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davinareads's reviews
844 reviews
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I feel like people's attention spans aren’t what they used to be, so when a book manages to capture mine so fully within just ten pages, it's already a success. I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth of this story.
This book follows the Salt family, who live on a remote island near Antarctica called Shearwater. They are responsible for maintaining a seed vault—one that holds the seeds humanity would need if they ever had to start over. But the project is shutting down, and Dom, the father, along with his two teenagers and young son, are slowly packing up to leave. What they don’t expect is for a woman to wash ashore during a storm.
The secrets the Salt's are trying to bury are at odds with the stranger’s determination to uncover the truth. What none of them anticipate is the deep bond that forms between each member of the Salt family and the woman—Rowan.
Between the suspense and mystery, which are expertly crafted, there are deeply emotional moments as this fractured family begins to heal with Rowan’s help. This is where the book’s raw emotional depth shines. I loved Rowan's interactions with each family member—they felt tender, deeply human, and filled with a range of emotions. The story explores loss and grief, the isolation, anger, and bitterness that come with it, but also the love and joy that remain. Each character felt well-defined, struggling with their own burdens yet finding ways to overcome them.
The depiction of Shearwater’s wildlife and landscape was incredibly vivid. Though fictional, the island felt real. The descriptions of the environment—from the roaring seals and crashing waves to the salty brine in the air—immersed me completely. I could feel the ice-cold wind and freezing rain against my skin. The setting wasn’t just described; it was brought to life, making it one of the strongest examples of atmospheric writing I’ve read.
Overall, this is an exceptionally well-written book that masterfully balances character development and plot. The constant pull to uncover the Salt family's secrets, combined with the chemistry between the characters, kept me hooked. The ending, in particular, was perfect.
Well-paced, emotionally rich, and filled with characters you’ll love—flaws and all—this is a literary fiction novel I highly recommend. You’ll find a family to root for and a beautifully crafted story to lose yourself in.
Well-paced, emotionally rich, and filled with characters you’ll love—flaws and all—this is a literary fiction novel I highly recommend. You’ll find a family to root for and a beautifully crafted story to lose yourself in.
Iron Gold by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is exactly the level of stress I can handle. Iron Gold is an excellent addition to the Red Rising saga, and Pierce Brown’s writing just keeps getting better!
The new character introductions? Phenomenal. Each one is layered and complex, and I loved how their stories unfolded. Ephraim stole the show for me—his contradictions made him such a fascinating character. Romulus’s family history, politics, and Dido’s fiery entrance? Absolutely chef’s kiss. And then there’s Lysander—his POV completely pulled me in, and I really appreciated how his character was developed. Of course, our favorite characters are still here (and still suffering, as always). Darrow and Sevro’s dynamic remains unmatched reminding me how much I've missed them.
Every POV shift left me hanging on a minor cliffhanger, keeping me hooked the entire time. It felt like four mini stories weaving together to form a master story. The pacing is well done with a beautiful balance of plot and character. Paired this with the audiobook, it was an experience reading along. The audiobook blew my mind with the background effects and cast. It was so fun.
My last note for this, while Iron Gold isn’t as intense as the last two books, it’s a necessary buildup and I enjoyed every momentof it. The story is building a fire and I'm ready for it to explode.
The new character introductions? Phenomenal. Each one is layered and complex, and I loved how their stories unfolded. Ephraim stole the show for me—his contradictions made him such a fascinating character. Romulus’s family history, politics, and Dido’s fiery entrance? Absolutely chef’s kiss. And then there’s Lysander—his POV completely pulled me in, and I really appreciated how his character was developed. Of course, our favorite characters are still here (and still suffering, as always). Darrow and Sevro’s dynamic remains unmatched reminding me how much I've missed them.
Every POV shift left me hanging on a minor cliffhanger, keeping me hooked the entire time. It felt like four mini stories weaving together to form a master story. The pacing is well done with a beautiful balance of plot and character. Paired this with the audiobook, it was an experience reading along. The audiobook blew my mind with the background effects and cast. It was so fun.
My last note for this, while Iron Gold isn’t as intense as the last two books, it’s a necessary buildup and I enjoyed every momentof it. The story is building a fire and I'm ready for it to explode.
His Mortal Demise by Vanessa Le
dark
- 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
2.5
I went into His Mortal Demise with high expectations, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully meet them. While there were some strong moments, overall, the story felt repetitive and lacked the depth I was hoping for.
Let’s start with what worked. I appreciated how the book summarized key events from the first installment, making it easy to jump back in. I didn’t have to work too hard to remember what happened, and I think that’s very important for a series.
