hpdischler's review against another edition
5.0
This story really took me by surprise. It is absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, and so important for so many different people. Reading Kiran’s story and learning about the ways that her attack left her a shell of the person that she once was gives the reader a deeper insight into the empathy that it takes to not only believe victims, but to help them as they heal.
I felt that the plot was well thought-out and the characters were so very lifelike. I think Jasmin Kaur did a wonderful job in developing this story, and it was even more interesting that she added an epilogue of sorts to describe how the story would’ve taken place during COVID-19.
Overall, if you love poetry, you love words, and you love when an author can make something sound lyrically beautiful, this book is absolutely for you. If you like heavy subjects that give you an insight into what it’s like to survive something so terrible, this is also for you. This book will give you empathy and teach you lessons you never thought you needed to learn.
Favorite quote: “‘He doesn’t define you. He does not define us.’”
I felt that the plot was well thought-out and the characters were so very lifelike. I think Jasmin Kaur did a wonderful job in developing this story, and it was even more interesting that she added an epilogue of sorts to describe how the story would’ve taken place during COVID-19.
Overall, if you love poetry, you love words, and you love when an author can make something sound lyrically beautiful, this book is absolutely for you. If you like heavy subjects that give you an insight into what it’s like to survive something so terrible, this is also for you. This book will give you empathy and teach you lessons you never thought you needed to learn.
Favorite quote: “‘He doesn’t define you. He does not define us.’”
msvenner's review against another edition
5.0
This is a beautiful, important book. It is written in a combination of poetry and prose and shorts perspective but it does so organically and with ease. The reader is instant wrapped into the lives of these women. The book tackles issues that are too often ignored, the plight of abused women in India and of the too often silenced immigrant population in Canada. I read much about undocumented immigrants in the US but this is the first time I’ve seen it from a Canadian perspective.
naomi_nem's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. I finally finished a book. I don't think this book put me in a reading slump, but it didn't get me out of it either. Anyway, to the review.
I most definitely enjoyed this book in terms of the story it tells, as well as the way it's told. I absolutely adore the fact that it was half-novel and half-poetry/illustrated and the way that contributed to the story being told. The way that Kaur shifts between Kiran and Sahaara was nice, and I liked that Sahaara's story continued into present day. HOWEVER, I found the poetry, although it was good, stuck in the same "voice" even when it was being "written" by different people. Kiran and Sahaara don't really have their own distinct way of writing which I would have really liked to see, but otherwise, great book!
I most definitely enjoyed this book in terms of the story it tells, as well as the way it's told. I absolutely adore the fact that it was half-novel and half-poetry/illustrated and the way that contributed to the story being told. The way that Kaur shifts between Kiran and Sahaara was nice, and I liked that Sahaara's story continued into present day. HOWEVER, I found the poetry, although it was good, stuck in the same "voice" even when it was being "written" by different people. Kiran and Sahaara don't really have their own distinct way of writing which I would have really liked to see, but otherwise, great book!
helterskelliter's review against another edition
4.0
“‘This world makes us feel like our stories begin and end with men—the ones who want us or don’t want us or hurt us or love us. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that happiness doesn’t need to hinge on the boy you end up with…. You can choose yourself too.” (424)
(TW: sexual assault mention)
In this book, trauma, courage, and healing are explored in excruciating and heart-wrenching detail. This is a story about sexual assault, victim-blaming, marginalization, and perseverance in the cruel face of overwhelming odds. This is a story about finding your voice, about taking back your voice from powerful men who would prefer you stay silent. Further, this is a story about the intersection between sexual assault and immigration and how being part of one marginalized group can affect the prospects and outlook of your life moving forward.
I really appreciate how this story doesn’t depict trauma or healing as a linear process. Neither has any clear path. There’s no one way to feel hurt or to feel healed. More, healing doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or forgiving. You can still demand accountability and affirmation in whatever way you need at any point. There are no “good victims” or “bad victims”; we are all just trying to survive.
Definitely recommend this book! It’s a good kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that feels hopeful.
(TW: sexual assault mention)
In this book, trauma, courage, and healing are explored in excruciating and heart-wrenching detail. This is a story about sexual assault, victim-blaming, marginalization, and perseverance in the cruel face of overwhelming odds. This is a story about finding your voice, about taking back your voice from powerful men who would prefer you stay silent. Further, this is a story about the intersection between sexual assault and immigration and how being part of one marginalized group can affect the prospects and outlook of your life moving forward.
I really appreciate how this story doesn’t depict trauma or healing as a linear process. Neither has any clear path. There’s no one way to feel hurt or to feel healed. More, healing doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or forgiving. You can still demand accountability and affirmation in whatever way you need at any point. There are no “good victims” or “bad victims”; we are all just trying to survive.
Definitely recommend this book! It’s a good kind of hurt. The kind of hurt that feels hopeful.
cbeghuin's review against another edition
5.0
I think everyone needs to read this book. I can’t find enough words to explain everything this book covers.
flo_1412's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.5
nk92hp's review against another edition
5.0
I love how tender Jasmin is with all her characters in this book from Kiran to Sahaara to Jeevan. She deals with complex themes of sexual assault, shame, immigration, being undocumented, and much more in a delicate manner knowing how important they are. I want to gift this book to every brown teen I know. Reading punjabi words off the page in a contemporary fiction book? Felt nice.
theroadjones's review against another edition
Soft DNF. I checked this book out from the library in May and at the time I really wanted to read it. I still want to read it but right now I'm too busy going through my summer TBR. I'll pick it up again eventually.