randombookswithmj's reviews
519 reviews

 Set between Diego Garcia and Mauritius this book begins when the British purchased Diego Garcia. It follows the lives of displaced Chagossians sent to live on Mauritius from their days on Diego Garcia to their life in Mauritius, and then to recent times at the International Criminal Court. 

Though considered an epic love story, for me it was an example of historical fiction where I actually learned something. I knew pretty much zero about Mauritius and even less about Diego Garcia. The book had me interested in learning more about the history and another example of wrongs committed by the British Empire (not that they are the only empire to have committed such crimes). 

Would I recommend this novel, yes, if you enjoy learning about the world and modern history this is a book for you. For me personally, the love story was secondary. 

Review to come.

 

Do you ever read a book and feel like you missed so much? Well, this is one of those for me. It is so well written but so complex that I feel like I need to reread it again to try to understand it better. 

This is not to say it isn’t a good read, but it is thought provoking and requires mulling over. Most of what is happening in the story is alluded to instead of said outright. 

Would I recommend this book, yes, there are people I would recommend it to. It would make a good book for a book club discussion.  However, there are a lot of people I know wouldn’t enjoy it. 

 

Until this book Winter Garden has been my favourite Hannah book. However, this book is just as good or may replace it as my favourite. It is set during the Vietnam War, a period of time I have read little about and very much enjoyed the historical aspect. Of course, I do remember Robin William’s ‘Good Morning Vietnam’ quote but I haven’t read about it? 

Aside from Hannah’s excellent writing style, the book was written from the perspective of a woman who was a nurse in the war. It was fascinating to see that side of the war as well as the treatment of ‘NAM’ vets, especially women upon their return to the US. It is definitely an accurate portrayal of people suffering from PTSD. 

I love how Hannah writes about different moments in history and not always the same event over again. She does so much research and provide so much of the real experience of life to her stories and this one is no exception. It is an emotional and touching read as well as an important book bringing light to the effects of war on not only men but women. I would highly recommend picking it up. 

Thank you @netgalley, @stmartinspress, and @kristinhannahauthor for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this wonderful novel. 

 

Based on Jamaican folklore this book was action packed and took place all over the Toronto landscape. 

Though I have read and watched a lot about Roman or Greek mythology, I knew nothing about Jamaican mythology. It was very interesting to learn more about it and the book sent me down more than one rabbit hole looking up more about Jamaican folk tales. 

Being set in Toronto this book makes for a great choice for the read the world challenge. It would also make for a great book to travel to Toronto with as there are descriptions all through the book that one could go see. 

One of my hold backs is simple personal and nothing to do with the fabulous writing; fantasy and mythology are not my favourite topics to read about. However, if you do like fantasy and mythology, I would highly recommend this one. I also intend to read her book Frying Plantain. It is probably more up my alley. 

Thank you @netgalley, @randomhouseca, @zalikarb for the opportunity to read and review this exciting new novel and author.