saskiahill's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Moving, both hopeful and sad. Lots of harrowing content, so check the content warnings before deciding if you're happy to proceed, but nonetheless a great book which reflects the emotions, experiences and nuances of 3 generations of Palestinian women and the struggle of culture clashes and raising your daughter's differently when you know no other way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Abortion, Misogyny, Racism, Alcoholism, Car accident, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Blood
linesiunderline's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a difficult read - the kind of book that gives you the feeling of being there, right alongside someone going through traumatic, life altering experiences. I felt connected to all of the female protagonists and I think Rum did an outstanding job crafting women who were multifaceted and who seemed authentic.
Why not 5⭐️? For me, when reading this type of story that is often harrowing, I appreciate a style that is more poetic than I found here. This is not to say that Rum’s prose is weak. It’s more direct, and perhaps for some this might make the events / themes come across even more powerfully. Personally, I like a little more rich use of language in narratives with heavier themes and content.
A strong reading experience that made an impact and left me eager to read more by this writer.
Why not 5⭐️? For me, when reading this type of story that is often harrowing, I appreciate a style that is more poetic than I found here. This is not to say that Rum’s prose is weak. It’s more direct, and perhaps for some this might make the events / themes come across even more powerfully. Personally, I like a little more rich use of language in narratives with heavier themes and content.
A strong reading experience that made an impact and left me eager to read more by this writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicide, Xenophobia, Violence, and Toxic relationship
shae_316's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Rape
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