kquixotic's review
- 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? Yes
4.75
I appreciate this book for upending western stereotypes of Arab people, particularly around women, sex, and sexuality, with every character navigating contradictions.
The backdrop of the impact of Western intervention in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon further, complicates and enriches the narrative. I was affected! Upon finishing this book I had to go to the local Lebanese buffet to eat my feelings.
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Death, Murder, Violence, and Homophobia
maryannc's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Pregnancy, War, Grief, and Drug use
Minor: Abortion, Racism, Sexual content, Vomit, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Racial slurs
just_one_more_paige's review
- 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
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Murder, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Violence, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, and Islamophobia
Moderate: Abortion, Classism, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Colonisation
bodiesinbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Abortion, Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, and Murder
Minor: Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Racism, Vomit, and War
keatynbergsten's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abortion, Death of parent, Drug use, Islamophobia, Homophobia, Racism, Pregnancy, and War
cookiesandchapters's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Racism
caseythereader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
- I was completely gripped by the stories of every member of the Nasr family. The way the story unraveled between the two timelines was just masterful.
- Also, going in to this book I didn't know there was a lesbian character! Hooray for adult queer fiction!
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Dementia, Gun violence, Abortion, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, Medical content, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Moderate: Racism
bookedbymadeline's review
- 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? Yes
5.0
The story makes me want to learn more about Lebanon and the conflicts discussed throughout the book. Also enjoyed the switching POVs and timelines to get an in depth look at each character. Will definitely be reading more of Alyan’s novels!! Highly highly recommend.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. All the opinions above are my own.
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Grief, Infidelity, Sexual content, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Abortion, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Chronic illness and Gun violence