Reviews

The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya

lalibrairie_84's review against another edition

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2.0

I had a hard time connecting with this novel. I think it was simply a little to "soap story" for my liking though I think some of the subjects discussed are very relevant.

libbyluvr's review against another edition

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4.0

an autopsy of comparison in the digital age and it WORKS. it works perfectly! its not forced, you can Tell the author is well-versed, and the feelings behind every action match up beautifully to what many of us experience, regardless of which character you relate to most. also a beautiful fucking cover

sherigodmother's review

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challenging reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I don’t know if I ENJOYED this book per se, but I’m glad I read it.

The characters are purposefully unlikable, but I managed to love Rukmini and understand / appreciate Neela and her growth. They’re strong, robust characters and they’re full personalities that perhaps aren’t as easily digestible as some readers would like. Your honor, I love them. 

The commentary on today’s obsession with social media, follower counts, and engagement was very timely and believable. At the same time, it was very blunt and obvious when it came to almost all commentary (including racial dynamics), so if you’re looking for subtlety, you won’t find it here. 

It’s mentioned twice (the first time about 50% through) that Rukmini is trans, and while I like the idea that it’s Not a Big Deal, I do kind of wish we had been able to explore the experience of being / witnessing a trans pop star a little more.

I enjoyed Neela and Rukmini’s friendship, but I will say that I’m not quite sure I believed it for a while. Maybe if the book had been a bit longer, it could have been fleshed out a bit more to make it more believable. 

Shraya is a great storyteller, particularly within fiction. I’ll absolutely be reading more. 

lillyshewan's review against another edition

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3.0

forgot to write a little review and already forgot what happened in this book a few days later. honestly the story just wasn’t memorable rather a fun easy book to pass the time in the moment, which is fine.

lectriceinsoumise's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book so much ! It was so engaging, it got me out of my slump immediatly. I loved the discussions on friendship and on the way the internet affects our lives. Bonus : this cover is absolutely GORGEOUS. I wanna read everything from this author.

ckzinger's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Engaging characters.  I liked how the writing examined their inner thoughts so minutely and showed how their overthinking and misperceptions lead them down some wrong paths.

sssafff's review against another edition

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4.0

I love how this book examined digital connection / irl networking / social media / creative content ownership and credit / friendship and more + NO comphet romantic dynamics or baloney came into play. This was an excellent & engaging story with imperfectly authentic and believable characters and experiences. I love how multiple characters’ perspectives were fleshed out while others we did not hear from - the loose threads so to speak spoke volumes and were as valuable as the moments of clarity in the book. Will reread one day again :)

cbhags's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

“Sumi thought about brown women who became ghosts.” 

This to me was the thesis of the novel, and how non white women are so easily and quickly replaced. While the writing style wasn’t quite for me, I did enjoy the overall story, and how the women intertwined. 

bradurdaynitelive's review against another edition

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reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

plantbetti's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0