lipglossmaffia's Reviews (1.52k)

Shafak never disappoints. Read this.

This novel is the equivalent of being a fly on the wall in psychiatrist's office, during a group session with, well, ten women.
The novel left me feeling blue because it seems like men, the world over, are stressing women A LOT.

I didn't enjoy this collection at all. I didn't like the treatment of women in the book. Also, the writing is very simple and fast paced which is a good thing because we are spared of any profoundness or whatever. But this collection is the reason why I'm still very picky when it comes to reading short stories. It did nothing for me. Well, except annoy me. There's that.

I just kept wondering, "what was the point of any of these stories"? Or maybe I'm just not the target audience for this.

This novel is so interesting and relatable. The writing is  easy to read and simple. I also really love the character development in the book, which there was more than I originally anticipated. We get to see Ever learn from her mistakes, especially when she realises that breaking every rule in her parent’s book doesn’t mean it’ll make her happier.  It’s truly a coming-of-age novel and emphasised the importance of communication among family, friends and having the courage to put your trust in someone, whether it’s about telling a secret, telling the truth or just staying true to yourself and your beliefs.

Ugh! What a debut

I stayed up late to finish this novel because I was tired of rationing myself. What a story! Anton is a really good storyteller. I loved how the plot twists unravelled, the main character, Nina, is very well developed, so were some of the other characters. It has a strong sense of place and with the aid of the novel, I could visualize the brutality and effect of the war. I mean I know war is bad, but novels like this provide that fly on the war perspective.
I really enjoyed the pacing of the book too.

My best part is, I came off this book more enlightened about fascists and the war. And for me, that's the success of a historical novel.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would

Fucking fantastic!

Very surreal, and simple.

I wrote a full review here, https://www.somethingbookish.com.ng/touring-the-land-of-the-dead-maki-kashimada/

I didn't love it as much as I loved the other sisters. But I still enjoyed it. I especially loved the steamy bits though. That was top notch stuff.