Scan barcode
zahrowl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
I hated the characters in the first two chapters because of their very human flaws, upbringing and environment, and I'm so happy for them when they and their situations improve later. Balli Kaur's prose is both beautiful and accessible and this family drama thoroughly explores societal and familial expectations, mental illness and inheritance in parallel with the development of 1970s-1990s Singapore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Misogyny
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Death, Racism, Death of parent, Colonisation, Classism, Cursing, and Eating disorder
More...