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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
At first I was unsure how these three seemingly separate stories would come together but as the novel progressed the ending became obvious. I found Smita and her storyline the most compelling, but I was invested in the stories of all three women. I’d sometimes feel frustrated when one woman’s section finished - especially when it ended on a cliffhanger - but that quickly faded as I picked up the threads of another woman’s story.
It was interesting to note the differing ways gender impacted the lives of all three women, although the impact of caste was an equally major determinant of Smita’s life. While the endings for Guilia and Sarah seemed positive I felt Smita’s storyline was left a little more up in the air. I guess I’ll have to share her faith that her sacrifice to Vishnu will be rewarded.
My one reservation is that I’m not sure the novel’s overall message, a global sisterhood if you will, stands up to close scrutiny or analysis. The fact that Smita sacrificed her hair freely for religious reasons, and it was then sold to Guilia’s business in Italy, before being manufactured and eventually bought by Sarah in Canada has more to do with globalisation and capitalism than with any feel-good sisterly bonds. The racial overtones of two wealthier white women benefitting from the body of a poor brown woman are also uncomfortable.
An enjoyable read, but one which one that left me with a few thoughts I’m not sure the author intended.
Graphic: Cancer, Sexism, and Classism
atamano's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Ableism, Cancer, Excrement, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Sexism, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
lidia7's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Cancer, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Excrement
Minor: Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
mari_lit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Cancer and Classism
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Excrement, Medical content, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
paulabr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Cancer, Hate crime, Torture, Excrement, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, and Colonisation
schwabbelliese's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence
angele16's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Cancer
Minor: Rape, Sexism, and Murder
alonadadonut's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Cancer and Sexism
Moderate: Death
Minor: Rape
beatriks's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Violence, Excrement, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, and Murder