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lmk217's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sadhbhprice's review
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? No
3.5
anjalisb's review
5.0
The stories in this book are beautiful, one of the few books I finish and want to re-read all over again right away. To pick up the beauty I missed the first time around ❤️
An unexpected find at my local library, located in a front and centre shelf, so glad my library displayed this book in a way that it was meant to be found and enjoyed!
An unexpected find at my local library, located in a front and centre shelf, so glad my library displayed this book in a way that it was meant to be found and enjoyed!
archytas's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Riwoe's writing, at top form, has a sublime nature to it, as if the reader is observing characters carefully, with compassion, and just the right amount of distance. Several of the stories here do have Riwoe in top form - notably in Annah the Javanese, Hazel, Cintra Ku and the Fish Girl. While not all of these are that strong, there is plenty here to enjoy.
hazeyjane_2's review
emotional
slow-paced
2.0
Annah the Javanese was my favourite story and the standout: Riwoe took a historical figure and placed her front and centre. The atmosphere was arresting.
As much as I liked The Fish Girl, it felt a bit like it was trying to do the same thing, with less success. The character of Mina didn't seem quite as compelling as Anna.
Of the contemporary stories, I liked the one about childbirth and the one about the actress. The rest fell a bit flat for me.
As much as I liked The Fish Girl, it felt a bit like it was trying to do the same thing, with less success. The character of Mina didn't seem quite as compelling as Anna.
Of the contemporary stories, I liked the one about childbirth and the one about the actress. The rest fell a bit flat for me.
gracebowskill's review
Really solid writing, dealing deftly with some challenging themes, but short story format is not really for me. Just couldn’t get excited about coming back to this.