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ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
2.75/5 ARC gifted by the publisher
I wanted to like this but ended up struggling even finishing it
I wanted to like this but ended up struggling even finishing it
ARC gifted by the publisher
What I liked
- Gurnah writes imperfect characters with such compassion that even when they make stupid decisions I feel deeply for them
- themes of belonging and identity are weaved seamlessly into the storyline as the readers follow characters of different socioeconomic backgrounds. While this isn’t a new concept, Gurnah’s unique writing style vividly shows us the everyday struggles of the haves vs have nots, and how that affects one’s ability to take control of their destiny
- the novel follows three main characters thorough the years with alternating narratives. It doesn’t provide specific timeframes or character names in the beginning of each chapter, yet the author’s writing is clear enough that I never got confused. For a relatively short novel to achieve this kind of clarity with few words, it really showcases Gurnah’s craft
- for lovers of character-focused books who are turned off by purple prose, THEFT is a great option! I was expecting a novel filled with SAT words and melodramatic lit fic writing, but I was so pleasantly surprised!
What didn’t quite work for me
- the first half of the book moves rather slowly and I can see readers who dnf quickly might not make it to the interesting parts in time
What I liked
- Gurnah writes imperfect characters with such compassion that even when they make stupid decisions I feel deeply for them
- themes of belonging and identity are weaved seamlessly into the storyline as the readers follow characters of different socioeconomic backgrounds. While this isn’t a new concept, Gurnah’s unique writing style vividly shows us the everyday struggles of the haves vs have nots, and how that affects one’s ability to take control of their destiny
- the novel follows three main characters thorough the years with alternating narratives. It doesn’t provide specific timeframes or character names in the beginning of each chapter, yet the author’s writing is clear enough that I never got confused. For a relatively short novel to achieve this kind of clarity with few words, it really showcases Gurnah’s craft
- for lovers of character-focused books who are turned off by purple prose, THEFT is a great option! I was expecting a novel filled with SAT words and melodramatic lit fic writing, but I was so pleasantly surprised!
What didn’t quite work for me
- the first half of the book moves rather slowly and I can see readers who dnf quickly might not make it to the interesting parts in time
4.5/5 ALC gifted by NetGalley
A profound and insightful exploration of identity, self-determination, and Christianity. I love that the author discusses how to separate one’s faith (especially Christianity) from white saviorism and colonialism, and how to reimagine a religion that actually serves non-white believers. I think for those who think a lot about the problematic of Christianity and the harm that white missionaries in BIPOC communities caused, this story will really strike a cord.
I also appreciate how fully-realized the characters are, especially the women in the story.
The audiobook is done really well. The narrator captures the different personalities of local Nigerians and white missionaries perfectly!
A profound and insightful exploration of identity, self-determination, and Christianity. I love that the author discusses how to separate one’s faith (especially Christianity) from white saviorism and colonialism, and how to reimagine a religion that actually serves non-white believers. I think for those who think a lot about the problematic of Christianity and the harm that white missionaries in BIPOC communities caused, this story will really strike a cord.
I also appreciate how fully-realized the characters are, especially the women in the story.
The audiobook is done really well. The narrator captures the different personalities of local Nigerians and white missionaries perfectly!
3.75/5
I appreciate this story that explores coming of age as a refugee girl in Gaza. The author touches upon toxic masculinity in a conservative family and those perpetrated by fundamentalist groups. I also liked reading about the subtle racial dynamics in Gaza, where racism and colorism becomes barriers for solidarity of Palestinians.
The delivery is straightforward and can be a bit dry at times. I’m not sure if it’s a translation problem, but the writing style reads more telling than showing at times. I’m also not sure if the reverse chronology does favors for a book this short, and wonder if reorganizing the story in chronological order would give a more satisfying reading experience.
There’s mentioning of a lot of political factions in the book that the author didn’t go into much detail. I’d recommended this book to readers who has a pretty good idea of Palestine history, and not as an introductory read.
I appreciate this story that explores coming of age as a refugee girl in Gaza. The author touches upon toxic masculinity in a conservative family and those perpetrated by fundamentalist groups. I also liked reading about the subtle racial dynamics in Gaza, where racism and colorism becomes barriers for solidarity of Palestinians.
The delivery is straightforward and can be a bit dry at times. I’m not sure if it’s a translation problem, but the writing style reads more telling than showing at times. I’m also not sure if the reverse chronology does favors for a book this short, and wonder if reorganizing the story in chronological order would give a more satisfying reading experience.
