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liz_newbern's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating dive into 1920s Bombay
This was a carefully plotted story following the life of a young female solicitor in Bombay, India - Perveen. She walks the reader through the complications of Parsi and Muslim law of that time while also showing the reader a look into the streets of Bombay past with delicious dishes, intrigue, and the complications of living in and India still under English rule. There are lots of twists and turns that you don’t anticipate. Great read for anyone who enjoys history and diving into a good murder mystery.
This was a carefully plotted story following the life of a young female solicitor in Bombay, India - Perveen. She walks the reader through the complications of Parsi and Muslim law of that time while also showing the reader a look into the streets of Bombay past with delicious dishes, intrigue, and the complications of living in and India still under English rule. There are lots of twists and turns that you don’t anticipate. Great read for anyone who enjoys history and diving into a good murder mystery.
sillyemmylou's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
deanab's review against another edition
3.0
This novel took place mostly in 1921 in India wherein a woman, Perveen, is attempting to be the first female lawyer. The novel also goes back in time to explain the trials and tribulations of her law school days as well as an ill-fated marriage. I enjoyed learning her backstory while following her in the “present” time. This book had intrigue and suspense along with some interesting historical information. While I enjoyed it, I found it to be a bit too long and dragged on at times. I also questioned some of the historical information as it just seemed a bid modern on occasion. For example, a character saying “just feeling chill!” seemed out of place which made me question its validity. However, I’m not a historian so I’m just giving my opinion.
sravani25's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
oliviakur's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genre’s, and a bit of crime thrown in was a wonderful mixture. Massey has such a beautiful way of storytelling and switching timelines. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural points and feminist ideas pushed throughout.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
How great is it when a novel lives up to its hype? I was so excited about this book and was thrilled to get a review copy via Netgalley, that it would be hard to not have some little sense of let down. But there is none.
Completely engaging from page one, the "Widows" tells an old story that is completely new. The variety of customs and beliefs in Bombay during the early 1920s is remarkable, as is everyone's ability to maneuver one thing or another. Sujata Massey makes no attempt to judge or modernize anything in the story--the customs are what they are. The story has depth and surprises, and Massey's new character, Perveen Mistry, is appealing and believable.
More good news--"The Widows of Malabar Hill" comes out on Tuesday. Grab a copy and enjoy!
Completely engaging from page one, the "Widows" tells an old story that is completely new. The variety of customs and beliefs in Bombay during the early 1920s is remarkable, as is everyone's ability to maneuver one thing or another. Sujata Massey makes no attempt to judge or modernize anything in the story--the customs are what they are. The story has depth and surprises, and Massey's new character, Perveen Mistry, is appealing and believable.
More good news--"The Widows of Malabar Hill" comes out on Tuesday. Grab a copy and enjoy!
roomal's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
catric's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5