Scan barcode
rachel_purple's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sadiq_khan's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thekatiefu's review against another edition
2.0
What was this supposed to be about? There seemed to be so many storylines and themes, but I never could tell if there was supposed to be a central one.
It was hard for me to stick with, especially because none of the characters really seemed likeable. If I had read this in book format (as opposed to the audiobook I did read/listen to), I may have set it aside without finishing.
It was hard for me to stick with, especially because none of the characters really seemed likeable. If I had read this in book format (as opposed to the audiobook I did read/listen to), I may have set it aside without finishing.
annevblij's review against another edition
4.0
A really interesting tale about race and class. It evokes great vivid images.
valareads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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
krmreads2024's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.25
kaygo2490's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't finish it and I don't have any desire at the moment to do so. The plot was difficult to wrap my mind around and the characters were not clear. I hate that this is my first Zadie book. I just over half way through before I throw the book across the room.
Update August 23, 2017:
Hmm, I'm considering rereading this book. I'm thinking I was not in the right head space when I read it.
Update August 23, 2017:
Hmm, I'm considering rereading this book. I'm thinking I was not in the right head space when I read it.
torabella216's review against another edition
4.0
At times the multiple themes of this book felt disjointed and hard to digest but in some ways that felt purposeful, as if a commentary on the unresolved complexity of identity and life. Similarly, the structuring of the story had the reader jumping between timelines and locations so often that the effect was a strained memory of the events taking place. For me, that felt like the way memories of relationship often do when they are strained or tumultuous. Truly enjoyed the flawed nature of the characters but it left me unsure of who I was rooting for. Above all, Smith’s prose always has me swooning.