I loved this book! The writing in this book is beautiful. I actually had to restart the book halfway through because I couldn’t follow exactly what was happening, but with a more careful reading the second time, I was able to finish and enjoy it all. I would enjoy reading this book again. The characters are dynamic and interesting. The story is tragic and Mala, the character the story revolves around, deserved better from everyone in her life. By the end, I was crying for her.

I wish there was just a bit more on Tyler. His narration is fun and engaging, but we don’t learn too much about him. This is intentional since it’s said almost exactly in the book that the story is about Mala and not Tyler. That Tyler is only here to tell her story. Tyler, though, is interesting in his own right. Queer, male nurse with a possible love interest, like, I gotta know more.

But really, Shani Mootoo said, “Fuck it. They’re all queer.” From what I’ve heard of her work, this is not uncommon for Shani. I’m excited to read more from her. 

recommended for: multi-generational family saga, mystery, LGBTQ+ characters