Reviewed by layawaydragon on
I did not like this one. I don't know what to make of the ending, but I'm not a fan for sure. I didn't like the sudden POV switches without the usual notice/formatting.
In the beginning, I wasn't even sure I would finish it. It's not fun or funny. The characters are well done, but not likable for the most part. Every time I was getting bored, something new happened that made me go "Oh fine, I see where it goes" until I got so far to the end there was no point in quitting anymore. So A+ on the pacing at least.
It is great illustrating the restaurant industry and the immigrant experience. That background, that reality for the characters causing these problems and strained relationships was the main reason I kept going, TBH.
I don't think it's as good as Celeste Ng's books. The writing, twists, and themes aren't as flowy and deep. I also couldn't care about these characters like I have Ng's. The ending perplexes me instead of haunting me.
I'm sorry, I know it's bad form doing such a head to head comparison for a review, but I don't know how else to explain my feelings for this book.
Maybe I'm out of practice reading adult books with all these light grey and dark grey characters and murky lines. Maybe I just don't get it. *shrug* Glad I gave it a shot, but I kinda wish I saved time by DNF'ing it, but I'm kinda glad I get to write a full review so....I'm going to call it a wash.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 31 July, 2018: Reviewed