The last 30% of the book is where the story finally picked up. There was action, and I found myself leaning into the story. I just wanted more of it, and that’s where His Mortal Demise fell flat.
The pacing throughout the rest of the book felt sluggish, and the plot didn’t have enough momentum to carry the story forward. Conversations between characters lacked depth, and some scenes felt unnecessary because they didn’t add much. The writing often felt rushed, moving from one action to the next in quick succession. Rather than being immersed in the story through vivid descriptions—sound, feeling, taste—I felt like I was being told what was happening rather than experiencing it.
The writing style also didn’t quite match the promise of the first book. While I understand this was an ARC, the overuse of certain words stood out—“breath” (this word stood out aggressively), “Mother” (as a god figure, not a parent), and repetitive references to loss (“she died, I love her”) made the prose feel unpolished, as if words were being used just to fill space.
I also found myself losing the emotional connection between Nhika and Kochin, which made the stakes feel lower. As the main characters, I wanted to love them easily, but something was missing to make them feel fully three-dimensional.
Overall, the plot leaned on the weaker side, and while the ending was decent, it didn’t deliver the level of thrill I had hoped for.
Let’s start with what worked. I appreciated how the book summarized key events from the first installment, making it easy to jump back in. I didn’t have to work too hard to remember what happened, and I think that’s very important for a series.
The last 30% of the book is where the story finally picked up. There was action, and I found myself leaning into the story. I just wanted more of it, and that’s where His Mortal Demise fell flat.
The pacing throughout the rest of the book felt sluggish, and the plot didn’t have enough momentum to carry the story forward. Conversations between characters lacked depth, and some scenes felt unnecessary because they didn’t add much. The writing often felt rushed, moving from one action to the next in quick succession. Rather than being immersed in the story through vivid descriptions—sound, feeling, taste—I felt like I was being told what was happening rather than experiencing it.
The writing style also didn’t quite match the promise of the first book. While I understand this was an ARC, the overuse of certain words stood out—“breath” (this word stood out aggressively), “Mother” (as a god figure, not a parent), and repetitive references to loss (“she died, I love her”) made the prose feel unpolished, as if words were being used just to fill space.
I also found myself losing the emotional connection between Nhika and Kochin, which made the stakes feel lower. As the main characters, I wanted to love them easily, but something was missing to make them feel fully three-dimensional.
Overall, the plot leaned on the weaker side, and while the ending was decent, it didn’t deliver the level of thrill I had hoped for.
The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark by Sabrina Kleckner
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
A coming-of-age story about finding one's purpose and reason. Messy—but the good kind of messy, the kind that comes with self-discovery.
From the very first page, this book had a strong, captivating voice that instantly hooked me. The pacing was perfect, and the writing remained solid throughout, making it an engaging and immersive read. While this was primarily a character-driven novel, there was enough story to create a well-balanced narrative.
Maisie Clark is such a fantastic main character—bubbly, passionate, and layered with depth. Watching her grow and evolve was one of the highlights of this book. She’s someone you truly want to root for, and I loved how her relationships shaped her journey. Her dynamic with her friends—especially Eli—stood out, as well as the way her relationship with her family developed over time. The character growth felt authentic and rewarding.
This book is a perfect mix of lighthearted and meaningful. It had some unexpectedly funny moments that made me smile, while also tackling strong themes that give depth to the story. And I have to say—Calum and Benji? Their chemistry was amazing. I’d absolutely read a book just about them.
Some might feel that Maisie’s actions don’t always match her age, but I think she’s a great representation of an 18-year-old trying to navigate school, life, and self-discovery. Her struggles and choices felt real, which made her story even more compelling.
Overall, The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartfelt and well-written YA novel with a strong character arc, engaging relationships, and a cozy but meaningful narrative. If you love coming-of-age stories that blend humor, growth, and a touch of emotional depth, this is one to pick up.
From the very first page, this book had a strong, captivating voice that instantly hooked me. The pacing was perfect, and the writing remained solid throughout, making it an engaging and immersive read. While this was primarily a character-driven novel, there was enough story to create a well-balanced narrative.
Maisie Clark is such a fantastic main character—bubbly, passionate, and layered with depth. Watching her grow and evolve was one of the highlights of this book. She’s someone you truly want to root for, and I loved how her relationships shaped her journey. Her dynamic with her friends—especially Eli—stood out, as well as the way her relationship with her family developed over time. The character growth felt authentic and rewarding.
This book is a perfect mix of lighthearted and meaningful. It had some unexpectedly funny moments that made me smile, while also tackling strong themes that give depth to the story. And I have to say—Calum and Benji? Their chemistry was amazing. I’d absolutely read a book just about them.
