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kellyywardd's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. The twists, the characters and the world Balli Kaur Jaswal thrusts you into when you open the covers of this book are top notch. It was almost impossible to put this book down every time I picked it up… I need a sequel or another story about the women of Southall ASAP.
natb1's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
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
nenaveenstra's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-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? No
4.25
I didn't annotate this book, and I deeply regret it. There is something in this book for everyone: if you are looking for a light mystery or romance, it's there; if you're looking for Indian representation, it's there; if you're looking for deep connections between women, it's there. And yes, that means it's a bit all over the place sometimes, and there's a lot of names to remember, and sometimes, when you think you know what's going to happen, things take an unexpected turn.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, and raced through it in roughly two sittings. It's the relationship dynamics I mentioned, mixed in with some erotic stories (they're not a large part of the book, but they are there!) that made this book so entertaining. But it was also really touching seeing these women from a very guarded culture come together and find community and confidence.
This book taught me things about Punjabi culture that I did not know, and they were often shocking and sad. Though this book also made the point that Western culture isn't always better, either. Maybe it's when we step outside our comfort zone and mingle with people that differ from us that we flourish.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, and raced through it in roughly two sittings. It's the relationship dynamics I mentioned, mixed in with some erotic stories (they're not a large part of the book, but they are there!) that made this book so entertaining. But it was also really touching seeing these women from a very guarded culture come together and find community and confidence.
This book taught me things about Punjabi culture that I did not know, and they were often shocking and sad. Though this book also made the point that Western culture isn't always better, either. Maybe it's when we step outside our comfort zone and mingle with people that differ from us that we flourish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Stalking
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Death of parent, Murder, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Infidelity, and Medical content
linwang77's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so cool. The workshop where the widows came together to exchange stories was obviously the best part—their stories were the exciting and interesting meat of the book. The actual plot in the main character’s real life was somewhat thin and less interesting, but I really enjoyed this book for the novelty. It probably would make a great movie.
mehek's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, tense Indian contemporary read! Full of likable characters and interesting plot twists, this novel is a great way to pass an afternoon. One star off for being somewhat predictable and //too// neat of an ending and because I wish the stakes had been built up a little bit further throughout, but overall, a very solid read and I’d recommend it.
lyndas_booknook's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
bobbuildsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I did enjoy the wild ride this book took me on, despite 3 stars.
It is just really holds up its title well. It is really full of erotic stories and fantasies of sikh women who are stereotyped to be really religious and not at all sexual, judged to be looked upon as a sin.
I enjoyed delving into the stereotypes of this particular community, as well as the very real and tragic discrimination and harassment they face in real life. I also get to understand the mindset and perspective of the more traditional generation . Despite the suffocation of freedom and forceful marriages and "trophy" education they push their children into, they do love them, in their own and only way that they know how to express their love given the environment they were raised in. We see some degree of progression and open mindedness here, in Nikki's dad and Kul towards the end.
On the other hand, we see that Nikki is radically and vehemently rejecting female oppression and arranged marriages, often taking part in feminist events and whatnot. Her sister, Mindi, desires an arrnaged marriage and a family, and believes in this concept. Of course she can choose to leave whenever she wants, but she still desires this arranged marriage route. Nikki constantly grills and beats her sister up about it throughout the book about being narrow minded and oppressed by her cultural upbringing and rigidity. Towards the end Mindi finally was like aren't YOU being narrow minded? Is this not contradictory? Like yas man.
I liked Jason at first, they had chemistry the first time they met and the bookshop scene was just GOALS oomg. But after that it went kind of downhill and cliche and really stupid and dumb.
A lof of things did not make realistic sense at all.
Then Tamaral helps Jaggi set fire to Nikki's house along with her and they run away and they arrest Jaggi but Tamaral runs away and they quote don't bother arresting her but if they need to they will unquote ??????????? But she is literally an accomplice, not a witness?????? l i e k. wat
I thought the title was just a gag at first honestly so I was really shocked when the book did not hold back. I didn't particularly enjoy them, i don't watch or read porn or anything, but the description was nice and at times made me smile in amusement.
