Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy.
I know that this book is centered around death but the synopsis had me convinced that it would be more light hearted than it is.
This is definitely not something that I normally read. I do not like sad books. The ache it brings with it is something that I tend to avoid.
Despite Dava being a narcissistic, self centered, unlikeable character, her death was a punch in the gut.
The melancholy, wistful tone of the book left me feeling emotionally drained and I do wish that I had not read it weeks before Christmas.
This was not a book for me. But could definitely be a gem to another type of reader.
I know that this book is centered around death but the synopsis had me convinced that it would be more light hearted than it is.
This is definitely not something that I normally read. I do not like sad books. The ache it brings with it is something that I tend to avoid.
Despite Dava being a narcissistic, self centered, unlikeable character, her death was a punch in the gut.
The melancholy, wistful tone of the book left me feeling emotionally drained and I do wish that I had not read it weeks before Christmas.
This was not a book for me. But could definitely be a gem to another type of reader.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this book is magnificent. The concept, of a woman so obsessed with legacy that she publicizes her death early to read the coverage and brings her family together on a private island for her final moments, is bizarre at first.
But this story is raw and messy and stunning in so many ways. The extended Shastri-Persson family is made up of characters so complex and flawed that you have to remind yourself it's fiction. As the book progresses, it manages to address some of life's most existential questions about love, family, death, and legacy, but Ramisetti weaves them so expertly into the type of gossipy, can't-look-away, rich people family drama story that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really gotta stop sleeping on my reviews so I don't forget to come back to them.
I really enjoyed this book! I was a little nervous at first when the book opened with the POV of one of the handful of white characters in the book, but it quickly sucked me in. I didn't personally care for any of the characters, but I loved the variety and how differently flawed each one of them is. It just sucks when a book takes place in so little time (less than a week if a recall correctly) because it makes it harder to have significant arcs for the characters. Dava was the only character I thought got a proper arc, but that's moreso because she's on her deathbed and the only thing she'sable to really do is reflect on her life. And because her children are dealing with the fact she's about to die, along with the many other things going on in their lives, there's just too much and not enough time.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ending was a bit dull but the book showed a unique perspective on death and a complicated family relationship
i liked it, but it felt kind of long. everyone in the book was insufferable and after a while i got tired of it.
Liked the message of the story - emphasizing charity, legacy and meaningful living, though would’ve like a faster pace read. Maybe that’s the point, to sit and reflect which pretty much occurs the entire novel.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dana is dying so she brings her children to her beloved home to see out the last of her days before she dies by assisted suicide but not before she releases her obituary, before she’s even gone. What culminates is all of her children coming to terms with her death but also her life and her regrets in how she built an empire for them without taking the time to truly know them. This book was so sad but so happy. So fraught with generational trauma but also with care and love. Seeing how each child and their extended families dealt with Dava’s decisions was very interesting. It’s a great story of love and loss and the narrator was excellent.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Classism