Review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms

Sarah Desjardine · Post by **Sarah Desjardine** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:38

Thank you for this excellent review! The brief sample I read gave me a taste of the beautiful description and sense of place the author captures. I have not read anything with Laos as the setting, so I look forward to learning more about the place and culture through this book.

Post by **Priyankan Nayak** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:42

Congratulations on the BOTD award. I would love to read this historical fiction genre that tells me about Laos as a colonial country. The review above is great and insightful. I would love to know more about the protagonist.

Post by **Jaidyn Taylor** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:44

Your review is expertly written and your descriptions are enough to transport me to the book.
This will be one I’ll add to my bookshelf. Sounds beautiful.

Post by **twinkle09** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:47

The author's excellent craftsmanship in constructing the time of colonial Laos while giving the blooming romance between the protagonists, the centre stage is absolutely delicious! I am going to finish reading the book soon. Thanks for a beautiful review!

Post by **HUIYAN WEN** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:51

Your review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms truly captured the essence of this novel. I appreciate how you highlighted Geneviève's journey of self-discovery and the rich historical setting of colonial Laos. The way you described the themes of identity and resilience makes me even more eager to read it. I also share your sentiment on the lack of illustrations, though it seems the vibrant descriptions make up for it. A well-deserved 5-star rating!

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 29 Aug 2024, 22:59

The name Genevieve is beautiful; I have not met anyone with this name yet. Her and Bounmy's romance is sweet as well. Thanks for the review!

Leonie Vermaak · Post by **Leonie Vermaak** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:10

I enjoy historical fictions a lot, as there are so much to learn from the past. It seems like the author did great effort to make this a well developed plot, with characters and scenes to support that. Thanks for a great review. Congrats on BOTD.

Jonathan Wagner · Post by **Jonathan Wagner** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:16

I enjoy historical fiction and being drawn back in time to a specific period in history. I have never imagined what it must’ve been like to live in French Colonial times so it will be an insightful read! Thank you for a comprehensive review.

apothesisnow · Post by **apothesisnow** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:23

I think you pointed out quite correctly that identity is a huge part of the story here. Being biracial is particularly topical as we are currently seeing a biracial candidate for the U.S. President running against a white man. And the theme of colonization echoes the occupation and genocide in Palestine. It's so interesting how a book set in a time nearly a century ago rhymes with what's happening today. Having been to Laos myself, I found the setting of the book intriguing and sentimental.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:26

"When the Tamarind Tree Blooms" sounds like an immersive and beautifully crafted historical fiction that captures the reader's heart with its rich setting and inspiring characters. A truly memorable tale of love, identity, and resilience. Congrats on BOTD!

Boddeda Priyanka · Post by **Boddeda Priyanka** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:27

*When the Tamarind Tree Blooms* by Elaine Russell is a poignant and evocative novel that transports readers to the turbulent era of 1960s Laos. Through the eyes of young Chan, Russell beautifully captures the impact of war on innocence, family, and culture. The narrative is rich with emotion, blending historical detail with a deep sense of place. Russell’s storytelling is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, making it a compelling read for those interested in the complexities of history and the resilience of the human spirit.well.written review keep it up .

Post by **Neha Panikar** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:32

Beautifully written review! I love historical fiction, mostly from World War II era, but this one fascinates me. The detail in the plot is what makes it that much more real. I'd love to add this book to my list and forward to reading it soon!

Prajakta Dagare · Post by **Prajakta Dagare** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:34

The story of Geneviève's journey of self-discovery after leaving an orphanage in a historical fictional novel set in Laos under French colonial rule sounds intriguing. The novel's description of Laos and the love story between Geneviève and a prince is something I look forward to reading. The review is well-written and has motivated me to read the book. I sampled some pages and found the writing style to be engaging.

Post by **Judy Burr** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:39

Thank you for your review. I did read some of the sample and I loved it so far. I will be reading this book for sure.

Prajakta Dagare · Post by **Prajakta Dagare** » 29 Aug 2024, 23:41

The story of Geneviève's journey of self-discovery after leaving an orphanage in a historical fictional novel set in Laos under French colonial rule sounds intriguing. The novel's description of Laos and the love story between Geneviève and a prince is something I look forward to reading. The review is well-written and has motivated me to read the book. I sampled some pages and found the writing style to be engaging.