Reviews

I liked this much more than I expected; the start was a bit slow. Don't be intimidated by the list of characters. They're introduced at an even pace that makes it easy to keep track of everyone.

Content Warnings

I don't often read adult literary fiction, but when I do, it's multi-layered, moving stories like this that I hope to pick up. Perfect for historical fiction fans (such as Pachinko or Homegoing) and readers who enjoy getting glimpses into lesser-known history!

mullensamy's review

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challenging informative 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? Yes

4.0

renuka__'s review

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective fast-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? No

5.0

I read this on recommendation from a book club friend while we were reading Stranger Intimacy by Nayan Shah. This was a really helpful book that contextualized the history of South Asian migration to western North America while also allowing me to experience the interiority of the people involved in these struggles.

mooboogoo's review

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slow-paced

1.5

not just slow paced... arguably no pacing. historical fiction that was more subtly dramatized research than a novel. not sure I needed 400 pages of people experiencing racism at systemic + individual levels without any message to it besides "this is what racism looked like for these people in this area at this time." Again - well-researched. But on its own, that is research, not a novel.

Also the women were treated like shit in this book. For what? Would love if the author fleshed out the female characters to be more than people that were either blandly supportive of their husbands at best OR abused, abandoned, cheated on, and pressured into making witness statements that put their lives in danger to protect a shitty ass man. Do I think that shitty ass man needed to die? No. But like.. the author spent a lot of time giving us compelling reasons for her to NOT take that witness stand. Why do that just to be like.. nope jk lol she will risk her life and need to FLEE THE COUNTRY to protect someone who literally was physically abusive to her sister in law???? The believable character motivation is... lacking!? I... wow. So glad to have this novel behind me.

all that to say: this took me 8 months and giving myself deadlines to finish. I am a proud DNF'er but I made my Mom read this and she finished it many moons ago, so I needed to suffer with her in solidarity. tiny grain of salt: I'm not the biggest historical fic fan to start with.