Reviews

Disoriental by Négar Djavadi

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sydneybooks13's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

ctaniem's review against another edition

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3.0

I don't know if the writing style was particularly for me, though I see what the author was trying to achieve - a kind of colloquial, intimate narration so I can excuse the cringe. The scattered timeline was somewhat disorienting at times but not impossible to follow. You really do start to connect with narrator towards the end. I feel that the narrative would have benefitted from more pages, but there are just enough to keep me satisfied.

softrosemint's review against another edition

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5.0

"Disoriental" mixes together the eternal genres of the political cataloguing of history, the family saga and the struggles of the individual with identity in an incredibly compelling and fascinating novel. It is, like life, lyrical and melancholic but also dipping its toes into the satirical. It explores how the individual is shaped by both family and the larger processes in society. It is utterly poignant and moving.

electric_apricity's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

caramm's review

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challenging emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

norcalchris's review

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sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I just couldn’t connect and the story felt destinationless. Surprisingly void of emotion for such a sad story, but it wasn’t written in a way that made me feel much of anything. The whole story is also back story with so little present day that it took me so long to realize there was a present day plot at all. Just so little plot overall. It was way longer and slower than need be.

Chose this because I wanted to know more about Iran’s history and complexity and it did give me some of that. I just wish it had felt more impactful.

Spiraled me into a reading slump.

Content Warnings