ana343's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
lorimichelekelley's review against another edition
3.0
Audible edition: Interesting enough story, but never really engaged. I never really cared about the characters much, and it was really more of a telling rather than a showing, so it never created an atmosphere. Also, the narrator was straight up American, which is a rather lame choice for a British, Chinese, Indian-muslim Singaporean girl.
futurepres13's review
2.0
The only thing I actually liked about this book was seeing a tiny bit of 1920s Singapore. Otherwise the book was fine, but I didn’t care too much nor was there much depth or drama.
wubbarub's review
4.0
Coming of Age?
Agnes must find a way to save the ancestral home in which she grew up. Both of her parents and her brother, the last hope for a male heir, died in the palace. Agnes learns some of life’s hardest lessons along the way in this engaging story.
Agnes must find a way to save the ancestral home in which she grew up. Both of her parents and her brother, the last hope for a male heir, died in the palace. Agnes learns some of life’s hardest lessons along the way in this engaging story.
tikitami's review against another edition
2.0
Least favorite read this year. Just did not get involved with the characters. Had a few good moments.
imabrunette23's review against another edition
2.0
It was OK. Not great, didn't blow me away, but not a complete waste of time.
boogiewoogiesheep's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25
linzbassett's review
4.0
I found this book to be charming and delightful. It's a great read about determination and saving those you love and their home. It is a short read, but it feels so much longer (in a good way). Agnes is determined and wise beyond here years. Nei-Nei was probably my favorite character due to her sass. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
drsdon's review against another edition
4.0
Short, readable novel that presents a coming of age story for the narrator and primary character, Agnes Hussein. Agnes is the descendant of a royal family in Singapore, living in a dilapidated palace that has seen much better days. The brevity of the novel makes some of the less primary characters, all Agnes's family, not as fully developed that one may like (particularly because they are all fascinating), but Agnes makes a good character to follow - as a reader you root for her, and feel her pain and sorrow. In many ways, the book deals with difficult topics - death, deceit, loss of heritage - but watching Agnes grow from beginning to end gives the book a transformative quality, even hopeful.
Quick read, not too deep, fun characters - another enjoyable book.
Quick read, not too deep, fun characters - another enjoyable book.