Scan barcode
biophile's review against another edition
Came highly recommended, but I can't get into this very flat story telling style. The characters all seem dead inside.
jascolib's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
weasleygirl04's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
katiewarriner's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-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
emilielures's review against another edition
5.0
heart-wrenching, beautiful father-son/family story. what feels like necessary window into global refugee crisis, and Sri Lanka civil war, from what’s hidden from my view in U.S.
adorkablereader's review against another edition
5.0
This book hit me right in the gut. It is amazing the important stories that go on right in our backyard and you don't even know about them. Such a heart breaking story.
labarrec's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn’t have picked a better time to read this book (thanks book club). The writing and perspective is excellent…it only minimally niggled me that the author abandoned quotation marks.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Was prepared to give this 5 stars except the ending left me hanging - I hate that. Marrow Thieves did it in a way too but I wasn't dying to know what happened like I was in this story. Very moving story. I enjoyed that you got perspectives from more than just the immigrants ('boat people') but the lawyers and judges entrusted to fight for their rights and pass sentence on their lives. Somewhat graphic at times but I don't imagine anything depicted doesn't really happen to people fleeing from war torn countries. I really connected with the main character and his relationships with his wife and young son - such tragic stories! I think this book is definitely an eye-opener Canadians should read to help them become more sympathetic to the thousands of refugees around the world. So far, my pick for Canada Reads 2018
justinsim's review against another edition
5.0
"The Boat People" by Sharon Bala
MUST READ BOOK OF THE YEAR
In 2009/2010 the Ocean lady and MV Sun arrived in BC from Sri Lanka running from ethnic persecution. This is a Historical Fiction book based on those events, I admittedly have a soft spot for this genre, but WOW. This book is BEAUTIFULLY written, soaring poetic English used to describe the happiest highs and the absolute darkest lows. The character development is EXQUISITE, especially for a book with so many different angles and stories to tell. It has been a long time since I have felt so strongly about characters in a book empathized with some, and detested others. If you are a Canadian and have any interest in politics, world issues, or just the human experience in general this is an absolute must read. From modern day immigration issues, and the worry of "terrorist stowaways" to the relocation of Japanese Canadians during WW2, to politics, to Law, to civil unrest. It covers all of these topics in one story, but unlike many books does not feel like it is stretching to encompass everything, it is beautiful seamless and powerful. It will tug at the heart strings, make you question everything you thought about refugees and immigration no matter what your stance, and absolutely tear you apart, but unlike most books purposely doesn't take the time to build you back up. I read this book cover to cover and only put it down when I needed a break from the heavy content. For a book with so much breadth of scope and depth of character it was easy to follow and easy to read.What makes this even better is that is is written by a first generation Canadian.
A true Canadian masterpiece, if you are only going to read one book this year pick this one, it is perfection.
MUST READ BOOK OF THE YEAR
In 2009/2010 the Ocean lady and MV Sun arrived in BC from Sri Lanka running from ethnic persecution. This is a Historical Fiction book based on those events, I admittedly have a soft spot for this genre, but WOW. This book is BEAUTIFULLY written, soaring poetic English used to describe the happiest highs and the absolute darkest lows. The character development is EXQUISITE, especially for a book with so many different angles and stories to tell. It has been a long time since I have felt so strongly about characters in a book empathized with some, and detested others. If you are a Canadian and have any interest in politics, world issues, or just the human experience in general this is an absolute must read. From modern day immigration issues, and the worry of "terrorist stowaways" to the relocation of Japanese Canadians during WW2, to politics, to Law, to civil unrest. It covers all of these topics in one story, but unlike many books does not feel like it is stretching to encompass everything, it is beautiful seamless and powerful. It will tug at the heart strings, make you question everything you thought about refugees and immigration no matter what your stance, and absolutely tear you apart, but unlike most books purposely doesn't take the time to build you back up. I read this book cover to cover and only put it down when I needed a break from the heavy content. For a book with so much breadth of scope and depth of character it was easy to follow and easy to read.What makes this even better is that is is written by a first generation Canadian.
A true Canadian masterpiece, if you are only going to read one book this year pick this one, it is perfection.