Reviews

A masterpiece. A novel that contains everything I love about fiction and what I'd like to see more of. Without a doubt, this will be the best book I'll read this year. The prose was exquisite and due credit should be given to both the author and the translator for such beautiful writing. If anything, I'd learn Italian in order to read the original, because this was simply spectacular.

majvi's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
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

jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition

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3.0

I was really moved by the various perspectives in BEYOND BABYLON - the trauma of conflict, immigration, social and cultural expectations of women and women’s bodies... I feel like this book did so much and from multiple (mostly female) perspectives too! Admittedly there were moments midway through the novel that I felt a little lost amongst these perspectives as they continued to alternate (particularly the two half-sisters), though I did feel like this eased and they came together more as the narrative tapered. That said, this was a literary joy to read, full of gorgeous prose and explorations of identity at the intersections of so many of the narratives themes. Well worth a read particularly if you’re planning your TBR for August and #womenintranslation month. Many thanks to @two_lines_press for sending a copy my way to review.

candelibri's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

emzireads's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative slow-paced

4.0

Content Warnings

tictactoney's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Lots of meditative, melancholy women in this book, which normally is 100% my thing, but I had a really hard time connecting with these characters. The writing is gorgeous and the descriptions are lush, but I never felt like I was fully engrossed.

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