Review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When the Tamarind Tree Blooms" by Elaine Russell.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Elaine Russell's historical fiction novel When the Tamarind Tree Blooms is set in Laos in 1931 when it was under French colonial rule. It is a compelling narrative that revolves around the life of Geneviève Dubois, a young woman of French and Lao descent (or métis), who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, identity and belonging after leaving an orphanage in Vientiane, Laos. This book absolutely captivated me from the beginning because I was immediately drawn into the engrossing journey of Geneviève in the search for her family through overwhelming obstacles. Russell's portrayal of Geneviève's resilience and tenacity made her an inspiring protagonist that I couldn't help but root for.

As someone with a deep appreciation for well-researched historical fiction, I was blown away by Russell's ability to transport me to colonial Laos. Her meticulous attention to detail brought that era vividly to life before my eyes. The rich setting was far more than just a backdrop - it felt like a living, breathing character that shaped the narrative in profound ways.

But this book was so much more than just an exquisite historical tale. At its core, it's a beautifully crafted love story between Geneviève and Bounmy Savang, a Lao prince. I found their romance, fraught with societal pressures yet buoyed by shared dreams, to be an utterly captivating thread woven through the story. It added incredible depth and made me invest even more deeply in their journey. Moreover, the characters in this deeply touching novel are richly drawn. For example, the housekeeper, Mali, is a truly selfless woman who helps Geneviève at every turn. The description of the old and gentle Madame Lansay is so nuanced that I imagined seeing her with my own eyes. Geneviève's best friend Bridgette inspires me to be as positive as possible under all circumstances.

What struck me most, however, were the thought-provoking themes Russell explored with such sensitivity - identity, love, loss, and that fundamental human need to uncover one's roots. Her handling of the discrimination and identity struggles faced by métis individuals like the strong Geneviève or the hapless Sylvie Bisset was insightful and moving. I finished the book with a greater understanding and empathy.

While the book is pleasing in every way, I wish there were some illustrations too. A picture of the murals on temples, Bridgette's sketch enclosed in a letter for Geneviève or Geneviève's many attires would be great additions to this novel. However, the descriptions alone were vibrant works of art. So, the lack of illustrations is not a major issue. The book cover is also beautiful.

In short, I loved everything about this incredible gem of a book. I'll gladly award it 5 out of 5 stars for being so magnificent with nearly no negatives. When the Tamarind Tree Blooms is a masterpiece of historical fiction that deftly balances factual richness with emotional resonance. It's a reading experience I won't soon forget, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to historical fiction lovers.

******
When the Tamarind Tree Blooms
View: on Bookshelves

[Nwachukwu Somto]

Your praise for the meticulous attention to detail and the depth of the romance between Geneviève and Bounmy Savang has definitely piqued my interest.

[Charmaine Mahlangu]

Sounds like an adventurous journey for Genevieve. I can only imagine herbfinding hervtrue identity while navigating a relationship with Lao Prince. Great review. Im starting to fall in love with historical fiction. Its not as bad as I thought.

[Alvina A 1]

I am not a historical fiction fan. But I still like the storyline. Thank you for the review.

[Seetha E]

This historical fiction opens with the hope of the protagonist reuniting with her family. This plot has several themes; an earnest desire for belonging attracts my attention. The female-centric story also appeals to me—a very well-written review. Thanks. 

[Brienna Cooper]

Lovely review! You have to love a classic hero’s journey of self discovery and this one sounds beautiful!

As someone with a deep appreciation for well-researched historical fiction, I was blown away by Russell's ability to transport me to colonial Laos. Her meticulous attention to detail brought that era vividly to life before my eyes. The rich setting was far more than just a backdrop - it felt like a living, breathing character that shaped the narrative in profound ways.

That’s the best (and takes a lot of work to do well). I love to see it!

But this book was so much more than just an exquisite historical tale. At its core, it's a beautifully crafted love story between Geneviève and Bounmy Savang, a Lao prince. I found their romance, fraught with societal pressures yet buoyed by shared dreams, to be an utterly captivating thread woven through the story. It added incredible depth and made me invest even more deeply in their journey.

I actually wasn’t expecting romance for this, though I’m not sure precisely why. There’s no reason for it to not fit in the narrative, especially with love being a big theme. Overall, it’s a huge plus for me (a romance fan)!

