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lexynr's review
3.0
Beautiful writing. Stories touched on love, loss. Characters seemed real and I enjoyed walking with them and learning through them. The connection between nature people and love is one seldomly so touchingly expressed. Some sections lost me a bit but all in all very much enjoyed.
brindabani's review
emotional
funny
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
4.0
I think a lot of this went over my head. May reread at some point in the future to catch the rest of it lol. So much detail and depth in the writing that I kind of got bogged down. I liked the setting, generational aspect, and tone. Very funny, thoughtful, and ironic. Magical realism is typically overwhelming (for me) but I liked so many other parts of this book that I’m fine with it. Thanks Heather 😗
aylasharii's review
4.0
I honestly don’t even know how to write a review on this book. I was so excited for it - it’s a stunning book with an intriguing synopsis and awards to back it up. In some ways, I’d have to say its among the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. The descriptions are vivid, the prose is lyrical, and there is so much passion, knowledge, culture, and history in this book.
Which is also simultaneously why I struggled with this book. It very much so felt like I was reading another language. The content was so unlike everything I have ever read, and I really had to slow down and analyze every page in order to appreciate it for what it was. Unfortunately, being unfamiliar with the cultures described in the book, I felt lost at times.
The most unique part of this book is the way in which it was told. The book is divided into different segments, with each focusing on a different set of characters in a different region. Interestingly enough though, all the characters were prefaced in the stories before, and they all related to one another regardless of the time or distance between the stories. It was a great way of tying it all together.
4
Overall, if you’re a dedicated reader with free time and a hunger for beautiful books, please pick up this book. If you’re a reader looking for something light to read at night, maybe try something else.
If you’ve read this, let me know your thoughts!
Which is also simultaneously why I struggled with this book. It very much so felt like I was reading another language. The content was so unlike everything I have ever read, and I really had to slow down and analyze every page in order to appreciate it for what it was. Unfortunately, being unfamiliar with the cultures described in the book, I felt lost at times.
The most unique part of this book is the way in which it was told. The book is divided into different segments, with each focusing on a different set of characters in a different region. Interestingly enough though, all the characters were prefaced in the stories before, and they all related to one another regardless of the time or distance between the stories. It was a great way of tying it all together.
4
Overall, if you’re a dedicated reader with free time and a hunger for beautiful books, please pick up this book. If you’re a reader looking for something light to read at night, maybe try something else.
If you’ve read this, let me know your thoughts!
madiguest's review
5.0
Really beautiful book. All different types of love stories that I've never experienced before.
kellbell700's review
4.0
I love Swarup’s writing - this book was so beautiful! It’s separated into different sections following different characters and they get progressively shorter, with the first section taking up most of the book. I thought the first section was perfect, but I liked the others less. Overall a lovely story intertwining nature and humans.
lexisilakka's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
meghamele's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up. The first story was *so* strong but really hit a plateau after that. Writing is beautiful throughout though.
nicole_reads_everything's review against another edition
4.0
Around the World Reading Challenge: INDIA
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3.5 rounded up
Beautifully written book told in five parts, each from a different character that showed up in the previous POV section. The first section was both the longest and the strongest of the lot, with my interest in the other sections somewhat diminishing. The first story in particular felt quite beautifully and tightly written, but as the novel progressed, I did feel like there was somewhat of a lack of purpose, and that she didn't necessarily tie all of the different POV sections as cohesively into one narrative as I'd have liked. Still, a solid debut, and an author I'll be keeping an eye on.
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3.5 rounded up
Beautifully written book told in five parts, each from a different character that showed up in the previous POV section. The first section was both the longest and the strongest of the lot, with my interest in the other sections somewhat diminishing. The first story in particular felt quite beautifully and tightly written, but as the novel progressed, I did feel like there was somewhat of a lack of purpose, and that she didn't necessarily tie all of the different POV sections as cohesively into one narrative as I'd have liked. Still, a solid debut, and an author I'll be keeping an eye on.