Some might feel that Maisie’s actions don’t always match her age, but I think she’s a great representation of an 18-year-old trying to navigate school, life, and self-discovery. Her struggles and choices felt real, which made her story even more compelling.
Overall, The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark is a heartfelt and well-written YA novel with a strong character arc, engaging relationships, and a cozy but meaningful narrative. If you love coming-of-age stories that blend humor, growth, and a touch of emotional depth, this is one to pick up.
Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
funny
tense
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? Yes
4.0
This one was hard to rate. If I could rate just the characters, they’d get a solid 5 stars. The character dynamics were really well done—the chemistry between them was strong, and the tension that built up over the book added depth to the whole experience. This is definitely a more character-driven story.
That said, I think if this series had been written in a lighter, fluffier way—focused more on character interactions than kingdom politics and threats—it would have been a five-star read for me.
For those who don’t know, our main character, Tycho, was originally a side character in Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series (which I loved). And unfortunately, it still felt like he was a side character in his own spin-off.
There is a story here, but it’s rather weak because the characters have no real power to drive the plot forward. We see glimpses of court tension, but we don’t experience it firsthand—we only get bits and pieces through gossip and speculation. It just didn’t feel like there was enough story for them.
Another thing that worked against the book for me was the heavy reliance on miscommunication and under-communication. I always get frustrated when conflicts could easily be solved if the characters just talked and listened. And this book leaned heavily into that trope.
On a more positive note, I really liked the ending—it hooked me enough to want to continue the series. Again, I love the characters, so I have no problem picking up the next book to see where their story goes. I just really hope the storyline will be stronger next time.
Overall, if you love character-driven stories with amazing chemistry, this is worth picking up. Just go in knowing that the plot takes a backseat to the relationships. And if you’re impatient like me, brace yourself for the wait until the next book!
That said, I think if this series had been written in a lighter, fluffier way—focused more on character interactions than kingdom politics and threats—it would have been a five-star read for me.
For those who don’t know, our main character, Tycho, was originally a side character in Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series (which I loved). And unfortunately, it still felt like he was a side character in his own spin-off.
There is a story here, but it’s rather weak because the characters have no real power to drive the plot forward. We see glimpses of court tension, but we don’t experience it firsthand—we only get bits and pieces through gossip and speculation. It just didn’t feel like there was enough story for them.
Another thing that worked against the book for me was the heavy reliance on miscommunication and under-communication. I always get frustrated when conflicts could easily be solved if the characters just talked and listened. And this book leaned heavily into that trope.
On a more positive note, I really liked the ending—it hooked me enough to want to continue the series. Again, I love the characters, so I have no problem picking up the next book to see where their story goes. I just really hope the storyline will be stronger next time.
Overall, if you love character-driven stories with amazing chemistry, this is worth picking up. Just go in knowing that the plot takes a backseat to the relationships. And if you’re impatient like me, brace yourself for the wait until the next book!
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.5
The growth. THE GROWTH. Seeing how much these characters—especially the children—have evolved since The House in the Cerulean Sea had me feeling all kinds of emotions. While I didn’t cry as much as I did in the first book, I still cried (because let’s be honest, it’s a TJ Klune book—tears are inevitable).
Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers another heartwarming, emotional journey with its highs and lows, all wrapped in that same cozy atmosphere I loved from the first book. The pacing was strong, the details rich, and the themes were beautifully woven throughout. One of my favorites was the idea that even the smallest ripple can start a big movement. It’s such a simple yet powerful message.
And the ending was so sweet you might actually vomit. It was the kind of heartwarming, wholesome conclusion that makes you want to hug the book (or throw it across the room because of the overwhelming emotions).
While this was a fantastic follow-up, I have to admit that I liked The House in the Cerulean Sea just a little more. Maybe it’s because I sobbed harder during that one, or maybe it’s because it was my introduction to this world. Either way, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is still a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. This is a book for those who never felt like they belonged and it's a message to say that you do.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers another heartwarming, emotional journey with its highs and lows, all wrapped in that same cozy atmosphere I loved from the first book. The pacing was strong, the details rich, and the themes were beautifully woven throughout. One of my favorites was the idea that even the smallest ripple can start a big movement. It’s such a simple yet powerful message.
And the ending was so sweet you might actually vomit. It was the kind of heartwarming, wholesome conclusion that makes you want to hug the book (or throw it across the room because of the overwhelming emotions).
While this was a fantastic follow-up, I have to admit that I liked The House in the Cerulean Sea just a little more. Maybe it’s because I sobbed harder during that one, or maybe it’s because it was my introduction to this world. Either way, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is still a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. This is a book for those who never felt like they belonged and it's a message to say that you do.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
TJ Klune, HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME CRY SO MUCH. This book wrecked my tear ducts. It wasn’t even sad—I’m just emotionally weak.
