yunsq's reviews
147 reviews

Couldn’t put this down. Good pacing with a tight plot (the interpersed podcast/Netflix documentary format helps) and cherry on top: deeply disturbing characters. 

Perhaps my expectations were too high, or it simply isn’t written for me, but I really struggled to find any enjoyment out of this one. It feels like a been-there-done-that trendy, stylised Netflix film that tries to do too much at once. I wish it dug deeper into Ola’s inner world, and not rely on buzzy mental health speak and internet culture language to propel its narrative. 

From MACFP library

Balli Kaur Jaswal has an incredible way of weaving truth and non-fiction into fiction narratives that is poignant, and non cheesy. This makes the book an engaging but difficult read (at times). 

This book makes me think about the foreign domestic workers who brought me up. I was never privy to life, joy and hardships they faced when I was younger, and this book did so much more for me than tell a story (or stories) of the women who raised me. 

Always a pleasure reading Balli Kaur Jaswal. Here’s to more!

What an experience! I’ve never read a character like Akari, or perceived a life like this in such close proximity. Though the text translates the vividness of Akari’s emotions and sensations, it’s pace provides a meditative space, which I appreciated. 

I don’t typically read translated work (specifically) Japanese to English) and find them tiresome to digest, but I’m glad I picked this one up again after almost giving up at the half way mark. 

My favourite read of this year so far.  💛

A well executed and thoughtfully written novel that speaks to feminine strength, kindness and care; outwardly and inwardly. As a mystery thriller reader, I was pleased by the weaving of a murder mystery into the plot.

My digital copy from the library includes an interview with the author, which I am so glad I got to read to better understand her process and the character and world building in this book. I am eagerly anticipating to read her two latest works: The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters and Now You See Us.

Would read again! My sign for a 5/5 book. 

I’m not disappointed! Truly not. His & Hers had qualities of a mystery triller had qualities of a book I craved in this time of my reading season and I am satiated. A good, standard 2 person POV story that didn’t leave me wondering about plot holes or unturned stones. 

My only gripe is that I’m not sure if the final twist is… believable. It definitely has a huge shock factor, but I’m not sure if the build up was convincing enough.