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2.98 AVERAGE
2.98 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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 liked the topics that this book was discussing and that it mainly focussed on the characters. The characters were complex and it was interesting to see them struggle with their situation in life, the expectations of others etc. However, the writing style was not for me at all. Even though I am sure it was intentional, it made it very difficult for me to get close to the characters and really feel for them and understand them.
I couldn’t get into the writing style. To me, it felt like an A.I. was writing it
I hate to be a harsh critic but this book just wasn’t for me. I read up to page 250 but couldn’t bear it any longer. The broken English, lack of connection to the characters and pace of the book were the real issues for me
Quick easy read. Bit of a Cinderella type vibe to the story. A critique could be that this story romanizes some serious issues but I did have some thought provoking moments while reading and also found it interesting to draw parallels between the life of Amma and Belinda. Recommended read.
Two stars because the cover is beautiful and the synopsis was promising but I'm sorry this book is not it.
I was lost, so lost. Maybe this book targets a different audience.
Won't recommend.
I was lost, so lost. Maybe this book targets a different audience.
Won't recommend.
I didn’t actually hate the writing style, which I originally thought I would when I started reading. I can see some reviews thinking that this was unintentional and a product of the authors broken English, but I’m leaning towards disagreeing and I do think it reflects the spoken style that I saw when travelling. I didn’t pick up on it as being incorrect English, but rather a stylistic choice that I could really imagine hearing out loud. I thought the topic of homosexuality was covered generally very well and I felt a lot of nuance in both characters as they dealt with that theme. The three stars come from the books tailing off and lack of ending… I really wanted some resolution, and I thought Belinda’s reaction to the final events in the book was quite out of character for her as she had clearly dealt with so much in silence and with kind heartedness… but I guess she finally felt like she didn’t owe anyone anything and didn’t feel forced to hide her feelings for everyone else’s sake anymore? Maybe that does suit her character development, but in terms of the plot, I think it trailed off and needed that tiny bit of something just to wrap it all up.
2.5 stars. This started out well but I never fully engaged with the characters.
I hate to be a harsh critic but this book just wasn’t for me. I read up to page 250 but couldn’t bear it any longer. The broken English, lack of connection to the characters and pace of the book were the real issues for me
The voices in this book feel so incredibly real. My heart rejoices and breaks with our lead through out the book. I think the questioning sexualities was done really well, albeit a bit triggering. I appreciated the rejection and understanding that came with seeing someone experience a love / attraction that she was told wasn't allowed. I'm still not sure how I feel about the character seeming to have her own attraction to women, but feeling she had to deny it. It feels like a very valid and important narrative, but it's one that breaks my heart, and it's hard to see it get more "screen time". Though it did pave the way to hold space for the importance of all relationships, not just romantic.
The two main characters, Belinda and Amma, are the best part of the novel. Unfortunately, by the third act, the novel chooses to focus on only one, losing something as it does.