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quirkyaquarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
Alice Pung has an uncannily observant ability to nail the Asian-Australian experience on the head every time. I love her characters; at times they seem so real I almost start to wonder if the stories are more recounts than fiction.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Classism
datsureads's review against another edition
4.0
As a contemporary novel Laurinda started off slowly, and whilst the overall pace was fairly satisfying, the build up to the big climax was probably more interesting than the event itself. The letter format was incredibly charming, if melancholic, and provided the reader a seat in the mind of the main character all the way through the novel. A great contemporary novel that deals with poignant themes of identity and community—all set in my home town of Melbourne.
fhammond_36's review against another edition
4.0
I think I went to this school or one like it. Luckily I had some good friends and was too nerdy to attract attention. Tense writing and great characters.
misslily___'s review against another edition
5.0
I'm still not really sure whether I loved it or hated it but I was definitely a good read. I think I loved it.
susanfisk's review against another edition
reflective
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
3.5
annabelle6969's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
roseleaf24's review
4.0
Throughout my reading, this book wavered between 3 stars and 5 stars. There is a twist to the book that I figured out early on, so the middle portion was solidly at a three. It wasn't quite original enough to feel special to me.
But then Lucy's character begins to really come through the text, and her unique story shines. The specific racial tension that Lucy and Linh face is fascinating and condemning, and the unoriginal aspects of life in high school become universal experiences. Lines like, "She saw me as a human doing, not a human being," blew me away.
But then Lucy's character begins to really come through the text, and her unique story shines. The specific racial tension that Lucy and Linh face is fascinating and condemning, and the unoriginal aspects of life in high school become universal experiences. Lines like, "She saw me as a human doing, not a human being," blew me away.
esshgee's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed Laurinda; I devoured it,and just wanted to keep reading. It made me think back to my own high school, and how hindsight and further experience brings a better understanding to events that occurred. Alice Pung is a great storyteller