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tcm_62's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, and Suicide
whothehelliskaitlin's review against another edition
5.0
This book is definitely a heavy read but it was also a beautiful one. While the prose and writing style may seem straightforward to most reviewers, I felt that it perfectly suited the story and that just because it was straightforward does not mean the story or style had no magic. I loved Danticat's emphasis on color and food and how she used these components in the story and I loved the folk stories that were intertwined with the plot. I think that Danticat's prose made it easier to immediately immerse yourself in the story.
I will say, however, that the dialogue does fall short in numerous parts - it seems like the characters talk in chopped, short sentences and are very straightforward. However, this did not take away from the novel for me at all. I loved the complexity and duality of all of the characters and I loved following along with the lives of the Caco women, however traumatic their lives may be. I think this is a story that will stick with me and for that, it is five stars.
I will say, however, that the dialogue does fall short in numerous parts - it seems like the characters talk in chopped, short sentences and are very straightforward. However, this did not take away from the novel for me at all. I loved the complexity and duality of all of the characters and I loved following along with the lives of the Caco women, however traumatic their lives may be. I think this is a story that will stick with me and for that, it is five stars.
dukegregory's review against another edition
2.0
Intergenerational trauma diasporic immigrant narrative rape familial sexual abuse cultural abuse therapy misogyny characters without personality style without style
This debut has it all.
This debut has it all.
disabledbookdragon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.25
kirstenrose22's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this and it was powerful, but it could have been so much more. I think the author was going for Hemingway-esque simplicity, but this often left the characters and events feeling flat and lifeless. I wanted to know more about their motivations and why they did certain things! Because you don't see any of that, everyone comes off as being purely reactive and never proactive. The idea of the generations of women and how they are all reflected in the new generation was lovely and interesting - but what a sad inheritance for that little baby!
morebooks02's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jlfields925's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.75
jackiejackiejackiee's review against another edition
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Really enjoyed this story of the daughters and their personal struggles. The things they leave unspoken and how it impacts them. It really reminded me of all the women in my family.