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mayankshah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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
This is a book in which there are no blacks or white issues, there is only choice and what you do with the options you have in front of you.
The characters are all really well created, all seeming real and visible in my mind as I read. I particularly loved how there were no good or bad people as such, just people with their flaws and merits. Each character is given their value and shown to be important and loving in their own way.
At the same time as some significant character development, the book is set against a backdrop of racial tensions and the lived experiences of immigrants. Again, there are no clear ways to deal with this, just the choices that the characters make and how they work out for those individuals.
In the way that the book gives voices to people who we don't normally hear from and emphasises the power of individual choice (especially the idea that not making a decisoo. Is a decision in itself), I found the book really empowering.
There were a handful of times where I felt the story moved a little slowly but this formed part of the character development and they wouldn't be as human without it.
I really enjoyed the book, the characters and the story and ended my reading of it imagining what came next for them, the hallmark of a good book and worthy read!
The characters are all really well created, all seeming real and visible in my mind as I read. I particularly loved how there were no good or bad people as such, just people with their flaws and merits. Each character is given their value and shown to be important and loving in their own way.
At the same time as some significant character development, the book is set against a backdrop of racial tensions and the lived experiences of immigrants. Again, there are no clear ways to deal with this, just the choices that the characters make and how they work out for those individuals.
In the way that the book gives voices to people who we don't normally hear from and emphasises the power of individual choice (especially the idea that not making a decisoo. Is a decision in itself), I found the book really empowering.
There were a handful of times where I felt the story moved a little slowly but this formed part of the character development and they wouldn't be as human without it.
I really enjoyed the book, the characters and the story and ended my reading of it imagining what came next for them, the hallmark of a good book and worthy read!
elliehamilton38's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tasneemuu's review against another edition
The book claims to represent the Bengali Muslim community but all it does is feed into the standard stereotypes that the media portrays.
vegisupreme's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
thanzeela's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.25
An amazing read that draws and holds you in the location and time. The characters felt familiar and seeing London through the eyes of an immigrant, with a focus on food and clothing, was very enticing. Loved this!
ladybaela's review against another edition
3.0
A pretty good read, I liked the main character and the clash of cultures was interesting.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Brick Lane is the story of a uneducated woman from a small village in Bangladesh who moves to Brick Lane in London with her new husband after an arranged marriage. Like many other immigrant novels, this book touches on themes of culture clash and the struggle to adapt to the new country. The main character in "Brick Lane" initially feels that it is her fate to be the dutiful wife, living in her husband's shadow. She slowly begins to realize that she can be her own person.
The descriptions of the scents, sights, and sounds of Brick Lane were excellent. Monica also does a great job of relaying the lead character's feelings of being suppressed and trapped.
The descriptions of the scents, sights, and sounds of Brick Lane were excellent. Monica also does a great job of relaying the lead character's feelings of being suppressed and trapped.
rhondie's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
3.75
Interesting look at immigrant life in the UK and cultures intersecting.