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withlovesammy's review
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Blood, War, Death, Rape, and Violence
nubiani's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Rape, and War
Moderate: Genocide, Grief, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Police brutality, and Physical abuse
doublel11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
1.25
On the plus side, I liked learning more about Sri Lanka and that part of history.
Graphic: War, Death, and Rape
lavenderdolmeh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Suicide, Racism, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
galena417's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: War and Genocide
Moderate: Rape
condensedmilk's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Xenophobia, War, Violence, Torture, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Rape
Moderate: Car accident, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Miscarriage and Vomit
valje's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Rape and Suicide
nethmi's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Rape and Violence
mfmurray11's review
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, and Suicide
abbie_'s review against another edition
- 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
The book looks at both sides of the war through the eyes of two young women who have very different experiences. One is Sinhalese and born to a middle-class family who eventually move to the US to flee the violence, the other is Tamil and dreams of being a teacher before a horrific incident pulls her into the very heart of the violence.
That it’s a difficult read is no surprise given the main themes - the brutality and futility of war, which no one can ever truly escape. Munaweera explores both sides really well, your heart aches for both Yasodhara and Saraswathi. She also touches on topics like colourism and the way senseless prejudice is passed down through children, taught to hate former playmates by parents, perpetuating the cycle of discrimination endlessly.
I liked the style, but some parts felt more evocative than others (omg the way she describes food - don’t read this book on an empty stomach!). I would like to read her later novel because I imagine her style has only got better with time!
Graphic: Blood, Death, Miscarriage, Murder, Rape, and Violence