The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
geraldinerowe's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-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
4.5
A thoroughly engaging story of morality, both of the individual and of the time. There's infidelity, racism, colonialism, classism, homophobia, hypocrisy and more, all loosely based around real events. I loved this book, but it loses half a mark for some jarringly flowery language.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Homophobia, Racism, Classism, Murder, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Abandonment
theredheded_bibliomaniac's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Xenophobia, Death, and War
kirstym25's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Colonisation
Moderate: Homophobia, Murder, and Gun violence
196books's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Murder, Colonisation, and Racial slurs
Minor: Death and Rape
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate for a copy of this book.
In 1920s Pengang, Straits Settlements (modern day Malaysia), lawyer, Robert Hamilton's friend, writer Willie Somerset Maugham comes to stay. Willie and Robert's wife Lesley confide in each other.
Unfortunately the writing style just wasn't for me, so I just couldn't engage with this book, therefore I found what would have otherwise been an otherwise great story dull and boring.
It dealt with some interesting topics and parts of Asian history, so I was disappointed that this book wasn't for me, but I'm sure many others will love it.
In 1920s Pengang, Straits Settlements (modern day Malaysia), lawyer, Robert Hamilton's friend, writer Willie Somerset Maugham comes to stay. Willie and Robert's wife Lesley confide in each other.
Unfortunately the writing style just wasn't for me, so I just couldn't engage with this book, therefore I found what would have otherwise been an otherwise great story dull and boring.
It dealt with some interesting topics and parts of Asian history, so I was disappointed that this book wasn't for me, but I'm sure many others will love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Rape, Murder, Colonisation, Gun violence, Racism, and Homophobia
Minor: War
More...