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ka_cam's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I listened to this on audiobook. I often struggle to finish audiobooks but I enjoyed this one- the reader did a great job of distinguishing characters and expressing complex emotions through tone and pauses. The book was pretty difficult subject matter (check content warnings) which I felt the author handled well while exposing Smita’s own biases and complicated reactions to gender based violence, religious violence, and state violence. I thought it odd that a gender based news international reporter wouldn’t tie this experience in more to her experiences reporting on GBV in other situations- the vague ‘bad things happen in the west/the us has police brutality’ references ended up feeling underdeveloped. I was expecting her at some point to mention reporting she had done on issues like missing and murdered indigenous women, DV, etc and how she’s experiencing this situation differently (or similarly) but we never got that. Some of her backstory felt rushed or underdeveloped as well. All in all a solid read but I finished it feeling that the audience was underestimated and some characters underdeveloped.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Islamophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content and Alcohol
sushmita_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Despite its dark subject matter (gender violence), I found it very difficult to put down. I found the characters flawed but well-written and engaging, the plot moved at a reasonable pace. The whole story felt deeply human. And being part of the Indian diaspora, I related to parts of the main character. The feeling of being responsible for India's struggles, relief and gratitude for being brought up in the Global North and grief at what culture I've lost.
Like others, I was a bit confused by Smita's choice to stay in India. Considering how much trauma she'd suffered and seen. But I think a) she decided to extend her stay by 3 months not forever and b) it wasn't just Mohan but also the promise she made to Meena. I know it's fiction but would've been nice to see at least a convo or two about Abru's future. Consistency and routine is so important, the child's life felt like a plot point rather than an important consideration. The trauma of uprooting her or abandoning her after forming a bond etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, Islamophobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide attempt
Minor: Body shaming