kaileyplowman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
deltajuliet83's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome story. Heavy reading at times, but a great book.
afro8921's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a hard read but a satisfying one.
eseodora's review against another edition
challenging
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? It's complicated
4.0
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning and hopeful and difficult and beautiful.
phonte's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
Great read. The content of this novel made my blood boil and anything that creates such a visceral reaction has to be good. The only thing that detracts from the rating is the protagonist treats every decision, regardless of how inconsequential it is, as if its life or death. This novel also opens the eyes to travesties that occur elsewhere in the world and are considered routine by their standards. Tons of quotable lines too.
illustriousnewt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
3.5
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
5.0
Women's suffering tells the truth of her culture. If you want to know the truth, how people fare in a country/religions/culture, watch the women. Are they happy? Joyous? Do they limp? Hide in the shadows?
Though this book is bursting with heavy topics, so much joy can be found. The love Meena holds for her husband, their daughter - how it still blooms on her scarred face. A face that makes babies cry - a statement weaved throughout the narrative. Experiencing so much tragedy at such a young age - yet Meena nurtures gratitude, while constantly berated by her mother-in-law. Her daughter, one last connection to her dead husband. His love, his face, his beautiful hope.
Smita returns to India - her homeland, after fleeing 20 years earlier with her parents and older brother. As a journalist, Smita tours the world - witnessing horrors such as physical scarring, war, domestic violence; the violence against women. Forced to cover a story for her injured friend, Smita visits a small, traditional rural town to meet with Meena; listen to her tale of love, loss and her desire to tell their daughter she fought for justice.
Born of a Hindu family, Meena knew the law against marrying a Muslim. But she fell in love, married and grew their child. Only to watch her brothers set her husband on fire, desperate to save him, Meena now lives with scarring. And her gorgeous daughter. The hatred of her mother-in-law, exiled from her village, her sister, any support.
Lyrical. Tragic. Optimistic. Love. Family. Traditions. Highly recommend.
Though this book is bursting with heavy topics, so much joy can be found. The love Meena holds for her husband, their daughter - how it still blooms on her scarred face. A face that makes babies cry - a statement weaved throughout the narrative. Experiencing so much tragedy at such a young age - yet Meena nurtures gratitude, while constantly berated by her mother-in-law. Her daughter, one last connection to her dead husband. His love, his face, his beautiful hope.
Smita returns to India - her homeland, after fleeing 20 years earlier with her parents and older brother. As a journalist, Smita tours the world - witnessing horrors such as physical scarring, war, domestic violence; the violence against women. Forced to cover a story for her injured friend, Smita visits a small, traditional rural town to meet with Meena; listen to her tale of love, loss and her desire to tell their daughter she fought for justice.
Born of a Hindu family, Meena knew the law against marrying a Muslim. But she fell in love, married and grew their child. Only to watch her brothers set her husband on fire, desperate to save him, Meena now lives with scarring. And her gorgeous daughter. The hatred of her mother-in-law, exiled from her village, her sister, any support.
Lyrical. Tragic. Optimistic. Love. Family. Traditions. Highly recommend.
kahlaelizabeth's review against another edition
challenging
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
• Kindle ebook • Chirp audiobook • 5 Stars
I’ve never read an Umrigar novel that I didn’t really enjoy. This one explores the themes of honor killing, caste, religion, gender, violence, and identity in India through the perspectives of two women. Smita is an Indian-American journalist, and Meena, a Hindu woman who married a Muslim man and faced a brutal attack by her brothers.
I’ve never read an Umrigar novel that I didn’t really enjoy. This one explores the themes of honor killing, caste, religion, gender, violence, and identity in India through the perspectives of two women. Smita is an Indian-American journalist, and Meena, a Hindu woman who married a Muslim man and faced a brutal attack by her brothers.