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beida's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, and War
lilastoddard28's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Generational story spanning decades, inspired by the authors own family history! Pulled in by the prologue but then it does slow down a little. The chapters are told through third person but we get switching POVs about Khin, Benny, and Louisa (occasionally). I liked Benny’s chapters the best-they were more well paced and showing what was happening whereas Khin and especially Louisa’s early chapters, are telling over showing and have way too much minute detailing.
It slows a lot in the middle and I thought about DNFing several times but I really wanted to continue learning about Burma and Karen history-which I couldn’t find many other novels about so I stuck it out. I was glad I did though because it does pick up the pacing again. Also I didn’t know much about Burma but I’ve been learning so much through this novel. I definitely want to continue to read/learn more about the country and its history!
It slows a lot in the middle and I thought about DNFing several times but I really wanted to continue learning about Burma and Karen history-which I couldn’t find many other novels about so I stuck it out. I was glad I did though because it does pick up the pacing again. Also I didn’t know much about Burma but I’ve been learning so much through this novel. I definitely want to continue to read/learn more about the country and its history!
It’s a very dark and heavy book because of the war and violence it’s set around. I’m seeing a lot of history that’s now being repeated, in terms of talking about the colonization of Burma and inequality/enslavement of Karens (very Israel-Palestine). Also later with the dictatorship and US involvement/support; it’s something the U.S. has repeatedly done to many counties around the world.
I really didn’t like Khin, she preaches loyalty and gets upset with Benny for his infidelity but then cheats on him the second he’s gone, more than once?! And the way she treats her daughter in the later chapters is awful. Very flawed characters, which I do usually like, but there was not much shown to make Khin redeemable in my opinion.
Becomes very philosophical at times, I think if the focus of the book had been narrowed/edited down it would’ve flowed better and been more engaging.
Based on the title and prologue I was expecting more of Louisa but she’s a minor character and we barely get her story until the end.
In the end I think the first third and last third are the best, middle slumps and slows down dragging the story. I think it’s a book that should be read and I’d recommend! Even though I didn’t love it, it’s very educational and opened my eyes to a piece of history I had never learned about.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Infidelity, Racism, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, and War
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicide, Police brutality, and Antisemitism
Minor: Child death and Slavery
nabilaandta's review against another edition
4.0
a mix of a gripping family saga and a history lesson, with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of cultural richness. It's like a feast for the senses, immersing you in the traditions, struggles, and celebrations of Burma's diverse communities. In a nutshell, "Miss Burma" is more than a novel; it's an experience.
juliabodson's review against another edition
2.0
I was very interested in the history this book covers — I regrettably never learned about Indo-Asian history in school. The history (and current socio-political state) is very depressing. But beyond the educational value, I did not enjoy this book. The characters felt flat to me — I didn’t have any sense of their self awareness or reflection or realness. It was overall too philosophical and preachy and heady. I especially hated the dialogue. I wasn’t particularly invested in the characters or the “plot” and it wasn’t pleasant or fun to read.
debs4jc's review against another edition
3.0
The author tells the story of a family living in Burma (Myanmar) during the volatile period when the British ceded control over the country to the Burmans resulting in war and violence against tribal groups. The story starts with Benny - who is of Indian and Jewish descent - and Khin - a member of the Karen tribe. For Benny it is "love at first sight" and he arranged a marriage with Khin, who is puzzled but receptive. They work through language and cultural barriers and start their married life. They have a child, Louisa, and things go well until World War II encroaches upon their lives. Japan invades and they are forced to flee for their lives. This begins the first of several flights into the jungle, times when Benny is captured and tortured, and times when Khin feels forced to do whatever it takes to survive. Through many ups and downs and political revolutions the family becomes a target and symbol when their oldest daughter, Louisa, enters a beauty pageant and becomes "Miss Burma".
This was a fascinating look at the history of a part of the world most US citizens know little about. But it was a tedious read at time, as lots of philosophizing is done by the characters throughout the story. It is based on the real backstory of her family, and I appreciated the chance to learn more about her people. Those who enjoy international fiction and the nuances of history will find this one of interest.
This was a fascinating look at the history of a part of the world most US citizens know little about. But it was a tedious read at time, as lots of philosophizing is done by the characters throughout the story. It is based on the real backstory of her family, and I appreciated the chance to learn more about her people. Those who enjoy international fiction and the nuances of history will find this one of interest.
km_cajigas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cami19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
lauraxbakker's review against another edition
3.0
Spoiler
Ik was onwijs benieuwd naar 'Miss Birma' en kon niet wachten om in de herfstvakantie eindelijk te beginnen. Eerder had ik al begrepen dat het verhaal (los) gebaseerd is op de familiegeschiedenis van Charmaine Craig. Het begin pakte mij dan ook heel erg, maar dit leek steeds meer af te zwakken. Khin vond ik aan het begin een oninteressant personage. Haar karakter ontwikkelde zich echter wel steeds meer, waardoor ik haar steeds meer kon begrijpen en dus kon waarderen. Mijn favoriete personage was Benny. Ik vond hem interessant om over te lezen, vooral over de veranderingen die hij als persoon doormaakt en wat zijn drijfveren zijn.Al met al ben ik toch niet helemaal overtuigd door dit boek. Ik heb meer geleerd over het huidige Myanmar en vond het verhaal zelf op sommige momenten erg mooi en indrukwekkend, maar het heeft mij niet gepakt zoals ik had gehoopt.