Reviews

The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas

sassispring's review against another edition

3.0

This was a recommended read for my book club. I really wanted to enjoy the book and I pushed myself through the story, however, I found that I was bored. Yet the story itself was quite interesting, so to be bored told me that it was more the telling of the story that was dragging me down. It felt many times like moving through mud where you can see the end clearly, but struggle to get there. I skipped through the book to the end.

tdk's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

theoneandonlyredrose's review against another edition

4.0

A bit to close to Chic Lit to give it a 5 star!

bookworm_oakey's review against another edition

took till page 200 to get into it but enjoyed it eventually

writingwwolves's review against another edition

4.0

It took me awhile to get into this book, but the scenes based during the war sucked me in... for the majority of the book I wished that the plot only focused on the past, but the ending of the book convinced me that the present scenes were necessary for the story to end whole. Once I was into the book I didn't want to put it down and I was fascinated by Nerys' story and totally fell in love with her and her friends (but mainly Nerys). At times I found Mair annoying and, as I said, didn't really see the point of her part in the book until the very end; but I grew to find her story interesting too (even if I felt like half of her scenes were unnecessary). The book did throw some great twists in and I'm fairly certain there isn't a single plot-hole, either - it was a really well written book overall. I also feel like I've learnt a little more about India and the war during this read, which, for me, is always a bonus. I enjoyed the book but I'm not sure if it's one I'll read again.

sarahnibhriomhar's review against another edition

4.0

I found the first chapter a bit slow moving (though that may be down to my own personal distaste for fiction with a modern day setting), but once the book arrives in 1940s India I found it difficult to put down! I could almost imagine myself actually in India easily visualising the houseboats, the ice covered lake, and the Vale of Kashmir. I thought the writing was wonderfully descriptive!

I fell in love with Nerys from her very first chapter. I loved her quiet confidence, her strength, and her love for a husband who could be a bit inattentive. I thought her storyline was most interesting, and even found that I was silently rooting for her when she began her affair with Rainer, purely out of wanting to see her happy.

The close friendship between Nerys, Myrtle and Caroline was also a nice addition to the novel, and all three characters were brilliantly written, I thought.

This has joined the list of my favourite historical fiction novels, and it's made me eager to read more books from Rosie Thomas!

never4get's review against another edition

3.0

Relatively enjoyed it, but it became a bit overly romanticised. The underlying history of Kashmir, etc was interesting.

hollylynna's review against another edition

4.0

What a beautiful real novel. I can see why Thomas is a best seller in Europe. This was so true to life and I loved the quest and the backstory.

marie1993's review

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

auntieg0412's review against another edition

5.0

I envy Ms. Thomas's ability to write such a complex and moving story. It was described to me as "a beautiful book," and after reading it I completely agree.