Review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
User avatar
Rebecca Dennis 2
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 6
Joined: 06 Aug 2024, 16:50
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 0

Re: Review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms

Post by Rebecca Dennis 2 »

I'm interested already! I love historical fiction, especially about time periods or events I'm unfamiliar with as this one. I plan to add this book to my to-read list.
User avatar
Devesh Patel
Posts: 626
Joined: 29 Jan 2023, 02:15
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 187
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-devesh-patel.html
Latest Review: Not Fishy Enough by Briton Kolber

Post by Devesh Patel »

When the Tamarind Tree Blooms by Elaine Russell is a captivating historical fiction set in 1931 Laos under French colonial rule. The novel follows Geneviève Dubois, a resilient métis woman, on her journey of self-discovery. With richly detailed settings, compelling characters, and profound themes of identity and love.
Great review of wonderful book.
User avatar
Sirajuddin A
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1663
Joined: 02 Jun 2018, 05:35
Currently Reading: Lessons to My Younger Self
Bookshelf Size: 575
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sirajuddin-a.html
Latest Review: We are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz

Post by Sirajuddin A »

In this historical fiction, the protagonist's characterization seems fabulous, and I would love to read this story to know how the journey of Geneviève unfolds when she finds her family.
User avatar
Elizabeth-Tush4Christ
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 544
Joined: 01 Jan 2018, 18:46
Favorite Book: The Magician's Secret
Currently Reading: Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
Bookshelf Size: 129
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-elizabeth-tush4christ.html
Latest Review: Photofinish by Cheryl Kerr

Post by Elizabeth-Tush4Christ »

This book delves into a romance intricately woven into history, evoking a sense of nostalgia. I hope it doesn’t drag and that I find it as engaging as you did. The characters seem truly unique, and the way they’re described makes me eager to get to know them. I appreciate how the character portrayals explore themes of love, loss, and human identity while they confront discrimination. Thanks for the review. Congratulations to the author on being selected for the BOTD.
That I may know Him :arrow: Philippians 3:10
Gladis Ratish Kumar
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 461
Joined: 08 May 2023, 01:47
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 117
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gladis-ratish-kumar.html
Latest Review: Chain of Evidence by Charles LeVoile

Post by Gladis Ratish Kumar »

The review provided valuable insights. The book sounds intriguing, with Geneviève's journey of self-discovery and her love for Bounmy Savang, the Lao prince. I'm eager to dive in and learn more.
User avatar
Mradushi Singhal
In It Together VIP
Posts: 262
Joined: 21 Jan 2023, 05:41
Currently Reading: In It Together
Bookshelf Size: 26
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mradushi-singhal.html
Latest Review: Worldlines by Adam Guest
Reading Device: B0B3JK8YQW

Post by Mradushi Singhal »

Your review paints such a vivid picture of the setting and characters that I’m already swept into the world of colonial Laos. The themes of identity and love sound incredibly moving—definitely eager to explore this.
User avatar
Azubuike J Azi
Posts: 278
Joined: 03 Aug 2021, 13:17
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 83
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-azi-joseph.html
Latest Review: Living a Life in Balance by Abdullah Boulad
2025 Reading Goal: 15
2025 Goal Completion: 0%

Post by Azubuike J Azi »

I am not a historical fiction fan. But I still like the storyline. Thank you for the review.
User avatar
Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1386
Joined: 29 Nov 2022, 21:32
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 398
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shirley-ann-riddern-labzentis.html
Latest Review: An Odyssey of Becoming: That Summer of ‘72 by Celeste Gauthier Johnson
Reading Device: B07H9H1K1C
2025 Reading Goal: 30
2025 Goal Completion: 103%

Post by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis »

Although I am not a fan of historical fiction, your review has me intrigued. Thanks for the great review.
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you are going to get!"
Goodness Kene
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 193
Joined: 25 Feb 2024, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 30
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-goodness-kene.html
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD

Post by Goodness Kene »

Historical fictions are really not my kind of thing, but this review piqued my interest on this one. I'm curious and what to know if Genevieve achieved her mission. Nice review.
Vanshika Agrawal 1
Posts: 41
Joined: 22 Feb 2023, 02:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 25
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-vanshika-agrawal-1.html
Latest Review: Crimeline Hollywood by Thomas Collins

Post by Vanshika Agrawal 1 »

The thorough understanding of Genevieve and her journey, which you have presented in your review is appreciable. You wrote your review so genuinely that I wish to read this book sometime.
User avatar
Stephen Christopher 1
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1797
Joined: 07 Feb 2023, 04:27
Favorite Book: The Book Thief
Currently Reading: The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
Bookshelf Size: 241
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-stephen-christopher-1.html
Latest Review: Bless Your Heart by Susann Camus

Post by Stephen Christopher 1 »

I'm so excited to read this book. I love historical fiction and I live in Thailand, next door to Laos and am keen to learn more of its history.
Faith Williamson
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 71
Joined: 10 Jul 2024, 22:15
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 32
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-faith-williamson.html
Latest Review: Teen Life Skills by Florance Philip

Post by Faith Williamson »

I absolutely loved how Russell portrayed Geneviève's resilience and tenacity. She was such an inspiring protagonist, and I couldn't help but root for her. This is a beautiful recommendation!
Reva Parker
In It Together VIP
Posts: 1400
Joined: 17 May 2020, 11:21
Favorite Book: Life
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 653
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-reva-parker.html
Latest Review: Dear Abigail by Richard Rees

Post by Reva Parker »

Thank you for your great review. I'm so glad you liked it. From the sample, I found myself wanting to read more to find out what happens. I also liked the characters I agree the descriptions were explicit. While historical fiction is a genre I'm picky on, after reading your review decided to add it to my list of books to read.
Iniubong Ebong
Posts: 21
Joined: 12 Sep 2023, 13:57
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19

Post by Iniubong Ebong »

When the Tamarind Tree Blooms, this book will be interesting due to that fact that it is centered on self recovery and empathy.
Creole
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 840
Joined: 16 Sep 2020, 12:48
Favorite Book: The Legacy of Job's Wife
Currently Reading: "Dumb" Orphans
Bookshelf Size: 143
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-creole.html
Latest Review: It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs by Karen Thiel

Post by Creole »

One cannot help feeling empathy for Geneviève. Your fascinating review and the sample pages highlighted the poignancy of the narrative. I also root for her and all such individuals in similar situations.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”