I’ve heard great things about this book and really wanted to try it, since it’s outside my normal genres (thrillers and memoirs).

I have to say, the writing was really beautiful and I very much enjoyed it. I also thought the ending tied all the events together nicely; it was the ending I was expecting. I think the author did a good job of weaving the cultural and gender identity themes throughout the book.

However, I felt that there were too many characters for such a short book. Sometimes, I was extremely confused about which POV I was reading. I think if the book had fewer characters but really went into detail about their thoughts, feelings, actions, etc. I could’ve followed along better. Or maybe more from Vivek’s perspective? I’m not sure—maybe it’s the reading funk I’m in, but this book just didn’t click like I thought it would.

BUT, I think this is one that many people have loved, so I’d encourage those interested to read it!!

CW: homophobia, transphobia, incest, rape, sexual assault, infidelity, physical abuse, death, miscarriage