A review by elly29
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

funny 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? It's complicated

3.0

A quick, mostly fun read. Indeed, there were some dirty stories -- I was expecting more, though after the first few my prudishness got the better of me and I skipped, which is the joy of reading -- but a lot of it was about culture and clashes between first- and second-generation immigrants. Some of it was belabored. I got frustrated with the "we can't tell you" a major plot point "because you're not part of our community" as a writing device. A lot of it seemed reductively dualistic: modern v traditional, pleasure v prudishness. That things are as simple as flipping a switch and everything is okay. I was also was not a fan of being in Kulwinder's POV (and did we get into Nikki's mother Harpreet's POV?). Eh, anyway, it might be a fun beach read if you're looking for a dual-culture novel.

I did learn what "ladoo" are!! I'm very excited about this.
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