Review by applesodaperson - Land of Milk and Honey

applesodaperson 's review for:

Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang

2.0

reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was unfortunately an example of me judging a book by its cover/premise, and then ending up disappointed by the reality. I had really high expectations and this book did not deliver. I actually really liked the dystopian premise, because it felt like a situation that could potentially happened in real life, considering how much pollution there already is. But I feel like the book just couldn't deliver what was promised. The plot of the actual book started cool and mysterious, with the unexpected job and shadowy boss, but despite having access to clean air and good food, she wastes the book being whiny and sad. I also did not like the plot twist that

she was secretly hired to play the role of the wife of the boss guy.

Literally so unrealistic and stupid and also made her relationship with the boss's daughter so strange.
Also the ending was so out of nowhere and underwhelming. And despite the main character being a chef, and the whole plot revolving around food, there was a lack of focus on food.
I also did not like the weird hunting scenes or the scene where

they accidentally kill a child. Felt very confusing and didn't even have very much of an impact on anything

This book just feels like wasted potential and ruining a really cool premise.
Listened to on Libby.

Content Warnings