Reviews

Ponti by Sharlene Teo

sophiabenton's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I appreciated the story the author was trying to tell but the writing style wasn’t for me. I liked the themes explored, and setting the scene of life in Singapore. I just wasn’t hooked by the plot of writing style and didn’t feel like the ‘current day’ narrative had much point to it, not much happened and i didn’t feel like there was a clear end once we got there. I did like the flashback chapters of both girls. Maybe would’ve preferred it in chronological order?

dutchbaby's review against another edition

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

2.0

purplefantail's review

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

pearlbambi's review

3.75

Growing up in Singapore in the 2000s, there were many parts in the book that I found relatable. However, I found it difficult to empathise with the characters especially Circe. 

elareads's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

ayeesharbrts's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

jenmulholland's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

4.0

wraithlike's review against another edition

emotional 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? Yes

3.0

karinacheah17's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

essjay1's review

3.0

I really enjoyed the sense of place, set in Singapore and very evocative of the heat and haze. The 2003 sections remind you of the painful and seemingly endless teenage years. Definitely a character driven novel, with no real plot to speak of so if that’s not your thing I would avoid it.

Ultimately disappointing, the narrative switches around, barely moving forward then making giant leaps. I wanted to love this, perhaps my expectations were too high. This is a debut though - I will be very interested to see how this writer develops.