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The Names by Florence Knapp - Sep 25 Adult / Non-Fiction BOM (starts 16 Sep)
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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese - Sep 25 Theme BOM - South and South East Asia (Starts 5 September)
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What Members Thought

I had heard a lot about the book before I read it, but I didn't actually know what to expect. As the story unfolded I thought I might've begun to understand more, but it didn't turn out the way I expected at all. This is an ordinary story about ordinary people, completely realistic and only as dramatic as what truly happens in real life. But it is extraordinary storytelling and I loved getting to know these characters and living their lives with them.
There was plenty of suffering and heartache, ...more
There was plenty of suffering and heartache, ...more

I've spent a while with this book. It makes me think all kinds of thoughts. I will write a review and post it here soon, but I'm trying to make sure it makes sense to someone besides myself lol. In my reading journal, I rated this 4.5 stars, but I really think it deserves five stars here by my parameters.
...more

Generational-sweeping novel that gave unique insights on Korean history in Japan from the early 1900s to 1990. I learned a lot and enjoyed the journey with these characters, even at the painful moments. I did struggle a bit with the writing sometimes, especially the sudden jump cuts in time. But the wealth of historical background made this 4 star for me.

When I started reading this it seemed like a typical long novel: noble girl from poor family is seduced by wealthy, older man. Marries good man from strong Christian background and moves away. This is a multi-generational saga that reveals discrimination in new and surprising ways. It will stick with you for a long time and in the end deserves its place on the New York Times Top 10 list.




May 19, 2018
Jessica
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
fiction

Nov 23, 2018
Erin
marked it as to-read



Jun 17, 2019
Amanda
marked it as to-read

Oct 20, 2019
Rachel
marked it as to-read