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hafious's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what to think of this book. It isn't a traditional novel in any sense, each chapter in the book is a first chapter and there's not really a progression in the plot. At its heart this is a family drama, we learn about how messed up the family is but at the same time we understand how they all got to this point. I didn't particularly like the protagonist-Sarah but I understood why she is the way she is. I wish there was some sort of resolution in this novel but I think Alameddine wasn't aiming for a conclusion. Alameddine definitely writes very well, he's quite eloquent and able to capture his characters' emotions quite well. I'm looking forward to reading his other books. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes their characters to be realistic and messed up.
archytas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
There is a conceit at the hidden heart of this novel - that there is an essential anecdote, story or statement which can sum someone up. In giving us repeated attempts for our protagonist Sarah to write the first chapter of her memoir, we see her cast around for the moment, the relationship, the aspect of her and her life that will explain her to us. And without doubt, for me, the most magnificent thing about the book is the way that Alameddine lands this, and uses this structure to deconstruct that concept, to challenge singularities. Throughout the book, I kept wondering how he would land the last first chapter; frankly, it was simply perfect.
Other themes thread the book, especially the functioning of extended families, the experience of fitting between cultures, and how we create our reality by telling stories just as we reflect it. These are wells of deep utility to Alameddine, and this combination reminded me of his Hakawati, a tonally sharply different book that feels like a different take on the same themes.
It wasn't perfect. I have high standards for Alameddine, one of my most loved writers, like perfection, dammit). The chapters have less stylistic variation than I expected, and for better or for worse, it was possible to simply forget sometimes that this wasn't a continuous narrative. I have often felt that authors without experience of sexual assault write in a way that it shows, and this didn't change my mind.
But ultimately, the strengths are strong - the characters so alive, and the tonal shifts so beautifully carried off - and last chapter so lovely in rounding it all off.
Other themes thread the book, especially the functioning of extended families, the experience of fitting between cultures, and how we create our reality by telling stories just as we reflect it. These are wells of deep utility to Alameddine, and this combination reminded me of his Hakawati, a tonally sharply different book that feels like a different take on the same themes.
It wasn't perfect. I have high standards for Alameddine, one of my most loved writers, like perfection, dammit). The chapters have less stylistic variation than I expected, and for better or for worse, it was possible to simply forget sometimes that this wasn't a continuous narrative. I have often felt that authors without experience of sexual assault write in a way that it shows, and this didn't change my mind.
But ultimately, the strengths are strong - the characters so alive, and the tonal shifts so beautifully carried off - and last chapter so lovely in rounding it all off.
outtiegw's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
5.0
bahoulie's review against another edition
5.0
This book was great. I loved the device of all 1st chapters, it really allowed Rabih to do what he was trying to do, without causing any real discomfort in me. I didn't necessarily completely understand everyone, but I didn't care. It was so engrossing.
sophiavass's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jsykverd's review
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Abortion, and Sexual assault
cami_stokes3859's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Mental illness, Death of parent, War, Suicide, and Cursing
Minor: Murder
lynnedf's review against another edition
4.0
This book is such genius: every single chapter is written as though it's a first chapter ... and it is such a wonderful, engrossing read! It felt like meeting a new friend and getting to know her bit by bit; every story (chapter) stands on its own, but when combined as a larger piece (an entire book) the whole story comes to light. It flips back and forth, from characters perspectives, from Lebanon to New York City to San Francisco. Although this is mainly the story of Sarah Nour El-Din, you also get to know her sisters, stepmother, mother, father, brother, ex-husbands and best friend: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Highly addictive story.
Highly addictive story.
ghadasreads's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, a great disappointment. Despite being a smooth and fast read, the structure got frustrating, but mostly, I couldn’t sympathize with Sarah as much as I was probably expected to. I have a whole bucketful of sympathy but not much of it for women who choose to be passive in their lives and willingly play the role of the victim.