rachael77's review against another edition
5.0
Inspirational
A very moving story about moving beyond the hurt of the past. Great depth of character and story set amidst culture and family.
A very moving story about moving beyond the hurt of the past. Great depth of character and story set amidst culture and family.
agsztyl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
afox98's review against another edition
3.0
This was a tough read. Three Indian American sisters and their mother are working through the impending death of their father and husband, who was abusive throughout their lives. The story rotated through each character’s viewpoints and showed the long-term effects his abuse had on each of them. Sad and horrifying account of how family ties that bind people, for better or worse.
soumitareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
rose_ndrd's review against another edition
5.0
Great read
Good read, heart breaking as well. The secrets we hold only hurts us more. Glad I decided to read this book.
Good read, heart breaking as well. The secrets we hold only hurts us more. Glad I decided to read this book.
janiev's review against another edition
3.0
The story if a Indian-American family coming together when their father slips into a coma. It is soon revealed that each family member is dealing with some form of abuse at his hands. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of the daughters or the mother. I was very much into the story, but did not feel that there was enough difference between the voices of each person. Other than that it is a heartbreaking story of a family that has been split apart and trying to come back together.
mrose21's review against another edition
3.0
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sonya
Marin
Trisha
Ranee
----------------------------------
What happens?
The girl's father is dying and their mother urges them to make peace with their father before he passes away.
Each woman has suffered abuse at the hands of their father in different ways. Trisha escaped but had to watch as her sisters and mother were given the anger while she was given love from him; making her appear to have a wonderful life but have a wall around her to protect her from such attacks. Sonya the baby suffered most and fled away using her career as an excuse to stay away, and Marin has since become ruthless and a savvy businesswoman not stopping to think how her actions affect other people.
Final thoughts
I found it really difficult to get through and I didn't want to read it. Its an interesting read and I think it will split opinions of it.
Would I read again?: Probably not
Would I read this author again?: Wouldn't say no.
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Sonya
Marin
Trisha
Ranee
----------------------------------
What happens?
The girl's father is dying and their mother urges them to make peace with their father before he passes away.
Each woman has suffered abuse at the hands of their father in different ways. Trisha escaped but had to watch as her sisters and mother were given the anger while she was given love from him; making her appear to have a wonderful life but have a wall around her to protect her from such attacks. Sonya the baby suffered most and fled away using her career as an excuse to stay away, and Marin has since become ruthless and a savvy businesswoman not stopping to think how her actions affect other people.
Final thoughts
I found it really difficult to get through and I didn't want to read it. Its an interesting read and I think it will split opinions of it.
Would I read again?: Probably not
Would I read this author again?: Wouldn't say no.
jenlabrador's review against another edition
2.0
I got 45% through this book and then just could not pick it up anymore. It started off really well. At first I thought it was well written. The characters were intriguing and felt real. I liked the authentic feel in how she added cultural elements. As a child of immigrants it felt very real and not like she was trying to be trendy.
But then about 30% in things just got to a standstill. And then by 40% things got old. I started noticing a lot of clichéd metaphors heavily thrown on--and unnecessarily thrown in, like they jumped at you and tripped you up just when you were starting to get into the scene or feel like you were getting into the character's head and feelings. Plots and characters became stagnant. I found myself getting bored and annoyed, "Are we STILL here? Jesus, let's get going!" The characters started to become pretty unlikeable and it seemed apparent that the author did not know how to get them to change or maintain who they were while still moving the story on. I lost hope it would get better.
I wanted to like it. I wanted to continue. But then I just felt repelled.
Sad.
But then about 30% in things just got to a standstill. And then by 40% things got old. I started noticing a lot of clichéd metaphors heavily thrown on--and unnecessarily thrown in, like they jumped at you and tripped you up just when you were starting to get into the scene or feel like you were getting into the character's head and feelings. Plots and characters became stagnant. I found myself getting bored and annoyed, "Are we STILL here? Jesus, let's get going!" The characters started to become pretty unlikeable and it seemed apparent that the author did not know how to get them to change or maintain who they were while still moving the story on. I lost hope it would get better.
I wanted to like it. I wanted to continue. But then I just felt repelled.
Sad.
jennlgreer8's review against another edition
4.0
I received a paperback copy from Bookspark.com and enjoyed reading this story about a family that emigrated from India to the US. The book begins with the patriarch of the family in a coma. During flashbacks, the reader finds out the move changed their lives for good and bad. The three sisters received educational advantages but their father was unhappy with his own social standing. The sisters continue to be affected by their childhood nightmare. One may never stop pushing her child to be perfect, one may never have children, and one may never let love in.
jlworley's review against another edition
3.0
Though I'd have liked to see more depth of character, I enjoyed the hopeful end to a story of a broken family that could've completely fallen apart if they hadn't eventually chosen to rely upon and support each other.