Scan barcode
A review by melbsreads
A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content warnings: racism, racial slurs, colonialism, stillbirth, murder, rape, death, gun violence, theft (in the past), vomit, alcohol abuse, violence, gaslighting
I was excited to read this because I know a little about Fijian history on account of my parents living there for four years before I was born, but I knew essentially nothing about THIS period of Fiji's history. Between the plantations and the indentured labour and the Sikh police officers, there was a lot that I learnt from this book, even though it's a crime novel about a missing woman.
I liked Akal as a protagonist a lot, and while I could have done without the seemingly endless racial slurs I understand that they're absolutely authentic to the time period. Anyway, the mystery was compelling. Akal's backstory is compelling. The writing was great, and Fiji was lovingly depicted.
My one real issue with this is that the missing victim's name is Kunti and as an Australian who watches a LOT of RuPaul's Drag Race, I...........yeah. Yeah.
I was excited to read this because I know a little about Fijian history on account of my parents living there for four years before I was born, but I knew essentially nothing about THIS period of Fiji's history. Between the plantations and the indentured labour and the Sikh police officers, there was a lot that I learnt from this book, even though it's a crime novel about a missing woman.
I liked Akal as a protagonist a lot, and while I could have done without the seemingly endless racial slurs I understand that they're absolutely authentic to the time period. Anyway, the mystery was compelling. Akal's backstory is compelling. The writing was great, and Fiji was lovingly depicted.
My one real issue with this is that the missing victim's name is Kunti and as an Australian who watches a LOT of RuPaul's Drag Race, I...........yeah. Yeah.