Review: A look into social issues
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 7, 2013
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**Review: 4 starsGeneral: This book takes a fantastic look at the bridge in cultures that occurs when social issues, of any nature, are put into play. Leini could essentially be any child seeking out their parents love in such a situation and that made it easy to transport into the story despite the long arc in time that the story occurs over and the different culture. I loved the history that was added in. It helped to ground the story itself, as did the other little slices of life that occurred throughout.Overall it was an extremely powerful story but at moments felt a little slow. I did love the slices of life but found some of them to be a little more than necessary. To a small extent it detracted almost as much as it added to the strong characterization and life history/lesson offered in this book. I am not a fan of literature and felt this to be a good addition, but did lose my attention in a few places.Characters: Leini- The strongest element about Leini could be that she could be anyone, at any age and in many different, but not all, cultures. Her journey is completely laid bare from emotional and character transitions. It would be unfair to describe elements of her character in this section as to me this novel was largely about watching as Leini struggled to accept the things life tossed in her way, both as a child and a mother herself. I will say she was very believable and will transcend for people that read this book in the future as well.