unclelazy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I can’t believe this is the first book that Zadie Smith wrote. The character building was impeccable I am just mad to have been waiting for answers and given none.
lillibooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mdalonzo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
heather3086's review against another edition
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
annawaldram's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-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? Yes
5.0
jojosescapism's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
jesus christ this was a looong road. i was simultaneously confused but also intrigueed. this book was incredibly well-written and the plot? jesus i never knew where it was going. i went in blindly and even though this was a longer book, i was constantly entertained. the plotline was incredibly complex and diverse. NEVER BORED! the characters? you either hate em or love em. nothing in between and i'll guarantee you that. but i cannot simply understand some plotlines & characters. for example..joyce. i've never hated a woman so much (thank god she's fiction because a woman like that would make me lose my mind). caring is one thing, obsessive & being an enabler for millat's bad behaviour is another thing. samad? i'm so sorry to say this but he's a perfect example of most 'muslim' men i see nowadays. not religious themselves but enforces religion on their children and acts against the religion they want the entire family to follow (cheating, daily drinking, not praying, beating on his wife). alsana was so strong, god forbid i end up with a religious man like this. millat is like another version of his own dad. they were so similar, it actually hurt my brain. the false religious identity, pushing it on others but not practicing it themselves (enforcing modesty on that one girl he was literally FUCKING, smoking weed, only wanting to receive head because 'it's not bad as sex'????? i want what he was smoking on fr, the worst? making 'love' to irie on a prayer mat....ya allah). and honestly? only the men were absolute abomination on this book, only joshua&magid were tolerable..but besides all; i enjoyed this book, i experienced disgust, confusion, hint of love and pureee enjoyment. i recommend it!
gabymulberry's review against another edition
4.75
the writing in this book is exceptional but its a very low plot book that explores themes of immigration, family, culture, history more so through the characters than anything else. That’s not a bad thing although so parts felt a little long for what it was. I think i’d enjoy this so much on a reread and if i highlighted the sections that absolutely floored me.
joshuaperry's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.75