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ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)
gifted by the publisher
1948. As the Communist army closes in on the town where the wealthy Ang family resides, the eldest daughter, Hai, bears the violence of land-seizing cadres. The Ang women must escape the increasing brutality and retake their fate by shaking free of the bonds of their gender.
DAUGHTERS is a harrowing tale inspired by Chung's family history. I appreciate the work she put into crafting a story that exposes the brutality of men—regardless of their political views, women and children are always the victims.
I find the characters a tad one-dimensional, and the topics of patriarchy and toxic mother-in-law are somewhat overwritten. Regardless, DAUGHTERS is a solid debut, and I'll be awaiting Chung's future work!
1948. As the Communist army closes in on the town where the wealthy Ang family resides, the eldest daughter, Hai, bears the violence of land-seizing cadres. The Ang women must escape the increasing brutality and retake their fate by shaking free of the bonds of their gender.
DAUGHTERS is a harrowing tale inspired by Chung's family history. I appreciate the work she put into crafting a story that exposes the brutality of men—regardless of their political views, women and children are always the victims.
I find the characters a tad one-dimensional, and the topics of patriarchy and toxic mother-in-law are somewhat overwritten. Regardless, DAUGHTERS is a solid debut, and I'll be awaiting Chung's future work!
gifted by the publisher
After her husband's untimely death, Kyoko decides to raise her son in SF, away from her parents in Japan and Jewish in-laws in Boston. Through vignettes, Kyoko's fluctuating emotions demonstrate the range of grief and loss, and ultimately, how one moves on when all seems lost.
SEE is an all-vibes no-plot story that reminds me of CHEMISTRY (Weike Wang) and GOODBYE, VITAMIN (Rachel Khong) stylistically. I love the various characters who show her kindness along the way, especially her quirky mother-in-law. Through contemplating prose, Tominaga beautifully demonstrates that raising a child takes a village, and heal a wound takes a community.
Due to the meandering narrative, I couldn't get a good sense of who Kyoko is. Is her coldness toward her dead husband due to grief? Rage? The writing held me at arm's length at times, and I wish there was a more central theme to tie the story together. I recommend SEE to those looking for vignettes about grief with a quirky narrative.
After her husband's untimely death, Kyoko decides to raise her son in SF, away from her parents in Japan and Jewish in-laws in Boston. Through vignettes, Kyoko's fluctuating emotions demonstrate the range of grief and loss, and ultimately, how one moves on when all seems lost.
SEE is an all-vibes no-plot story that reminds me of CHEMISTRY (Weike Wang) and GOODBYE, VITAMIN (Rachel Khong) stylistically. I love the various characters who show her kindness along the way, especially her quirky mother-in-law. Through contemplating prose, Tominaga beautifully demonstrates that raising a child takes a village, and heal a wound takes a community.
Due to the meandering narrative, I couldn't get a good sense of who Kyoko is. Is her coldness toward her dead husband due to grief? Rage? The writing held me at arm's length at times, and I wish there was a more central theme to tie the story together. I recommend SEE to those looking for vignettes about grief with a quirky narrative.
gifted by the author
Following three storylines—a man who woke up from a 20-year coma, a dad who notices his wife's suspicious behavior, and a teenager annoyed with her stepdad—EARTH is an absurd and heartfelt first-contact story that explores what it means to be humans through all our ups and downs. The story starts quite slowly to set up the different narratives that converge halfway, and it took me a while to get into the groove. But I had so much fun with this quirky and joyous tale examining the beauty of living. Did I mention there are also a lot of *interesting* cats?
Following three storylines—a man who woke up from a 20-year coma, a dad who notices his wife's suspicious behavior, and a teenager annoyed with her stepdad—EARTH is an absurd and heartfelt first-contact story that explores what it means to be humans through all our ups and downs. The story starts quite slowly to set up the different narratives that converge halfway, and it took me a while to get into the groove. But I had so much fun with this quirky and joyous tale examining the beauty of living. Did I mention there are also a lot of *interesting* cats?
gifted by the publisher
Written as TV episodes set in a plastic world, PLASTIC features a woman who lives under government surveillance & eco-terrorism. When she finally feels connected to someone, her past threatens to upend her life. PLASTIC is a captivating read about belonging that examines how the plagues of modern American society alienate one another and how we live/love in a broken world. The writing is extremely experimental—with descriptions of each episode's setting and dialogues that left out to-be verbs. I appreciate the themes, while the writing creates a distance for me to connect to the characters. Give PLASTIC a try if you're looking for a dystopian novel that will keep you guessing!
Written as TV episodes set in a plastic world, PLASTIC features a woman who lives under government surveillance & eco-terrorism. When she finally feels connected to someone, her past threatens to upend her life. PLASTIC is a captivating read about belonging that examines how the plagues of modern American society alienate one another and how we live/love in a broken world. The writing is extremely experimental—with descriptions of each episode's setting and dialogues that left out to-be verbs. I appreciate the themes, while the writing creates a distance for me to connect to the characters. Give PLASTIC a try if you're looking for a dystopian novel that will keep you guessing!
