carolyn_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
Reflective, leisurely-paced, character centered
nmorales's review
1.0
This book was the most uninteresting book I've ever read, despite the fact that it included issues such as Child Pornography, Abortion, Racial Discrimination, Forbidden Love, Homosexuality, AIDS, Incest, Miscarriage, Japanese Internment, and a few other things thrown into the mix.
There isn't really a plot line, aside from I suppose Irina and Seth trying to figure out who Ichimei is and finally figuring it out, or perhaps maybe it's Alma and Ichimei's love story unraveled; however, it is a book with seemingly no direction. One minute you're learning about Alma the next we are in the mind of some random character who exists for a few pages and learning about their story.
There is too much information in this book. Third person omniscient is a poor choice for a book that involves so many characters for such a short time. The characters also have no depth, perhaps because we can't focus on just one and there's hardly any dialogue.
Considering Irina has a past of child pornography, you'd think I'd feel emotionally invested into her background but I didn't because it was told so matter-of-factly.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
There isn't really a plot line, aside from I suppose Irina and Seth trying to figure out who Ichimei is and finally figuring it out, or perhaps maybe it's Alma and Ichimei's love story unraveled; however, it is a book with seemingly no direction. One minute you're learning about Alma the next we are in the mind of some random character who exists for a few pages and learning about their story.
There is too much information in this book. Third person omniscient is a poor choice for a book that involves so many characters for such a short time. The characters also have no depth, perhaps because we can't focus on just one and there's hardly any dialogue.
Considering Irina has a past of child pornography, you'd think I'd feel emotionally invested into her background but I didn't because it was told so matter-of-factly.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
cianofobia's review against another edition
4.0
Lo único que lo separa de tener 5 estrellas es la intriga al final de qué pasa con Irina, cómo hace frente a las cosas horribles que están en el pasado y una profundización mayor en el personaje. También se parece un poco a Maya (del Cuaderno de Maya).
kaybiasotti93's review against another edition
3.0
Overall I enjoyed the novel and found it moving and sentimental. There were times the exposition dragged on, and I don't feel I got to know the characters as deeply as I would have liked, but the story was compelling all the same.
paramrb's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
guardianang's review against another edition
4.0
From the vividly detailed San Francisco setting to the richly developed, diverse characters- this book was a treat. 4.5 stars with a bonus for a terrific ending.
ktcrichtt's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the writing and I enjoyed Alma’s storyline but I felt like the stories outside of that took some of the focus away and were not necessary in the end.
I loved the writing and I enjoyed Alma’s storyline but I felt like the stories outside of that took some of the focus away and were not necessary in the end.
luellabenkess's review against another edition
4.0
A thoroughly enjoyable, educational journey.
I loved the premise and it really exceeded my expectations. I felt that the story Irina bought with her was a little distracting and unnecessary but it is definitely a book I will recommend.
I loved the premise and it really exceeded my expectations. I felt that the story Irina bought with her was a little distracting and unnecessary but it is definitely a book I will recommend.
kdferrin's review against another edition
2.0
I know times were different but I had a hard time with this "love" story because the woman's actions seemed to be so selfish.
Spoiler
My opinion may have been affected by the fact that I had just previously read a book that included a marriage where the woman was a beard so I picked up on the "secret" right away and it made it seem like an overdone plot devisechrissydisibio's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot because of the characters. Alma, Ichmei, Irina, Seth... Each had an important role in the book even though it was a book mainly about Alma. Alma went through so many things in her life, and I like that she acknowledged she wasn't perfect- made it more real. Makes you think about things you regret. Also makes you think about getting old and how it's inevitable. The only thing I wish was for more info at the end about Irina and Seth! I also liked the twist at the end.