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brisingr's review against another edition
1.0
1.5
This book was gearing up to be a 4 star read instead, mostly because I adored the discussions around motherhood, pregnancy and parenthood (mostly about not wanting any of it). I think it is rare enough in real life that people discuss the hardships and horrors of bringing a child into this world and then attempting to raise them, let alone in fiction - so I found it extremely refreshing to see this portrayed. And I really appreciated that about this book.
However, the author picks the LAZIEST plot devices in the world to tie in and wrap-up the story!!! I got so incredibly annoyed and frustrated when I saw how this book ended, even if I saw it coming from the halfway mark. LAZY LAZY writing!!!!
The ending also made it clear to me that I do not care at all about these characters, I felt quite detached from them and their struggle, and while I appreciate flawed characters, I hate when these flaws are not acknowledged in any way.
Read this for book club, and I cannot wait to hear what others have thought about it.
This book was gearing up to be a 4 star read instead, mostly because I adored the discussions around motherhood, pregnancy and parenthood (mostly about not wanting any of it). I think it is rare enough in real life that people discuss the hardships and horrors of bringing a child into this world and then attempting to raise them, let alone in fiction - so I found it extremely refreshing to see this portrayed. And I really appreciated that about this book.
However, the author picks the LAZIEST plot devices in the world to tie in and wrap-up the story!!! I got so incredibly annoyed and frustrated when I saw how this book ended, even if I saw it coming from the halfway mark. LAZY LAZY writing!!!!
Spoiler
essentially, the wife that leaves their family behind comes back once the husband sees a mirror in his own mother that left his father. and then once the couple makes up, the wife dies in a car accident. give me a fucking break!!The ending also made it clear to me that I do not care at all about these characters, I felt quite detached from them and their struggle, and while I appreciate flawed characters, I hate when these flaws are not acknowledged in any way.
Read this for book club, and I cannot wait to hear what others have thought about it.
anamarquina's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Car accident, and Abortion
chetakwa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
charris0903's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hilderoi's review against another edition
5.0
Loved how this book starts a couple of months before an event, which will only be revealed at the end, and how it then goes back to the "beginning". It is great to read the development of the love story between Efe and Sam and I really enjoyed being taken on a journey with both of them.
thespinystacks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
reading_rita's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Rootless" by Krystle Zara Appiah is a deeply emotional and raw exploration of marriage, identity, and the push-pull between personal dreams and family obligations.
From the first page (or the equivalent of that in an audiobook 🎶), I was emotionally invested in the complex relationship between Sam and Efe. This isn’t your typical love story—it digs into the reality of long-term partnerships, the things left unsaid, and the emotional weight that cultural expectations can have on individuals. The characters are so well-written—flawed yet relatable—which made them so... frustrating!
Efe's storyline stood out to me—I haven't read many books where motherhood, cultural and societal expectations, and obligation are explored in this way. I also loved learning more about her Ghanaian roots and her familial relationships.
If you’re into stories that really get under your skin and make you reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs, I’d recommend giving this book a try.
From the first page (or the equivalent of that in an audiobook 🎶), I was emotionally invested in the complex relationship between Sam and Efe. This isn’t your typical love story—it digs into the reality of long-term partnerships, the things left unsaid, and the emotional weight that cultural expectations can have on individuals. The characters are so well-written—flawed yet relatable—which made them so... frustrating!
Efe's storyline stood out to me—I haven't read many books where motherhood, cultural and societal expectations, and obligation are explored in this way. I also loved learning more about her Ghanaian roots and her familial relationships.
If you’re into stories that really get under your skin and make you reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs, I’d recommend giving this book a try.
kaelajenae's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
ljpatton's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
courtney_mm's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5