Congrats to the author on BOTD!

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

I can almost feel the warmth of the place emanating from the page. A good novel with obvious research done by the author. It’s always interesting to read about other cultures. Thanks for the review it was informative.

[Gerry Steen]

This historical fiction piece is superbly written. The vivid prose will transport you into the life experiences and thoughts of Genevieve Dubois, a bi-racial French-Laotian girl who pines for her family taken away from her during the French occupation of Laos.

[Neha Dhanak]

This historical fiction starts with the protagonist's hope of being reunited with her family. Among the many themes, the strong longing for belonging stands out to me. I also appreciate the emphasis on a female-centered narrative. It's a beautifully written review—thank you!

[Mulye Birhan 1]

This fiction opens with the hope of the protagonist reuniting with her family. This plot has several themes; an earnest desire for belonging attracts my attention and attitude . The female-centric story also appeals to me—a very good intention review. Thank you and continue

[Sky Children]

I don't how i exactly i feel after i read the sample. I love to read books, since i was kid, especially historical themed.
But as i grew up, i rarely had a chance to read books. I do read books, but just for fun, not an educational one. So, this books kind of excites me to read more. From the review, it do have romance, so i really want to read the full book as i can learn about history and culture.

[Chinedu Umeobika]

I have read the first four chapters, and I must say your review of the book is wonderful and captures the beauty and uniqueness of the book perfectly. This is a fantastic review, and I will definitely go back to complete this amazing book. Your review, along with the free sample of the first four chapters that I read, played a huge role in this decision.

[Mulye Birhan 1]

As somebody with a profound appreciation for well-informed verifiable fiction, I was floored by Russell's capacity to move me to pilgrim Laos. Her careful scrupulousness rejuvenated that period distinctively before my eyes. The rich setting was undeniably something beyond a scenery - it seemed like a no nonsense person that formed the story in significant ways.

Be that as it may, this book was far beyond a flawless authentic story. At its center, it's a perfectly created romantic tale among Geneviève and Bounmy Savang, a Lao sovereign. I viewed as their sentiment, laden with cultural tensions yet floated by shared dreams, to be an absolutely enthralling string woven through the story. It added unimaginable profundity and caused me to put considerably more profoundly in their excursion. In addition, the characters in this profoundly contacting novel are luxuriously drawn. For instance, the maid, Mali, is a really benevolent lady who helps Geneviève every step of the way. The depiction of the old and delicate Madame Lansay is nuanced to such an extent that I envisioned seeing her with my own eyes. Geneviève's dearest companion Bridgette moves me to be just about as certain as conceivable under all conditions.

What struck me most, nonetheless, were the provocative subjects Russell investigated with such awareness - character, love, misfortune, and that crucial human need to uncover one's foundations. Her treatment of the separation and personality battles looked by métis people like areas of strength for the or the hapless Sylvie Bisset was quick and moving. I completed the book with a more prominent comprehension and sympathy.

While the book is satisfying all around, I wish there were a few representations as well. An image of the wall paintings on sanctuaries, Bridgette's sketch encased in a letter for Geneviève or Geneviève's many clothing types would be extraordinary increments to this book. Be that as it may, the portrayals alone were lively masterpieces. Thus, the absence of outlines is definitely not a significant issue. The book cover is likewise lovely.

To put it plainly, I cherished everything about this mind blowing jewel of a book. I'll happily grant it 5 out of 5 stars for being so eminent with almost no negatives. At the point when the Tamarind Tree Blossoms is a magnum opus of verifiable fiction that deftly offsets genuine lavishness with profound reverberation. It's a perusing experience I will probably remember forever, and I can't prescribe it exceptionally enough to verifiable fiction darlings.

[Nerea]

A well-researched historical tale with a hint of romance sounds intriguing. I will follow through the story to experience how the author beings to life the colonial era and blends a one-of-a-kind love story between Geneviève and Bounmy Savang. Congratulations

[Carissa Joan Simpson]

What a glowing review! A historical fiction novel that utilizes deeply developed characters and well-researched scenery is a rarity, and I want to enjoy it myself. Just from my sampling, I can see Russell's skill in captivating the reader. This sounds like a perfect novel, and I'll definitely add it to my TBR.