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tessyoung's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book despite some initial scepticism. A definite case of you shouldn't judge a book by the cover, or necessarily the title, both of which gave rise to doubts. I could not have been more wrong. It's beautifully written, the characters draw you in and you want to spend time with them. The narrative is broad and wide ranging but takes you with it every step of the way and you feel enriched by sharing in the story. I'm not one for spoilers so I don't want to detail all the richness of plot and the issues covered but there such range and depth. The language, both vocabulary and rhythm, not only builds the characters but helps immerse you in their worlds and experience. I'll say again, I loved it!
blackloreuk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-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
4.25
nenye_sage's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
thandi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.0
ranti's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.25
gayspacealien's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
drianturner's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful book, told from the perspective of the three main characters. The literary style was not conventional, including a Caribbean vernacular, but this was not off-putting. And the themes eg domestic violence, homophobia, self-harm etc were a real draw to this reviewer but handled with care and sensitivity.
To be honest, though, the book was beginning to drag for me by the end and I was becoming less interested in some of the characters. Chetan was my favourite character and I would have happily read a story just about him! So I was gutted when he died, but perhaps this was an incident that was needed to revive my waning interest? (Maybe a prequel - there can't be a sequel - all about him?) It's a five for me, since GoodReads only uses 5/5, but not a 10/10.
To be honest, though, the book was beginning to drag for me by the end and I was becoming less interested in some of the characters. Chetan was my favourite character and I would have happily read a story just about him! So I was gutted when he died, but perhaps this was an incident that was needed to revive my waning interest? (Maybe a prequel - there can't be a sequel - all about him?) It's a five for me, since GoodReads only uses 5/5, but not a 10/10.
dani_reviews's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.0
dani12's review against another edition
4.5
Such an amazing book. I completely fell in love with the 3 main character, it made me feel sad for them, angry at them. It completely puts you in the middle of that family and it makes you feel like you are a part of it. I can't remember the last time that I read a book and I just wished that I could go inside of it and hug a character, take care of them and just make things right. The deep connection that the author is able to create between reader and the characters is amazing.