From the moment I started reading, The House in the Cerulean Sea, felt like being transported to an early 2000s animated movie—vivid, colorful, and full of heart. I can’t fully explain why, but I could absolutely see this playing out as a beautifully illustrated movie. It was so detailed.
Despite the somewhat bleak opening, there was a warmth woven into every page. It felt cozy, even when the story tackled heavier themes. And the cuteness? Overwhelming. Not just "oh, a single tear" cute—I mean full-on sobbing, snot included. I was disgusting. Nearing the end, I completely lost it and gave up trying to not cry.
The characters are EVERYTHING. They’re fictional, sure, but so incredibly well-written that they felt real. They had depth, heart, and a charm that made me want to protect them all. The found family theme was executed perfectly, and I will physically fight anyone who says otherwise.
This book is for those who love sweet, hopeful, feel-good stories. If you’re a sappy person, this will be your comfort read. If you’re someone who hates “fake hope” or ultra-wholesome narratives, this probably isn’t for you.
At its core, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a bright slice of light in an often dark world, and sometimes, that’s exactly what I need. Imagine X-Men, but instead of superheroes fighting battles, it’s a group of magical kids just trying to find a place to call home.
From the moment I started reading, The House in the Cerulean Sea, felt like being transported to an early 2000s animated movie—vivid, colorful, and full of heart. I can’t fully explain why, but I could absolutely see this playing out as a beautifully illustrated movie. It was so detailed.
Despite the somewhat bleak opening, there was a warmth woven into every page. It felt cozy, even when the story tackled heavier themes. And the cuteness? Overwhelming. Not just "oh, a single tear" cute—I mean full-on sobbing, snot included. I was disgusting. Nearing the end, I completely lost it and gave up trying to not cry.
The characters are EVERYTHING. They’re fictional, sure, but so incredibly well-written that they felt real. They had depth, heart, and a charm that made me want to protect them all. The found family theme was executed perfectly, and I will physically fight anyone who says otherwise.
This book is for those who love sweet, hopeful, feel-good stories. If you’re a sappy person, this will be your comfort read. If you’re someone who hates “fake hope” or ultra-wholesome narratives, this probably isn’t for you.
At its core, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a bright slice of light in an often dark world, and sometimes, that’s exactly what I need. Imagine X-Men, but instead of superheroes fighting battles, it’s a group of magical kids just trying to find a place to call home.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.0
The story itself is a solid 4/5, but the way it's written—especially how the pages are laid out—exceeds 5 stars. This book takes creative writing to another level, and I applaud its ability to not only drag me through chaos but also surprise me with how intentional every detail is. I loved how the layout of the pages reflected the characters' mental and physical states, making the reading experience even more immersive.
If you're looking for a book that sends you down a rabbit hole for answers long after you've finished, this is it.
At its core, House of Leaves follows a young man named Johnny Truant, who discovers a manuscript written by a blind man named Zampanò. The manuscript analyzes a documentary called The Navidson Record, which follows a family who moves into a house that defies logic—the inside is larger than the outside, and endless, shifting hallways appear. As Johnny becomes obsessed with the manuscript, his own life spirals into madness, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
As much as I admired the book’s ambition, there were moments where the narrator’s rambling became overwhelming. At times, it felt more distracting than immersive, pulling me away from the main story rather than adding depth. That said, it did reinforce how much Johnny was unraveling, which fits the book’s themes.
The footnotes, while an interesting touch that added to the book’s "academic analysis" feel, were hit-or-miss for me. Some enhanced the experience, but others felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing.
At its core, this is a simple story told in an incredibly unique way. There are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end, but I think that’s part of its appeal—it builds a community of readers eager to piece things together long after the last page. The book is dark, suspenseful, and unsettling without being outright terrifying, and despite its complexity, I had a great time navigating its unconventional format.
What a fascinating read.
If you're looking for a book that sends you down a rabbit hole for answers long after you've finished, this is it.
At its core, House of Leaves follows a young man named Johnny Truant, who discovers a manuscript written by a blind man named Zampanò. The manuscript analyzes a documentary called The Navidson Record, which follows a family who moves into a house that defies logic—the inside is larger than the outside, and endless, shifting hallways appear. As Johnny becomes obsessed with the manuscript, his own life spirals into madness, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
As much as I admired the book’s ambition, there were moments where the narrator’s rambling became overwhelming. At times, it felt more distracting than immersive, pulling me away from the main story rather than adding depth. That said, it did reinforce how much Johnny was unraveling, which fits the book’s themes.