ALC gifted by @prhaudio
A woman returns home to her flat, only to realize her attic creates an infinite supply of husbands. When swapping lives becomes so easy, how does one know if they've picked the right path? HUSBANDS is a slower-paced read with themes similar to THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY (Matt Haig). I absolutely adored the discussions on the secretary problem. If there's anything I've learned from reading, it's implementing optimal stopping to my daily routine
A woman returns home to her flat, only to realize her attic creates an infinite supply of husbands. When swapping lives becomes so easy, how does one know if they've picked the right path? HUSBANDS is a slower-paced read with themes similar to THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY (Matt Haig). I absolutely adored the discussions on the secretary problem. If there's anything I've learned from reading, it's implementing optimal stopping to my daily routine
Read in mandarin.
So good. It’s my favorite Han Kang so far. HUMAN ACTS and WE DO NOT PART (i also read the mandarin translation) resonate with each other really well. This book is less abstract (thank PART and VEGETARIAN) and the most engaging even with the shifting POVs.
A timely read about student protests, violent suppression, and the courage of young people that moves a country forward ❤️
So good. It’s my favorite Han Kang so far. HUMAN ACTS and WE DO NOT PART (i also read the mandarin translation) resonate with each other really well. This book is less abstract (thank PART and VEGETARIAN) and the most engaging even with the shifting POVs.
A timely read about student protests, violent suppression, and the courage of young people that moves a country forward ❤️
Gifted by the publisher
An emotional, raw, and intimate portrayal of the pains (90% of the book) and joys (10%) of motherhood. I think for moms in a hetero relationship will especially resonate with this story.
It’s one thing to know how busy moms are, and another thing to read SOLDIER SAILOR when one gets to see in detail all that moms go through (and obviously a whole other thing to be a mom and experience parenthood).
What stood out to me is that despite the mostly extremely enraging events (unhelpful dads, moms not being appreciated as a 24/7 job), Kilroy also writes about the small moments of joy of motherhood—making it all seem worth it.
My note is that I don’t think Kilroy is adding anything new to the motherhood literary space (nothing wrong with this!), but from how much rave I’ve seen, I was expecting something different than the conventional mom narratives. I’m a bit surprised this made it to the women’s fiction shortlist because of how “safe” this book is
An emotional, raw, and intimate portrayal of the pains (90% of the book) and joys (10%) of motherhood. I think for moms in a hetero relationship will especially resonate with this story.
It’s one thing to know how busy moms are, and another thing to read SOLDIER SAILOR when one gets to see in detail all that moms go through (and obviously a whole other thing to be a mom and experience parenthood).
What stood out to me is that despite the mostly extremely enraging events (unhelpful dads, moms not being appreciated as a 24/7 job), Kilroy also writes about the small moments of joy of motherhood—making it all seem worth it.
My note is that I don’t think Kilroy is adding anything new to the motherhood literary space (nothing wrong with this!), but from how much rave I’ve seen, I was expecting something different than the conventional mom narratives. I’m a bit surprised this made it to the women’s fiction shortlist because of how “safe” this book is
ARC gifted by the publisher and ALC by @prhaudio
Presented in the unique format of a one-sided phone call from Luciana to her older sister, Mari, OYE is a captivating exploration of how family defines, binds, and frees us. Initially, I was unsure about this structure, but I found myself enchanted by its charm and intimacy as I delved deeper.
OYE explores the complexities of sibling/mother-daughter/grandmother-granddaughter relationships. Through Luciana's recounting, I was immersed in a world where laughter and tears coexist, where hidden truths lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.
Mogollon masterfully balances light-hearted humor with poignant insights, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as thought-provoking. The audiobook narrated by Elena Rey further enhances this experience. Rey's dynamic performance brings Luciana's voice to life, immersing me in her love, laughter, and longing world. OYE is a delightful read that will leave you laughing, crying, and everything in between.
OYE reminds me of THE FORTUNES OF JADED WOMEN (Carolyn Huynh) with less focus on romance and fewer characters.
Yall need to read this especially the audiobook ❤️
Presented in the unique format of a one-sided phone call from Luciana to her older sister, Mari, OYE is a captivating exploration of how family defines, binds, and frees us. Initially, I was unsure about this structure, but I found myself enchanted by its charm and intimacy as I delved deeper.
OYE explores the complexities of sibling/mother-daughter/grandmother-granddaughter relationships. Through Luciana's recounting, I was immersed in a world where laughter and tears coexist, where hidden truths lurk beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.
Mogollon masterfully balances light-hearted humor with poignant insights, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as thought-provoking. The audiobook narrated by Elena Rey further enhances this experience. Rey's dynamic performance brings Luciana's voice to life, immersing me in her love, laughter, and longing world. OYE is a delightful read that will leave you laughing, crying, and everything in between.
OYE reminds me of THE FORTUNES OF JADED WOMEN (Carolyn Huynh) with less focus on romance and fewer characters.
Yall need to read this especially the audiobook ❤️