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raindrops333's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
Confusing narrative, sometimes you are hearing the narrator's voice, sometimes is the character's. What its true, is how "The Partition" was painful for all in India and Pakistan, and this is but a glimpse on how it affected some in the story. I understand why it won accolades and scholastic awards, but it's definitely not for everyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Dementia, and Trafficking
Minor: Mental illness, Racism, Sexism, Colonisation, and Deportation
melodyseestrees's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.25
I read an uncorrected proof and I am someone who lacks cultural understanding of the culture within the text. With these notions in mind I continue.
I still enjoyed the story and was fully aware that several of the nuances escaped my understanding. For example the Rosie was handled throughout the tale felt strange to me. The relationship between KK and Beti. The relationships between Beti and her siblings. The unreliable narrator factor within a character we had implicitly trusted.
It is on me as a reader for not researching the factors I did not find easy to understand and I do recommend thoroughly reading the translators notes as well as doing your own research. The tale is subtle in its whimsy and serious in its message. This is an important story for many people to read, even though it will take work on their part to mend the cultural gap. The writing style is different to that of many stories published for an American audience. I think that is beautiful. Take your time, write in your copy, highlight sections.
I still enjoyed the story and was fully aware that several of the nuances escaped my understanding. For example the Rosie was handled throughout the tale felt strange to me. The relationship between KK and Beti. The relationships between Beti and her siblings. The unreliable narrator factor within a character we had implicitly trusted.
It is on me as a reader for not researching the factors I did not find easy to understand and I do recommend thoroughly reading the translators notes as well as doing your own research. The tale is subtle in its whimsy and serious in its message. This is an important story for many people to read, even though it will take work on their part to mend the cultural gap. The writing style is different to that of many stories published for an American audience. I think that is beautiful. Take your time, write in your copy, highlight sections.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Xenophobia, and War
Moderate: Transphobia, Trafficking, and Murder
Minor: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and War
bookishcori's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
I loved this book. It’s not straightforward and you have to trust through some passages (also possibly google if you’re not familiar with Indian/Pakistan history). But this is a beautiful story about so many things, but especially all the “borders” that exist in life (countries, gender, ethnicities, societal expectations, etc).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Xenophobia, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Minor: Violence and War