Review of When the Tamarind Tree Blooms

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

[Following is a volunteer review of "When the Tamarind Tree Blooms" by Elaine Russell.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Geneviève Dubois's original name was Sakuna. She was one of the many kids who were stripped of their name, their family, and their culture to be half-assimilated into the French culture during France’s colonial invasion of Laos. Growing up in an orphanage for métisse (roughly translated as mixed blood) girls, her only hope was, as promised by her mother, to find her when the tamarinds bloomed. But when she comes of age and is released from the orphanage, she will have to find her way in a society that doesn’t have a place for her. She’s not fully French but not fully Laos either. A chance encounter with a sober but kind Laos man named Bounmy will change her destiny. When the Tamarind Tree Blooms by Elaine Russell is a historical fiction romance that follows Geneviève on her coming-of-age path to finding her place during this turbulent time in Laos history.

First of all, I love how balanced the genres are in this book. There’s enough romance to satisfy my corny heart without it being a sappy or naive novel. The historical aspect is perfectly developed without resorting to textbook-like descriptions or info-dumping. And the coming-of-age aspect is particularly fascinating given Geneviève's very peculiar stance in society. I could easily relate (as will so many readers) to these societal issues since my country also lived three hundred years of Spanish colonialism, and the stance of mestizos (métis) was not that different from that of Geneviève’s.

The character development is another stellar asset of this novel. The author crafted multifaceted, flawed, nuanced characters, which makes them realistic and memorable. It is especially hard, given the time when this novel is set, to craft female characters that are strong but not in an anachronistic manner. Still, Russel aced it. Marguerite, with her wit and blunt dialogues, was my favorite.

The author makes a brilliant exploration of the gender issues of the time and the exploitation and abuse brought by colonialism without making this a grim novel.

If I had to point out an area of improvement, it would be the lack of a glossary. I have a rudimentary understanding of French, so it didn’t hinder my reading experience, but a glossary might benefit some readers and be a chance to explore more about French and Laos culture. However, this would be an extra to an already brilliant book; it’s not an inherent flaw, so I won’t consider it in my rating.

The book is stellar in all major narrative features: Laos provides a gorgeous backdrop, the pacing is engaging without being overwhelming, the character development is brilliant, and the characters' growth along the plot provides a few twists I didn’t see coming. Therefore, I rate When the Tamarind Tree Blooms 5 out of 5 stars.

I feel compelled to point out that the book broached sexual assault and rape, so readers who could find this triggering should proceed with caution. This novel is, of course, ideal for history buffs. It is also a great pick for readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance, a perfectly executed coming-of-age novel, and a great way for people to learn more about Laos culture and the personal consequences of colonialism. Readers who enjoyed The King and I will probably love Russel’s book. I recommend this book, and I’ll definitely keep Elaine Russell on my radar.

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When the Tamarind Tree Blooms
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[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

Wow! The novel seems to be discussing deep topics. I think I will love to see how the protagonist navigate all of these adversities. I enjoyed reading your review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Wow! The novel seems to be discussing deep topics. I think I will love to see how the protagonist navigate all of these adversities. I enjoyed reading your review.

It is a great novel! I hope you enjoy it, and I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

[Jeff Ekpo]

The reviewer has fully highlighted the major plot of the book which are coming of age, romance and colonialism without spoiling it.
She has, through the review instilled a liking for the book.
Thanks for the review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The reviewer has fully highlighted the major plot of the book which are coming of age, romance and colonialism without spoiling it.
She has, through the review instilled a liking for the book.
Thanks for the review.

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you enjoy the book!

[Blueberry Dragon]

The reviewer has fully highlighted the major plot of the book which are coming of age, romance and colonialism without spoiling it.
She has, through the review instilled a liking for the book.
Thanks for the review.

I agree with you @Jeff Ekpo. @Maria Andrea Fernandez Sepulveda, thanks for a wonderfully balanced review that points out the book's strengths and inherent weaknesses.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The reviewer has fully highlighted the major plot of the book which are coming of age, romance and colonialism without spoiling it.
She has, through the review instilled a liking for the book.
Thanks for the review.

I agree with you @Jeff Ekpo. @Maria Andrea Fernandez Sepulveda, thanks for a wonderfully balanced review that points out the book's strengths and inherent weaknesses.

Thank you for your kind words!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The reviewer has fully highlighted the major plot of the book which are coming of age, romance and colonialism without spoiling it.
She has, through the review instilled a liking for the book.
Thanks for the review.

I agree with you @Jeff Ekpo. @Maria Andrea Fernandez Sepulveda, thanks for a wonderfully balanced review that points out the book's strengths and inherent weaknesses.

Thank you for your kind words!

[Stephanie Runyon]

Figuring out your place in society would definitely be difficult for someone who has lived in a structured environment and then put out on the street with nothing. Being able to trust people would be difficult, especially since she was French and had to adapt to Laos' culture.