The footnotes, while an interesting touch that added to the book’s "academic analysis" feel, were hit-or-miss for me. Some enhanced the experience, but others felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing.
At its core, this is a simple story told in an incredibly unique way. There are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end, but I think that’s part of its appeal—it builds a community of readers eager to piece things together long after the last page. The book is dark, suspenseful, and unsettling without being outright terrifying, and despite its complexity, I had a great time navigating its unconventional format.
What a fascinating read.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book... it makes sense, and yet it doesn’t. We Used to Live Here left me teetering on the edge of like and dislike, and even after some thought, I find myself landing somewhere in the middle.
Having seen this book pop up everywhere last year, I finally got around to reading it, and I can see why it’s been so talked about. Marcus Kliewer has a real talent for creating unease—I genuinely felt scared at times, and was once again, scared of the dark. The writing is compelling, drawing you in and making you want to keep turning the pages, if only to figure out what is happening.
With our main character, I kept yelling at her and had to constantly reminding myself that her questionable decisions were what drove the story forward. Without them, there wouldn’t be a book. But still, it’s hard not to wish for a little more logic in her actions.
After such a strong build-up, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending. It’s one of those conclusions that leaves you wanting more—something to match the build up. It wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, We Used to Live Here is an atmospheric, well-written thriller that excels at building tension and unease. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a good scare, or to those who enjoy conspiracy theories. You will be sucked into a dark hole after finishing this book to learn more about it.
Having seen this book pop up everywhere last year, I finally got around to reading it, and I can see why it’s been so talked about. Marcus Kliewer has a real talent for creating unease—I genuinely felt scared at times, and was once again, scared of the dark. The writing is compelling, drawing you in and making you want to keep turning the pages, if only to figure out what is happening.
With our main character, I kept yelling at her and had to constantly reminding myself that her questionable decisions were what drove the story forward. Without them, there wouldn’t be a book. But still, it’s hard not to wish for a little more logic in her actions.
After such a strong build-up, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending. It’s one of those conclusions that leaves you wanting more—something to match the build up. It wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, We Used to Live Here is an atmospheric, well-written thriller that excels at building tension and unease. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a good scare, or to those who enjoy conspiracy theories. You will be sucked into a dark hole after finishing this book to learn more about it.
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Some books leave you breathless. Others leave you broken. Homeseeking somehow manages to do both, and I mean that in the best way possible.
From the very first page—starting with the dedication and the author’s note—I had a feeling this book would be something special. And it delivered. This is a story of love, loss, sacrifice, and survival, spanning six decades of history and hardship. We follow Haiwen and Suchi, two young Chinese children who meet in 1938, become teenage lovers, and are separated by war for over 60 years. When fate reunites them in 2008, their shared past and unresolved feelings come flooding back in a way that’s both devastating and beautiful.
The depth of this book is astonishing. The characters—Haiwen, Suchi, and even the supporting cast—are so vividly written, their desires, flaws, and sacrifices make them heartbreakingly real. Watching their lives unfold, from moments of hope to the cruel unfairness of war, felt like experiencing their joys and sorrows alongside them. The way the story balances the historical detail with such raw human emotion is masterful.
I cried. I suffered. And then I cried some more. This is a book that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them out entirely. Yet, for all its pain, there’s a strange sense of healing and hope by the end.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s richly detailed, achingly emotional, and beautifully written. If I could, I’d throw my entire bookshelf at it. Homeseeking isn’t just a great read—it’s an unforgettable experience.
From the very first page—starting with the dedication and the author’s note—I had a feeling this book would be something special. And it delivered. This is a story of love, loss, sacrifice, and survival, spanning six decades of history and hardship. We follow Haiwen and Suchi, two young Chinese children who meet in 1938, become teenage lovers, and are separated by war for over 60 years. When fate reunites them in 2008, their shared past and unresolved feelings come flooding back in a way that’s both devastating and beautiful.
The depth of this book is astonishing. The characters—Haiwen, Suchi, and even the supporting cast—are so vividly written, their desires, flaws, and sacrifices make them heartbreakingly real. Watching their lives unfold, from moments of hope to the cruel unfairness of war, felt like experiencing their joys and sorrows alongside them. The way the story balances the historical detail with such raw human emotion is masterful.
I cried. I suffered. And then I cried some more. This is a book that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them out entirely. Yet, for all its pain, there’s a strange sense of healing and hope by the end.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s richly detailed, achingly emotional, and beautifully written. If I could, I’d throw my entire bookshelf at it. Homeseeking isn’t just a great read—it’s an unforgettable experience.