Reviews tagging 'Torture'

Honor by Thrity Umrigar

24 reviews

sydfay03's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.5

a beautiful book. the writing makes me want to look into this author’s other books because wow i loved it. the story is so powerful and the characters feel like real breathing people. definitely tough to stomach at times but you can’t turn away from it. i flew thru the last half of this book. it may be in my rereads just because i loved the story and the messages in it so much. the themes of family and shame and tradition and most of all honor, of course.

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laurxndxx's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring 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

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley, Thrity Umrigar and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Honour is an excruciating book to read, but only because it opens your eyes to the harsh reality other people are facing in different countries. I think this book should be taught in schools to make others aware of their privilege.


Indian American journalist Sima arrives back in India since the time her family were driven out and moved to America years before. She ends up following the story of Meena, a woman who was burnt, and her husband murdered. All because of his religion and her culture. Reporting on her story Sima becomes aware of how unfair the justice system can be, and unlocks similar memories to her childhood.It’s a heartbreaking story and is a one that will stay with me forever. 



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aguattery's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The first half of the book was very slow, I think from too much exposition for my taste. The writing was also a little clunky in spots throughout the book. Also, I think Smita and her friends being liberal is slightly oversold and in your face. 

That being said, the second half was particularly emotional for me. Usually books make me feel things but I don't have a physical reaction. This one actually made meshed a few tears. There were some twists and turns that were very well done. 

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bookishnookish's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This book has shattered my heart. I finished it and can't stop crying, not only because of how sad it is, but because no matter how hard I want this to be mere fiction, this is a reality. Gender biases, classism, casteism, corruption - show up time and again. So many of us are lucky to have been raised in cities, moved to more modern countries, but when you read Honor, your heart will ache because some of these ills have touched your life too and yet you are the lucky one. 

I grew up in a Hindu household that acknowledged and accepted all other religions. We went to church on Sunday with my grandparents, who were Christian, we celebrated Eid with my parents' Muslim friends, we celebrated every festival, spoke 4 languages, and for the longest time, I thought the entire world was like that, multicultura and accepting. I quickly grew up to see reality, but I staunchly remained as open minded as I could. I married a Catholic, mixed race man, who is a wonderful human being, but not once can I forget that I get to make this choice now because we were lucky and because of the life our parents made for us, the privileges and opportunities provided to us. So many of my countrymen and especially women do not have this choice. 

I applaud Thrity Umrigar for shedding light on a very difficult topic. I am sure this book is going to have its naysayers, but there is a lot of love in this book too. I was reminded of all the places, people, and foods I love and for that, I am so thankful. 

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