dentaldiva's review against another edition
3.0
good story but very slow reading. lots of fluff and unnecessary stories that failed to contribute to the overall direction of the book.
nylee's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.25
ppmarkgraf's review against another edition
4.0
A bit of a coming of age story set in a historical fiction setting. Overall, I enjoyed reading about a time and circumstances that were challenging to the main protagonist. I get the opportunity to meet the author on March 14th, so that may also have added to my reading experience.
zehra_nk's review against another edition
3.0
In the first half of the book, I strongly disliked Manik Deb. First, he compares his wife to a train bogie, then he compares her to a cigar and then he leaves her waiting in the middle of the night to engage in debauchery. But I understand that without a trace of these characteristics, he wouldn't be reminiscent of a man from the 1940s.
An enlightening read nonetheless, with vivid portrayals of the history of tea plantation in Assam and parts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in British India.
An enlightening read nonetheless, with vivid portrayals of the history of tea plantation in Assam and parts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in British India.
melissarochelle's review against another edition
3.0
A love story between two non-traditional Indians who move to an Assam tea plantation. I saw the author speak a few years ago and she was so charming as she discussed the basis for her novel: her parents.
bookluver1's review against another edition
4.0
My book group chose this book as a club read. It is beautifully written, about a time and culture I have not experienced (India in the mid-1900s.) The author based the characters on her own family. As a first-time novelist she has done a beautiful job. The writing is beautiful and is great world-building. However for me, the story moved too slow for me to finish. Everyone else in my club loved it. I give it four stars for that reason.
tpanik's review against another edition
3.0
It's interesting to see how Layla's fated bad luck changes over the course of the book, and the details about the Assam Tea Trade are fascinating.
mkturner9's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the writing and subject, particularly the first half. It seemed a bit rushed and disjointed towards the end. But, overall, a good and interesting read!