significant others to make sure her legacy and last name was acknowledged. The whole trip to Beatrix Island and her plan for that time with family is horrific. If I saw reports as her family members did I would be livid. I also am baffled about why people keep illnesses hush hush. Not telling the public is one thing but your family? Your children that have already lost one parent? It’s cruel. Dava also wrote that letter to Chai and didn’t want her to ever read it?! Like what.
The plot with the rockstar was also weird. Dava was just super self centered. How could you agree to it and then mad when your name is used? … she spent too much time trying to protect her image. She also had everyone lock up their devices then proceed to use them the entire time to Google her and what was being said about her with all the craziness going on. I can’t think of one character here I actually liked aside from the husband that passed away. The memories of him make him sound truly lovely.
The characters weren’t very likable. As much as Dava was a visionary and generous, one of her sons said it best; it was basically all for clout. The wonderful things she did were because she wanted people to think of her as generous. Instead of just being generous, she was obsessed with people knowing it and had all these rules for her family and their significant others to make sure her legacy and last name was acknowledged. The whole trip to Beatrix Island and her plan for that time with family is horrific. If I saw reports as her family members did I would be livid. I also am baffled about why people keep illnesses hush hush. Not telling the public is one thing but your family? Your children that have already lost one parent? It’s cruel. Dava also wrote that letter to Chai and didn’t want her to ever read it?! Like what.
The plot with the rockstar was also weird. Dava was just super self centered. How could you agree to it and then mad when your name is used? … she spent too much time trying to protect her image. She also had everyone lock up their devices then proceed to use them the entire time to Google her and what was being said about her with all the craziness going on. I can’t think of one character here I actually liked aside from the husband that passed away. The memories of him make him sound truly lovely.
mallorygoldsmith's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
mrsspacher's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this audiobook. I listened on a long car ride when I needed a light distraction. The character of Dava was developed well and I loved how the author wove the importance of songs throughout the book
tulscip's review against another edition
3.0
Another example of a richly written book with so much substance and intrigue then zero conclusion and punch at end
thereadingpotato's review against another edition
4.0
With the end of her life drawing near, Dava Shastri gathers her family together one last time and has cleverly arranged for news of her death to break early, so she can read through the obituaries. But things do not go quite as planned and two major secrets are revealed.
I enjoyed this fresh take on what defines a life and one’s impact. There are also thought-provoking moments around altruism and the potentially self-centered reasons behind acts of philanthropy and giving back. Overall, this is a great reflection on what makes a legacy, the importance and role of family in one’s life, and the complexities of love and ambition.
I enjoyed this fresh take on what defines a life and one’s impact. There are also thought-provoking moments around altruism and the potentially self-centered reasons behind acts of philanthropy and giving back. Overall, this is a great reflection on what makes a legacy, the importance and role of family in one’s life, and the complexities of love and ambition.
hisparks23's review against another edition
3.0
The concept behind this book is really interesting and intriguing. While overall I enjoyed it, I feel like its premise had SO MUCH potential for me to enjoy it even more than I did, that it didn’t quite reach.
As a music lover (an understatement,) I was so excited about the use of music in this, but that honestly fell flat for me. I still don’t even understand what Dava’s company even was before she sold it? In general, I think there was a good amount of information included that felt irrelevant and I found myself wishing I could swap it for other, more interesting parts of the story that I wanted more background on.
I also struggled with emotionally connecting with Dava. I found her character compelling and interesting and I didn’t dislike her, but I just don’t think there was enough heart to the writing of her character for me to feel like I really got to know “her,” beyond her motivations and achievements. Because of that, I just couldn’t get myself to care about the flashbacks and mostly skimmed through them. The secret daughter trope also feels very very tired at this point. I wanted juicer!
The younger children were more interesting to me than the older, especially Kali—personally I found her more compelling and interesting and relatable than Dava at times simply because of her untraditional paths and directions in life. (This is a part of the story I would’ve really enjoyed more background on!)
Although I had kind of a meandering hot and cold journey while reading this, by the end of the book, I was more invested—I think this is where the story shines. I really enjoyed (and teared up at) the parts with Dava speaking with her grandchildren and Sandi. It was thoughtful and beautiful and felt very special to read—I’ll definitely remember the ending. And I’m stealing the term and concept of “free happiness,” which might have been my favorite part of the entire story.
As a music lover (an understatement,) I was so excited about the use of music in this, but that honestly fell flat for me. I still don’t even understand what Dava’s company even was before she sold it? In general, I think there was a good amount of information included that felt irrelevant and I found myself wishing I could swap it for other, more interesting parts of the story that I wanted more background on.
I also struggled with emotionally connecting with Dava. I found her character compelling and interesting and I didn’t dislike her, but I just don’t think there was enough heart to the writing of her character for me to feel like I really got to know “her,” beyond her motivations and achievements. Because of that, I just couldn’t get myself to care about the flashbacks and mostly skimmed through them. The secret daughter trope also feels very very tired at this point. I wanted juicer!
The younger children were more interesting to me than the older, especially Kali—personally I found her more compelling and interesting and relatable than Dava at times simply because of her untraditional paths and directions in life. (This is a part of the story I would’ve really enjoyed more background on!)
Although I had kind of a meandering hot and cold journey while reading this, by the end of the book, I was more invested—I think this is where the story shines. I really enjoyed (and teared up at) the parts with Dava speaking with her grandchildren and Sandi. It was thoughtful and beautiful and felt very special to read—I’ll definitely remember the ending. And I’m stealing the term and concept of “free happiness,” which might have been my favorite part of the entire story.
trishadenise's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked the premise of the storyline, i just didn't care about the characters at all.
danidsfavereads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very interesting family story about legacy and life.
At some pints I felt like there was too much reputation of the frustrations felt by the children; though I also understand how the situation could lead to a jumble of thoughts/feelings.
I enjoyed how the story flipped between present day and flashbacks to Dana’s earlier life.
At some pints I felt like there was too much reputation of the frustrations felt by the children; though I also understand how the situation could lead to a jumble of thoughts/feelings.
I enjoyed how the story flipped between present day and flashbacks to Dana’s earlier life.