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booksarah8's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
venn22's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
yohanab's review against another edition
4.0
Studied this book for OL literature. This is never a my type of a book. But studying this book left me with unique memories. Now I even have some nostalgia for this. Story has a very slow pace and that is something you can fell in love too.
das_susrita99's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
princessjulia's review against another edition
3.0
3/3.5
It took me ages to get into this book and I felt so detached to the characters that it was like reading an academic text more than a novel, I think I just had to get used to the writing style. Once I did, I really enjoyed the book but it seemed a bit too late as the beginning was just too slow and didn't do justice to the characters.
I'm also unsure about the message of the book, it seems to come from a very privileged point of view but on the other hand I loved the theme of hope and positive thinking. I am totally conflicted on this!
I did like the perspective of this book as it's rare that I read a book like this, but this has definitely consolidated the idea in me that I have to read more books like this.
It took me ages to get into this book and I felt so detached to the characters that it was like reading an academic text more than a novel, I think I just had to get used to the writing style. Once I did, I really enjoyed the book but it seemed a bit too late as the beginning was just too slow and didn't do justice to the characters.
I'm also unsure about the message of the book, it seems to come from a very privileged point of view but on the other hand I loved the theme of hope and positive thinking. I am totally conflicted on this!
I did like the perspective of this book as it's rare that I read a book like this, but this has definitely consolidated the idea in me that I have to read more books like this.
sokhiengtim's review against another edition
4.0
The situation in the story, obviously, could reflect the situation in Cambodia. In rural parts of Cambodia, almost every families are poor and cannot do any jobs rather than farming and fishing — if they live near the river. Like in the story, Hari and Lia decided to give up on studying, so this has been occurring in Cambodia, too, for the same reason of Hari and Lila — to help their family.
Plus, the moment when a father who was drunk every day — I experienced it back in the day.
Plus, the moment when a father who was drunk every day — I experienced it back in the day.
salhamaryam02's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
misspalah's review
4.0
A story of overcoming adversities and hardships of one family from one small village called Thul in india. The story was written solely for young adult hence I don't really mind that the plot is a bit lackluster and the characters in the story are lacking in depth. I did enjoyed the story afterall. Both Hari and Lila was forced to grow up quickly so that they can fend for themselves. Hari ran away to Mumbai in a hope of getting a job. He hoped to make enough money so that he can comes back to his village quickly. He finds living in Mumbai very suffocating. Lila, on the other hand, had to step up and be in charge of her family's affair. Her good for nothing father is always drunk and her mother is bedridden for a long as she can remember. Her only loyal friend is Pinto, her dog who's always by her side. Besides Pinto, she's also need to take care of her younger siblings, Bella and Kamal. A short and light reading I must say, there are few political bits here and there in the book but it was necessary for what Hari and Lila go through in their daily life. Overall, this is an enjoyable reading.
pixistachio's review against another edition
4.0
One of the Good children's book! To take a break from the tight world! Good stress buster! Takes to you to Mumbai of 1980's when there wasn't even a good communication system, without a good communication system, transport and even health care. The kids tries to overcome their challenges with their father being drunk and mom being sick! Absolutely love the pace of the story, the style - Beautiful!