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stephanie6504's review
informative
medium-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? Yes
3.25
memoriesfrombooks's review
2.0
The history behind Silent Winds, Dry Seas by Vinod Busjeet is not one I am familiar with. In fact, it is the history that leads me to the book. That, and a debut author. Unfortunately, I struggle with the story itself and find it challenging to engage with the characters. At most times, it feels as if the message of the book is just beyond my grasp, just out of reach. Unfortunately, I walk away unsatisfied and not the reader for this book.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2022/12/silent-winds-dry-seas.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2022/12/silent-winds-dry-seas.html
Reviewed for NetGalley.
migmig's review
3.0
Once the protagonist got to the states, the story, the charm, the atmosphere and sadly, my interest, fell away.
hpnyknits's review
2.0
The parts in Mauritius are interesting and even charming, even if the characters are not very interesting. Once Vishnu moved to the US, it was predictable and not that interesting.
jennitarheelreader's review
4.0
3.5 stars
Silent Winds, Dry Seas is a coming-of-age novel, often reading like a deeply personal memoir, mostly set on the island of Mauritius. I’ve not read another book set there, and the multicultural aspects immediately fascinated me.
The story is strongly-character driven and many of the chapters read like complete short stories, though they mostly move forward in time and with the main character, Vishnu, at the center.
Vishnu’s parents want more for him from his very beginning, and he internalizes that and is serious about his education, even as the world around him is unsettled at times- sometimes due to his extended family dynamics, sometimes due to daily life in Mauritius under colonial rule.
I read the author’s note after, and my sense that this was at least part memoir feels true because he seems to have followed at least a similar path in some ways. I think that’s why the story felt authentic and deeply personal. The writing is smooth, and I was swept up in the story, even though it was a very slow build with a somewhat stronger first half.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Silent Winds, Dry Seas is a coming-of-age novel, often reading like a deeply personal memoir, mostly set on the island of Mauritius. I’ve not read another book set there, and the multicultural aspects immediately fascinated me.
The story is strongly-character driven and many of the chapters read like complete short stories, though they mostly move forward in time and with the main character, Vishnu, at the center.
Vishnu’s parents want more for him from his very beginning, and he internalizes that and is serious about his education, even as the world around him is unsettled at times- sometimes due to his extended family dynamics, sometimes due to daily life in Mauritius under colonial rule.
I read the author’s note after, and my sense that this was at least part memoir feels true because he seems to have followed at least a similar path in some ways. I think that’s why the story felt authentic and deeply personal. The writing is smooth, and I was swept up in the story, even though it was a very slow build with a somewhat stronger first half.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
jillybebe's review
4.0
Lovely book. Very authentic. I wonder if the author has anything left to day.
emmabielski's review against another edition
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
doreneemi's review
This is certainly a great book for someone, but I am not that someone. I was bored the whole time.
callme_tippy's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I didn't dislike this book but I also didn't like it. It reads very much like a memoir but it's not a memoir.
I wish it was written less like a memoir and more like just regular literary fiction in chronological order. I think not making it chronological brought the overall storyline down for me.
Personally, I was very engaged until chapter 15 which is where I believe the timelines start to go all willy-nilly and I lost my interest after that.
I also did not care for the main character, I was not particularly interested or invested in his story and I don't think there was any character growth.
Like I said not terrible but not great, took me forever to finish especially after chapter 15.
I wish it was written less like a memoir and more like just regular literary fiction in chronological order. I think not making it chronological brought the overall storyline down for me.
Personally, I was very engaged until chapter 15 which is where I believe the timelines start to go all willy-nilly and I lost my interest after that.
I also did not care for the main character, I was not particularly interested or invested in his story and I don't think there was any character growth.
Like I said not terrible but not great, took me forever to finish especially after chapter 15.
googie_puvdan's review
4.0
The timeline jumps sometimes in a way that's confusing, but a thoughtful book