indianajane's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I know that this was a good book, but reading it felt like receiving a beating.
embeckman's review against another edition
4.0
I have been pushing myself to read more historical novels. This one was a tough, but important read. I had to push through the discomfort of learning about the tragedy behind the Indian Caste system. I learned so much in a story that was beautifully written.
megshulse's review against another edition
4.0
Excuse me, I’ve just been Anna Karenina’d, can I go home?
casparw's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly touching. I'd advise to read to learn about the devastation faced daily by India's poor face and their resilience. Very light, cosy moments are eventually all trumped by a grim reality.
The saddest book I have read. It made me think, but it also made me incredibly sad and had an impact on my sleep and my view of India, its people and politics. Therefore, not sure whether I'd recommend it. Plus, the happier moments can also be a bit too lengthy and boring. But I get that this may be deliberately serving as a numbing facade, which can distract one from an all too harsh reality, to which all characters eventually succumb...
All in all, definitely an impressive book and a valuable reading experience.
The saddest book I have read. It made me think, but it also made me incredibly sad and had an impact on my sleep and my view of India, its people and politics. Therefore, not sure whether I'd recommend it. Plus, the happier moments can also be a bit too lengthy and boring. But I get that this may be deliberately serving as a numbing facade, which can distract one from an all too harsh reality, to which all characters eventually succumb...
All in all, definitely an impressive book and a valuable reading experience.
portlandcat's review against another edition
4.0
Splendidly done - fantastically complicated characters, interesting soci-economic backdrop, heart-wrenching stories.
emmalewins's review against another edition
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
anahhs's review against another edition
4.0
3.8/5*
i am surprised by how much i enjoyed this one since i don't enjoy nor find historical themed books interesting AT ALL! i don't even remember what led me to read this book but i am so glad i diiid!!
even though i found the read incredibly sad for the most part, i was enjoying it and could not put the book down! the good, happy bits were sosososo worth it :') what gripped me the most was, definitely, the dynamic between our four main characters and how they grew from and with each other since they all lead and came from different lives, i am sucker for that trope! wish we could have all 4 together again... still trying to understand maneck's ending... absolutely did not see that coming?
anyways, GREAT BOOK!!
i am surprised by how much i enjoyed this one since i don't enjoy nor find historical themed books interesting AT ALL! i don't even remember what led me to read this book but i am so glad i diiid!!
even though i found the read incredibly sad for the most part, i was enjoying it and could not put the book down! the good, happy bits were sosososo worth it :') what gripped me the most was, definitely, the dynamic between our four main characters and how they grew from and with each other since they all lead and came from different lives, i am sucker for that trope! wish we could have all 4 together again... still trying to understand maneck's ending... absolutely did not see that coming?
anyways, GREAT BOOK!!
tallahhh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5