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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
One of the wealthiest women in the world, Dava Shastri is used to getting her way. When she is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Dava gathers her entire family to her private island, and then leeks an early press release announcing her death. Instead of accolades, Dava is stunned to see articles revealing hidden secrets, which she now must explain to her children and grandchildren.
Dava Shastri's Last Day just didn't strike the right cord with me. Although the premise is spectacular, the execution was so full of unlikeable characters that it was difficult to feel an emotional connection to the story. Dava, herself, was an intriguing character: selfish in her personal life yet truly invested in making a difference in the world. Dava's obsession with her legacy made her a poor matriarch to the family, which showed in her four children who were extremely hard to like.
the hamilton reference gave me the ick. but also…why was it set in the future???
2021 will go down as the year I gained an appreciation for family drama novels. I grew up in a small family and the dynamics of large, messy families have always intrigued me. DAVA SHASTRI’s LAST DAY centers around a multicultural family as the billionaire matriarch, Dava, faces the end of her life.
Dava chooses to release news of her death prior to actually dying in an attempt to experience the world’s reaction. Dava has always done things in an unconventional manner, so choosing to die on her own terms is no shock to her adult children. What does come as a shock are the secrets that emerge as Dava’s time comes to an end.
I loved the way Dava reflected on her life, contemplating her missteps as a mother and wife, as well as her greatest contributions: her children. The story lost a bit of momentum in the middle portion and I felt that some of the characters could have used a bit more development. Overall, it challenged me to consider my own life and the legacy I would like to leave behind for my family.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Soneela Nankani as she brought the family tension and emotions to life. This was an entertaining debut and I look forward to reading more from Kirthana Ramisetti. Dava Shastri’s last day is a Good Morning America Book club pick and will surely lead to interesting discussions!
RATING: 3.5/ 5 stars
PUB DATE: 11/30/21 (available now!)
A big thank you to Netgalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted to IG @kellyhook.readsbooks:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHORdHLibd/
Dava chooses to release news of her death prior to actually dying in an attempt to experience the world’s reaction. Dava has always done things in an unconventional manner, so choosing to die on her own terms is no shock to her adult children. What does come as a shock are the secrets that emerge as Dava’s time comes to an end.
I loved the way Dava reflected on her life, contemplating her missteps as a mother and wife, as well as her greatest contributions: her children. The story lost a bit of momentum in the middle portion and I felt that some of the characters could have used a bit more development. Overall, it challenged me to consider my own life and the legacy I would like to leave behind for my family.
I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Soneela Nankani as she brought the family tension and emotions to life. This was an entertaining debut and I look forward to reading more from Kirthana Ramisetti. Dava Shastri’s last day is a Good Morning America Book club pick and will surely lead to interesting discussions!
RATING: 3.5/ 5 stars
PUB DATE: 11/30/21 (available now!)
A big thank you to Netgalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted to IG @kellyhook.readsbooks:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHORdHLibd/
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
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
emotional
funny
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
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
emotional
sad
fast-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
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes