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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Inheritance of Loss in Books

Jul 29, 2017

The Inheritance of Loss

Kiran Desai | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry

9.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

The tragic consequences of colonialism and class

Kiran Desai's vivid writing of the northern mountainous regions of Kalimpong was well captured in this desperate novel of the aftermath of British colonialism and the caste system in India.

The events are quite accurate as my own family who resided there during this time can substantiate. The violence that ensued the nation following independence was one of many tragic consequences of a country attempting to repair itself after massive divisions were sown.

At the same time, the experiences of an immigrant abroad is a good reflection of how imperialism allowed people to make the journey while still being treated as a second class citizen.

The story itself surrounding a small community of elites in the northern regions is interesting as many of them attempt to face their own demons and find an identity. Poignant, quite long, and well written.

Kudos

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Everything Here Is Beautiful in Books

Mar 2, 2018

Everything Here Is Beautiful

Mira T. Lee | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry

7.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

A wonderful and tragic exploration of mental health

This is a beautifully written, tragic tale of love, loss and mental health.

Following the story of sisters Miranda and Lucia, born to Chinese parents and living in America, the elder of the two siblings attempts to shelter her sister Lucia as she is seen to suffer from a form of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Miranda is responsible and organised, while her sister is a free spirit, but she seems to have no control over her fate and protecting her from her demons.

It is a wonderful exploration into mental health, and how it affects all communities, and the effect it has on the people around them. It's sometimes heartbreaking knowing what could end up happening to Lucia when there is no safety net or support network to help her through her episodes. An unexpected gem.

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Hazel (2934 KP) rated A Map of the Dark in Books

Mar 11, 2018

A Map of the Dark

Karen Ellis | 2018 | Crime, Thriller

7.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

A series that will grow

Hmm, this is a toughie for me. I enjoy reading Karen Ellis' books and love her characters but I admit that I struggled to get into this one. I can only think this is because there is a lot of background information on the main character Elsa and although very important as it explains the motivations pushing her and the daily struggle she has with her inner demons, it did interrupt the flow of the story for me. Having said that, when another in the series comes out, I would give it a go as I think now we have the history out of the way, the story will come to the fore with the intrigue, twists and excitement Karen Ellis is adept at creating.

Thanks to the publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.