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ebbajacobsson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.25
anu_malous's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
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
5.0
Cannot recommend this book enough, it is criminally underrated.
The writing is so poignant and perfectly captures like the hyper-focused priorities you have as a kid and the decisions you make accordingly. I was taken aback by how much I related to the way Arjie thought when I was younger. The reason this gets 5 stars is because it perfectly balances that with the conflict that progresses throughout the book as well as coming to terms with his "funniness" per say. Through the use of a child narrator, the author completely eliminates the perceived complexity we bring to political situations and just highlights that at its base level its wrong and there's no excusing it.
As a Sri Lankan, it was inexplicably gratifying to see the culture and language presented so authentically. It brings a lot of much needed light to the horrible conflict and issues that have happened and with regards to the current global political situation, I'd recommend reading this book even more. It drives home again, that no political situation is ever so complex that genocide is alright.
I'd go as far as to say this is my favorite book of all time, it made me feel more seen and just had such beautiful prose that I wish I could absorb every line and essence of it.
The writing is so poignant and perfectly captures like the hyper-focused priorities you have as a kid and the decisions you make accordingly. I was taken aback by how much I related to the way Arjie thought when I was younger. The reason this gets 5 stars is because it perfectly balances that with the conflict that progresses throughout the book as well as coming to terms with his "funniness" per say. Through the use of a child narrator, the author completely eliminates the perceived complexity we bring to political situations and just highlights that at its base level its wrong and there's no excusing it.
As a Sri Lankan, it was inexplicably gratifying to see the culture and language presented so authentically. It brings a lot of much needed light to the horrible conflict and issues that have happened and with regards to the current global political situation, I'd recommend reading this book even more. It drives home again, that no political situation is ever so complex that genocide is alright.
I'd go as far as to say this is my favorite book of all time, it made me feel more seen and just had such beautiful prose that I wish I could absorb every line and essence of it.
verimythe's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
georginadaw's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
khushisinha's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The author’s brilliant writing and captivating narration kept me hooked until the very end. This coming-of-age novel sheds light on Sri Lankan history & marks my first experience with a blend of historical fiction and LGBTQ themes. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
nerdyylemon's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
lizzycatslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This novel tells the story of a boy name Arjie and his life growing up in Sri Lanka. Arjie, a boy constantly on the outside of society, is able to connect with and understand the many social and political events going on around him. He takes you through the journey he experiences growing up in Sri Lanka and allows you to discover with him the many injustices that exist in this world such as racism and sexism through a child's eyes. Though this is a 300+ page book, the style and eloquence in which it is written makes it fly by. I really enjoyed reading this book and would not mind reading it again.
santhanakana's review against another edition
5.0
I ate this book up from start to finish! Loved everything about it! Arjie, you such a cutie adai! Incredibly well written, I couldn’t put it down!!!! Six stories in one, w a backdrop of Sri Lanka and following a Tamil family, YES FUCKING PLS XX
mgramos's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
laurel1985's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75