The takeaway I had with this book is that nothing is inherently evil, only how you deal with it. The past traditions may be very strict, and if some people find solace in that, good for you. But we as humans need to realise that what works for us does not equate the same for others. So don't project and force your ideals onto your child. Rather, you show the child what your life principles has had to offer, and also the critical ability to see and analyse the world. And when the time comes, you let them pick what is best for themselves. For if there were truly any sort of inherent sacracy or truth in your tradition, then you need not fear your children abandon it. Society may be a bitch and this case very brutal and tragic where murder and killings take place if you act how people deem as "unholy". Some come from screwed love of family members, others pure lust of power and thrill and extreme people. I have no conclusion or solution to this. Unlike in the book, I highly doubt people's minds can be changed and converted so easily by a collection of erotic fantasies. But it is a decent message, makes the readers think.
It is just really holds up its title well. It is really full of erotic stories and fantasies of sikh women who are stereotyped to be really religious and not at all sexual, judged to be looked upon as a sin.
I enjoyed delving into the stereotypes of this particular community, as well as the very real and tragic discrimination and harassment they face in real life. I also get to understand the mindset and perspective of the more traditional generation . Despite the suffocation of freedom and forceful marriages and "trophy" education they push their children into, they do love them, in their own and only way that they know how to express their love given the environment they were raised in. We see some degree of progression and open mindedness here, in Nikki's dad and Kul towards the end.
On the other hand, we see that Nikki is radically and vehemently rejecting female oppression and arranged marriages, often taking part in feminist events and whatnot. Her sister, Mindi, desires an arrnaged marriage and a family, and believes in this concept. Of course she can choose to leave whenever she wants, but she still desires this arranged marriage route. Nikki constantly grills and beats her sister up about it throughout the book about being narrow minded and oppressed by her cultural upbringing and rigidity. Towards the end Mindi finally was like aren't YOU being narrow minded? Is this not contradictory? Like yas man.
I liked Jason at first, they had chemistry the first time they met and the bookshop scene was just GOALS oomg. But after that it went kind of downhill and cliche and really stupid and dumb.
A lof of things did not make realistic sense at all.
Spoiler
Kul had a pretty much 180 personality change abruptly after reading just one of the stories and I'm like????? ?????????????? girl??? @author hello???????????Then Tamaral helps Jaggi set fire to Nikki's house along with her and they run away and they arrest Jaggi but Tamaral runs away and they quote don't bother arresting her but if they need to they will unquote ??????????? But she is literally an accomplice, not a witness?????? l i e k. wat
I thought the title was just a gag at first honestly so I was really shocked when the book did not hold back. I didn't particularly enjoy them, i don't watch or read porn or anything, but the description was nice and at times made me smile in amusement.
The takeaway I had with this book is that nothing is inherently evil, only how you deal with it. The past traditions may be very strict, and if some people find solace in that, good for you. But we as humans need to realise that what works for us does not equate the same for others. So don't project and force your ideals onto your child. Rather, you show the child what your life principles has had to offer, and also the critical ability to see and analyse the world. And when the time comes, you let them pick what is best for themselves. For if there were truly any sort of inherent sacracy or truth in your tradition, then you need not fear your children abandon it. Society may be a bitch and this case very brutal and tragic where murder and killings take place if you act how people deem as "unholy". Some come from screwed love of family members, others pure lust of power and thrill and extreme people. I have no conclusion or solution to this. Unlike in the book, I highly doubt people's minds can be changed and converted so easily by a collection of erotic fantasies. But it is a decent message, makes the readers think.
dashofnoelle's review against another edition
4.0
3.75
Cute. If we were vacationing, it would be a good vacay read!
Cute. If we were vacationing, it would be a good vacay read!
bookviberater's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so unexpected! I love it so much. I’m looking forward to discussing it at our book club!