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kristenjiannotti's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
3.0
This book was tough. Tough in the way that I wasn't expecting. I wasn't expecting to be so affected by the characters - Nita, the main one. Being someone myself that is sometimes wondering what else is out there for me, and what else I could make my life into - I was really captivated by her desire to leave the world behind and forge her own path. I was devastated to read through her naivety and abuse. That part I was really invested in. What failed to take off for me was the connection between Sophie's destiny and Nita's. I enjoyed watching their juxtaposing lives, but in the end Sophie was just okay to go with status quo and go back to her life in India. I wanted more for Sophie and it was brought to an abrupt end. Oh well, I had a great time traveling back through Paris with Nita and her story broke my heart.. which is exactly what I'm looking for in a book. Had a great time, but only enough for a three star for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Death of parent
sizzlesteaks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Car accident
jasminegalsreadinglog's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The Direction of the Wind is the story of a daughter searching for her mother. This book is set in Paris and Ahmedabad of 1998 and 2019. Alternating between the stories of Nita and Sophie we get to transverse their stories.This is the premise in nutshell. Throughout the journey we get to see other characters who are stuck in their own stories.
I liked the part where the author tries to highlight the part where the narrative talks about the mental illnesses not discussed enough. Nita's turmoil about leaving her family is written well. But that's where my liking for this novel ends.
I am probably one of those people who is going to be critical about this novel. Nita and Sophie are stuck in patriarchal society I agree but some of their actions just doesn't add up. Nita is an educated person but without doing any research moves to a different country just because she wants to pursue art and is fed up with her privileged life. Same with Sophie. An accountant goes to Paris without looking up hotels, something called as Uber and Paris of this age doesn't have Indians? I get it that patriarchal society is prevalent in India but writing these women characters as dumb doesn't make sense. And since when does having pets in India not common.
Can Indian American authors please stop projecting India as this backward country where everything is about poverty, street animals and gossiping aunties? Please look at other diverse authors who try to incorporate their culture positively too and highlight the wonderful community they have. Sadly this novel disappointed me.
CW: Child Abandonment, addiction, drug usage, Infidelity, sexual assault
I liked the part where the author tries to highlight the part where the narrative talks about the mental illnesses not discussed enough. Nita's turmoil about leaving her family is written well. But that's where my liking for this novel ends.
I am probably one of those people who is going to be critical about this novel. Nita and Sophie are stuck in patriarchal society I agree but some of their actions just doesn't add up. Nita is an educated person but without doing any research moves to a different country just because she wants to pursue art and is fed up with her privileged life. Same with Sophie. An accountant goes to Paris without looking up hotels, something called as Uber and Paris of this age doesn't have Indians? I get it that patriarchal society is prevalent in India but writing these women characters as dumb doesn't make sense. And since when does having pets in India not common.
Can Indian American authors please stop projecting India as this backward country where everything is about poverty, street animals and gossiping aunties? Please look at other diverse authors who try to incorporate their culture positively too and highlight the wonderful community they have. Sadly this novel disappointed me.
CW: Child Abandonment, addiction, drug usage, Infidelity, sexual assault
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
stephmcnutt28's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Drug use
Minor: Death and Death of parent
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