ipb1's review against another edition
4.0
4* is erring on the side of generosity, because although it is well written and there is much to love about it, it is spoilt mostly by being overlong. Somewhere inside is a culturally fascinating tale of first-generation immigration, but it gets waylaid by the more [melo]dramatic sub-plots of disaffection/terrorism and the fragmentary biography-in-barely-literate-letters from a sister back in Bangladesh. One of those part 4* part 1* novels.
ktxx22's review against another edition
4.0
The BBC radio production of this was phenomenal but this is a very slice of life story. I rarely enjoy a slice of life tale. This one definitely gets points for the production and the way it ultimately plays out there in the 2/3 part of the book I was afraid it was going to take a dark turn which I would’ve DNFd over.
caitlinluter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dreamchronicler8's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the dramatized version of this book, it was pretty good.
brittanymccubbs's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
3.5
booksinthetreehouse's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
summerside's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed Ali's style of writing, but the story left a lot to be desired. The way the character was set up, I just don't believe she would have stayed behind, with her daughters, when her husband went home. I also find it very out of character that she would have broken it off with her lover. The iceskating rink "surprise" at the end was a little strange to me as well. I know Chanu mentioned her loveing iceskating once, to the girls, but that was the only mention of it, and she shut him down. How would they have known what it would mean to her? Unless is was Rassia's idea? That only just occurred to me.
carinaisabelle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5