katiebellcatalano's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
sarakomo's review against another edition
3.0
2021: Honestly, this was one of the least memorable books all year, which is crazy considering some of the elements that happened in its lackluster, slow moving plot.
I really did not connect with any of the characters, and I felt like the novel passed by in a blur. I took barely any notes while listening to this (as contrasted to my review of [b:A Widow for One Year|4659|A Widow for One Year|John Irving|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554220946l/4659._SY75_.jpg|3359767], in which I took over a full page of notes). I never felt squarely immersed in Majumdar's world, and I'm certainly not planning on running out and grabbing her next book immediately.
I think I really wanted this to be a more tangible book; there was an overall lack of details, nor descriptions of the characters that really made them feel out of touch for me. It's totally possible that my relative unfamiliarity with Indian culture played heavily into this. Majumdar repetitively insisted that there was a problem....without offering a single solution. The ending was just BAD and SAD and made me MAD.
I really did not connect with any of the characters, and I felt like the novel passed by in a blur. I took barely any notes while listening to this (as contrasted to my review of [b:A Widow for One Year|4659|A Widow for One Year|John Irving|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554220946l/4659._SY75_.jpg|3359767], in which I took over a full page of notes). I never felt squarely immersed in Majumdar's world, and I'm certainly not planning on running out and grabbing her next book immediately.
I think I really wanted this to be a more tangible book; there was an overall lack of details, nor descriptions of the characters that really made them feel out of touch for me. It's totally possible that my relative unfamiliarity with Indian culture played heavily into this. Majumdar repetitively insisted that there was a problem....without offering a single solution. The ending was just BAD and SAD and made me MAD.
readwithinna's review against another edition
4.0
this book made me angry and sad and everything in between. wonderful exploration of how even the slightest sliver of power can corrupt and affect other individuals - some better than others.
oakwrought's review against another edition
4.0
Majumdar's ability to create such distinct voices between her three characters added so much to the reading experience. It flew by as she masterfully introduced the characters, then connected them to each other, and then expanded each of their worlds while maintaining those connections. beautifully written
scottflanary's review against another edition
2.0
This novel felt very disjointed, even beyond the intended structure. A bleak story that doesn’t let up from the first page, I thought a third of the story was impressive, one was mediocre, and one was completely disengaging.
junereadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
A Burner it is a quick easy read. It is about an unfamiliar culture to me, which is always a bonus as I want to know more about other cultures opposite to mine; it makes you aware even more of your privilege. What you post online can have fatal consequences.
It is told through 3 different characters; I was more into Jivan’s storyline than the others. She is the one that links these 3 characters together. I didn’t really care about PT Sir or Lovely, but I understand how their actions determined a big part of Jivan’s story.
However, I felt there was something missing at some point, I don’t know what it is but I still do recommend this.
It is told through 3 different characters; I was more into Jivan’s storyline than the others. She is the one that links these 3 characters together. I didn’t really care about PT Sir or Lovely, but I understand how their actions determined a big part of Jivan’s story.
However, I felt there was something missing at some point, I don’t know what it is but I still do recommend this.
hookandbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
Compelling, emotional and very real, this book takes a look at very different lives in India, all interconnected by one event.
Jivan, the central protagonist, a young woman living in relative poverty trying to better her life and support her family, is wrongly accused of being involved in a terrorist attack on a train in her village. As someone unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, she is caught up in a media storm and soon enough arrested and tried for her 'crime'. There is no hard evidence against her, but the people who surround her could surely help her out of this situation.
In fact, the other voices include Jivan's high school PE teacher, known as PT Sir, who is himself climbing a social ladder to make a name for himself in politics, but faces a moral dilemma as his climb to the top requires him to step on some innocent people.
Aspiring actress Lovely, a hijra, learns English under Jivan's tutelage and hopes to one day escape the slums and shine under the bright lights of the film industry.
They both have to decide where their loyalties lie, and weigh up saving an innocent life with the desire to move forward with their own.
A story of corruption and the power of circumstances.
The narrators did an excellent job at bringing the cast of characters to life and portraying the wide range of emotions in this very moving moral tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Jivan, the central protagonist, a young woman living in relative poverty trying to better her life and support her family, is wrongly accused of being involved in a terrorist attack on a train in her village. As someone unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, she is caught up in a media storm and soon enough arrested and tried for her 'crime'. There is no hard evidence against her, but the people who surround her could surely help her out of this situation.
In fact, the other voices include Jivan's high school PE teacher, known as PT Sir, who is himself climbing a social ladder to make a name for himself in politics, but faces a moral dilemma as his climb to the top requires him to step on some innocent people.
Aspiring actress Lovely, a hijra, learns English under Jivan's tutelage and hopes to one day escape the slums and shine under the bright lights of the film industry.
They both have to decide where their loyalties lie, and weigh up saving an innocent life with the desire to move forward with their own.
A story of corruption and the power of circumstances.
The narrators did an excellent job at bringing the cast of characters to life and portraying the wide range of emotions in this very moving moral tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
samlo28's review against another edition
4.0
trigger warnings:
Spoiler
transphobia, islamophobia, murder, (implied) rapejenren1010's review against another edition
dark
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? No
3.5
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Transphobia