rustedtrains's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Grief, War, Colonisation, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault and Drug use
bookreviewswithkb's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual assault
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
woolgatherer's review
4.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Drug use, Grief, and Infidelity
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Sexual assault, War, and Xenophobia
Minor: Abortion
thebakerbookworm's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story follows the Nasr family, when Idris, the father, decides to sell their family home in Beirut. This decision brings everyone to gather in Beirut for the summer. We get the perspectives of the three children, each living their own independent lives, as they come to terms with what being back in Beirut with family means. And then we flash back to their mom's life when she was young growing up in Syria, and what led to her marrying Idris and how they eventually ended up in California raising a family. I thought the book started slow, and the past timeline was when the story really grabbed me. I found Mazna a really intriguing character, and I loved that we get different perspectives, so what you initially think about one character changes in the next section. All these characters are complex and compelling--I didn't like all of them but I found myself rooting for them and this family anyways.
There's not a ton of plot, but this is the kind of story where secrets drive the story—everyone has secrets and fails at communication, which of course causes drama and heartbreak. I was frustrated at times and just wanted to stick the Nasr family in one room together and force them to be honest with each other.
The writing was excellent and really captivated me. And I loved the setting—we get California, Brooklyn, Austin, Beirut, and Damascus. There's also a lot to learn about the Lebanese Civil War, and this book will make you want to learn even more about it. If you're tired of the World War II historical fiction books, you should definitely give this one a shot!
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Grief, Hate crime, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Abortion, Death of parent, and Sexual assault
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