Govind
This book has a good foundation/concept and it addresses a lot of issues, but the weak plot holds it back. The book feels like a mediocre soup with some amazing vegetables and meat in it. So when those are over and you have to drink the soup, the disappointment hits.
Before I get to the negative parts, I have to say I really liked how the book turns away from the stereotype of a smart character who brings their analytical nature to their love life too. The MC makes some dumb decisions in her love life. I initially didn't like that, but later on, I realised that it made the character feel a bit more real. The novel then does good commentary on the justice and social systems in America and how the system treats minorities. The commentary on police brutality was done really well too. While the villain and one conservative professor felt like exaggerated caricatures, the encounter with the police in one part felt very real. To be honest, they reacted less harshly than the real ones might have.
The writing quality is just alright. Nothing stands out. Overall, it's only an okay read. You don't feel like you got your time's worth, as there wasn't much in terms of an entertaining plot. It mostly felt like a character study and a good look at society. I wouldn't recommend you spend your time on this book. I do, however, see the potential from the author though. If she releases another novel, I will definitely try that out.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance review copy.
This book has a good foundation/concept and it addresses a lot of issues, but the weak plot holds it back. The book feels like a mediocre soup with some amazing vegetables and meat in it. So when those are over and you have to drink the soup, the disappointment hits.
Before I get to the negative parts, I have to say I really liked how the book turns away from the stereotype of a smart character who brings their analytical nature to their love life too. The MC makes some dumb decisions in her love life. I initially didn't like that, but later on, I realised that it made the character feel a bit more real. The novel then does good commentary on the justice and social systems in America and how the system treats minorities. The commentary on police brutality was done really well too. While the villain and one conservative professor felt like exaggerated caricatures, the encounter with the police in one part felt very real. To be honest, they reacted less harshly than the real ones might have.
The writing quality is just alright. Nothing stands out. Overall, it's only an okay read. You don't feel like you got your time's worth, as there wasn't much in terms of an entertaining plot. It mostly felt like a character study and a good look at society. I wouldn't recommend you spend your time on this book. I do, however, see the potential from the author though. If she releases another novel, I will definitely try that out.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the advance review copy.