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bookphenomena_micky'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
3.5
This was a rich introspection on the relationship and life journey of a married couple but damn, it was sad. Early on, I started to catch the vibes that things were going to get rocky and so they did. The themes of womens' choice about motherhood were strong and very welcome but the direction the storyline took was hard to read. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
Efe was misunderstood by Sam and her family from about half way and I was so frustrated with people's attitudes and for not seeing what was under her nose. (view spoiler) Sam seemed initially a supportive partner but that partnership was so inadequate.
The way this ended broke my heart but also hardened it at the same time. I can't say I enjoyed this read but I valued it.
kez_w's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
3.75
kennyt's review against another edition
5.0
WOW. I’m shocked. The tears I cried while reading this book. If there was an option to rate it higher than five stars I would. Raw emotions. Valid emotions. Just obstacles within life…this book was just so heartfelt. I was indifferent at first reading..this is my TOP book for 2024 book read challenge. Just simply amazing. This book is for sure easily in my top 5 books of all time.
cathyb1111's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
larsenfoster's review against another edition
4.0
The novel's plot moves slowly, especially at the beginning. Glimpses into Efe & Sam's life over the past 20 years leading up to the recent day. I think this novel is full of relatable characters and tells a story of time, love, regret & missed opportunities. I have been somewhere between 3 and 4 stars because of the ending but I would have preferred it ended almost any other way BUT I can see how it ties the theme full circle and still creates a good ending.
anareads87's review against another edition
4.25
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah is a debut novel about the crisis of Efe and Sam's marriage. Efe was born in Ghana and is sent to the UK by her parents to pursue her education when she's a teen. The couple meet at a young age, develop a friendship, that deepens into something more, and they fall in love and get married. Until unexpectedly, Efe becomes pregnant, and all the challenges of motherhood and the expectations from others have an effect on themselves, as individuals, and their marriage.
This book tackles a lot of relevant themes that I believe are still taboo topics and frown upon in society, especially when it comes to women.
Efe never wanted to be a mother, and that's OK. There is pressure or expectation that we as women have to be mothers (this is changing). This story brings you the other side of when someone is pressure to do this, but also when you're not...it tackles mental health and (although not using the actual term, as far as I can remeber) post-natal depression, the lose of self, your identity, the challenges of motherhood and the implications it has on a woman.
I felt deeply what Efe was going through. I am and was also a mother without the support network close by, and let me tell you, it's not easy.
It was heartwarming seeing Efe and Sam working through their marriage, wanting to improve themselves and develop a stronger and deeper connection with each other. Marriage is not easy, and you have to put a lot of work into it. Although both recognise their mistakes, Sam was, at times, not very understanding of Efe's feelings.
The only thing I would say is that I found some plot holes that I would've liked to read more about. The book goes through different years and, sometimes, is just too fast. It gets harder to connect with the characters. I didn't feel the chemistry between Efe and Sam, and when they were younger, the way the author describes their interactions, I wouldn't have expected them to fall in love.
When Efe finally finds herself and her roots... here comes the ending! I was not expecting that!
I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. I loved the author's writing, the honesty of it, and the themes she brought to the table.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were excellent! I highly recommend it.
I'm interested in reading more books from this author, so I will pay attention to her work.
P.S . This book also has trauma, bullying, abortion, and self-harm. If this triggers you, please be aware
This book tackles a lot of relevant themes that I believe are still taboo topics and frown upon in society, especially when it comes to women.
Efe never wanted to be a mother, and that's OK. There is pressure or expectation that we as women have to be mothers (this is changing). This story brings you the other side of when someone is pressure to do this, but also when you're not...it tackles mental health and (although not using the actual term, as far as I can remeber) post-natal depression, the lose of self, your identity, the challenges of motherhood and the implications it has on a woman.
I felt deeply what Efe was going through. I am and was also a mother without the support network close by, and let me tell you, it's not easy.
It was heartwarming seeing Efe and Sam working through their marriage, wanting to improve themselves and develop a stronger and deeper connection with each other. Marriage is not easy, and you have to put a lot of work into it. Although both recognise their mistakes, Sam was, at times, not very understanding of Efe's feelings.
The only thing I would say is that I found some plot holes that I would've liked to read more about. The book goes through different years and, sometimes, is just too fast. It gets harder to connect with the characters. I didn't feel the chemistry between Efe and Sam, and when they were younger, the way the author describes their interactions, I wouldn't have expected them to fall in love.
When Efe finally finds herself and her roots... here comes the ending! I was not expecting that!
I couldn't believe this was a debut novel. I loved the author's writing, the honesty of it, and the themes she brought to the table.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were excellent! I highly recommend it.
I'm interested in reading more books from this author, so I will pay attention to her work.
P.S . This book also has trauma, bullying, abortion, and self-harm. If this triggers you, please be aware
fee_mak's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
Absolutely gut wrenching 😭
LOVED Krystle’s writing style and the use for foreshadowing throughout the book. Every time I thought something would happen, Krystle caught me off guard!
I had a love hate relationship with the protagonists, Efe especially, however, Rootless really displays the raw truth of being married as well as find your identity within and outside your relationship. Dark and brutal at times but genuine throughout.
I enjoyed learning about Ghana and Ghanaian culture and proverbs. And the deep message of forgiveness at the end of the book.
If you’re looking for your next book to read, look no further!
LOVED Krystle’s writing style and the use for foreshadowing throughout the book. Every time I thought something would happen, Krystle caught me off guard!
I had a love hate relationship with the protagonists, Efe especially, however, Rootless really displays the raw truth of being married as well as find your identity within and outside your relationship. Dark and brutal at times but genuine throughout.
I enjoyed learning about Ghana and Ghanaian culture and proverbs. And the deep message of forgiveness at the end of the book.
If you’re looking for your next book to read, look no further!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
gilly22's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
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
4.0