There’s mentioning of a lot of political factions in the book that the author didn’t go into much detail. I’d recommended this book to readers who has a pretty good idea of Palestine history, and not as an introductory read.
3.75/5
What I liked
- a haunting exploration of motherhood
- themes of survival and forgiveness
- I think the author did a good job with handling domestic violence issues with care, but please note there are quite triggering scenes
What didn’t quite work for me
- the story sits a bit awkwardly between lit fic and suspense. The writing and character development is sometimes awkward, and the twist is quite easy to guess. I think this could be a good book to start for genre fiction readers who want to try out lit fic
- the last 10% is tied up too neatly and I feel did a disservice of all the build up in the book
What I liked
- a haunting exploration of motherhood
- themes of survival and forgiveness
- I think the author did a good job with handling domestic violence issues with care, but please note there are quite triggering scenes
What didn’t quite work for me
- the story sits a bit awkwardly between lit fic and suspense. The writing and character development is sometimes awkward, and the twist is quite easy to guess. I think this could be a good book to start for genre fiction readers who want to try out lit fic
- the last 10% is tied up too neatly and I feel did a disservice of all the build up in the book
4.25/5
What i loved
- Hammad’s writing is just next level and it always feels like appreciating artwork reading her
- the historical events weaves seamlessly with the plot (i do think readers will need some background knowledge about Palestine in the 1910-1940 to better appreciate the events mentioned in the book)
- it’s fascinating how Hammad explores Palestinian identity in its early conception as a nation vs being part of Syria. Reading this book in context with other books set post WW2 and modern days offer great insight into how a people’s identity evolves overtime
- at over 500 pages and various characters, I never feel like the story dragged. I finished this chonker in 2 days. This says a lot about how intriguing the story is
What didn’t quite work for me
- i kinda wish the story can focus on other characters too, even though that would dilute the MMC’s character development. He’s just not the easiest character to like, and can come off as whiney
What i loved
- Hammad’s writing is just next level and it always feels like appreciating artwork reading her
- the historical events weaves seamlessly with the plot (i do think readers will need some background knowledge about Palestine in the 1910-1940 to better appreciate the events mentioned in the book)
- it’s fascinating how Hammad explores Palestinian identity in its early conception as a nation vs being part of Syria. Reading this book in context with other books set post WW2 and modern days offer great insight into how a people’s identity evolves overtime
- at over 500 pages and various characters, I never feel like the story dragged. I finished this chonker in 2 days. This says a lot about how intriguing the story is
What didn’t quite work for me
- i kinda wish the story can focus on other characters too, even though that would dilute the MMC’s character development. He’s just not the easiest character to like, and can come off as whiney
4.75/5
I loved this weird story about race, grief, complex father-son relationships, biracial identity, and its meta fictional commentary on publishing. There are some experimental structures that might not work for all readers, but i personally loved it!
DEVIL IS FINE is like a blend of Bojack Horseman, MARTYR!, and SMALL WORLDS, but written from the dad’s perspective
I loved this weird story about race, grief, complex father-son relationships, biracial identity, and its meta fictional commentary on publishing. There are some experimental structures that might not work for all readers, but i personally loved it!
DEVIL IS FINE is like a blend of Bojack Horseman, MARTYR!, and SMALL WORLDS, but written from the dad’s perspective
ARC gifted by the publisher
I love everything about this book! From the magical system that isn’t too intense world-building to the multiple layers of twists in the plot, WATER MOON delivers a compelling reading experience. While the cover hints at something along the lines of the cozy cafe/bookstore reads, the plot is more focused on the two main characters and their quest
I love the Studio Ghibli vibes—WATER MOON reminds me particularly of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. There’s also a drop of Your Name and Millennium Actress aesthetics. Reading WATER MOON reminds me of the joy of watching anime and I was picturing the fascinating scenes while reading it
I love everything about this book! From the magical system that isn’t too intense world-building to the multiple layers of twists in the plot, WATER MOON delivers a compelling reading experience. While the cover hints at something along the lines of the cozy cafe/bookstore reads, the plot is more focused on the two main characters and their quest
I love the Studio Ghibli vibes—WATER MOON reminds me particularly of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. There’s also a drop of Your Name and Millennium Actress aesthetics. Reading WATER MOON reminds me of the joy of watching anime and I was picturing the fascinating scenes while reading it