anneke_b's review
3.0
This story of twin brothers was not what I expected. It did give me a great insight in life on the island of Trinidad, but still it was lacking a bit in other areas. At the end, I just skipped chapters, because I was so done with the story.
librelivre's review
4.0
Bravo. The Golden Child struck a great balance between a propulsive plot, an immersive, palpable setting and very fleshed-out (and beloved) characters (with multiple narrators, no less, which is so hard to pull off). I listened to this book on audio which means I was able, for the most part, to focus on story over prose, but as the characters drove the entire story, I found even simpler word choices appropriate. The story achieved so much, giving us a Trinidad many may recognize and few may know. A few characters did get the shaft. (I wanted far more from the mother’s point of view, and felt in general this was turned into a very male world.) But this is a matter of preference. You, dear reader, might disagree.
But clearly, a fantastic debut and a writer to watch! I’ll miss this world, this family, and Claire Adam’s voice. Unputdownable!
But clearly, a fantastic debut and a writer to watch! I’ll miss this world, this family, and Claire Adam’s voice. Unputdownable!
thain's review against another edition
4.0
Heartbreaking story of twin brothers - one considered a "golden child" whose future must be assured at all costs, the other deemed "retarded" due to complications at birth - and their father who is faced with a terrible choice when one disappears. An insightful family drama, and a wondeful depiction of the island and culture of Trinidad.
sapphiremarie's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
berthe33's review
5.0
received ARC from BookBrowse
A family surviving in poverty, betrayal of the worst kind, and impossible choices, this is the story of Golden Child. The writing in this novel is sublime...just enough description to put you in rural Trinidad and feel the oppressiveness of both the weather and a family life that will shatter. For a first effort I find this novel astonishing. Highly recommended for book clubs!
A family surviving in poverty, betrayal of the worst kind, and impossible choices, this is the story of Golden Child. The writing in this novel is sublime...just enough description to put you in rural Trinidad and feel the oppressiveness of both the weather and a family life that will shatter. For a first effort I find this novel astonishing. Highly recommended for book clubs!
hamilgrom's review
4.0
I initially heard about the book on the "The Librarian Is In" podcast from the New York Public Library. One of the podcast hosts, Gwen, described the book in such a compelling way and when I found out that it was on SJP's imprint I knew I had to read it as I loved "A Place for Us." In the end, I wanted to like this book more than I ultimately did. I think there was a sincere problem with pacing. The first part of the book seemed to drag while the last 30 pages or so flew by at a breakneck pace. My favorite part was the character of Father Kavanagh and his relationship with Paul. The setting was also so immersive and interesting. I've never read a book that took place in Trinidad before and I loved the exposure to a new culture. Overall, I would recommend this book for the detailed characters and setting but not so much for the plot, though there is certainly a lot there to unpack.
martamae77's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Kidnapping
demottar's review
3.0
Though well-written and devastatingly tragic, Golden Child didn’t captivate me as much as I thought it would. I felt distanced from the characters and their story, I think, in part, because of the multiple third-person, omniscient narration. I see why Adam needed to include both Clyde’s and Paul’s internal thoughts to create a certain level of tension, but overall I feel like I didn’t really have enough time with either of them.
What did work for me, however, was the palpable sense of place and time. I felt the characters’ daily, underlying dread and constant fear from living in a lawless, corrupt country. Adam slowly builds this Trinidadian setting with small, but important details—guard dogs in neighbors’ yards, worry about breaking curfew, etc.—until it all culminates at the end. Her description of Trinidad, for me, was the most interesting and impactful thing about this novel.
What did work for me, however, was the palpable sense of place and time. I felt the characters’ daily, underlying dread and constant fear from living in a lawless, corrupt country. Adam slowly builds this Trinidadian setting with small, but important details—guard dogs in neighbors’ yards, worry about breaking curfew, etc.—until it all culminates at the end. Her description of Trinidad, for me, was the most interesting and impactful thing about this novel.