A Sparrow Falls
A beautifully written drama that follows a brilliant young woman through her journey of self-discovery.
I struggled with the first chapter but after that, the story picks up without rushing. It’s a lovely recollection of the protagonist’s past, and the youthful energy in which most of the story is narrated is enchanting. It reminds me of Isabel Allende’s early novels, as it is whimsical in its simplicity.
The description of Sumi’s everyday life and her excitement for her promising future is a pleasure to read. For the most part, the narrative shows a great balance between dialogue, inner monologues, settings, and actions. The story turns darker once jealousy begins to show on her neighbors, and the lightheartedness gives way to concern, and ultimately, dread.
I enjoyed how easy it was to get lost in the pages, being transported to the other side of the world and to a different time. The talent of the author to jump from one POV to the other is clear when you have characters from different ages, ethnicities, social status, and education, and you can clearly tell who’s talking.
However, the ending feels rushed, and after what Sumi went through, I would have loved her triumphant return to be more detailed. There were things left unsaid, and the absence of many characters was regrettable.
This story is one of the best I’ve read on Inkitt, and I recommend it to anyone who would like to travel far without moving from their seats.
Note: This is a judge's review written in accordance with the Roadmap Awards writing competition, round three.
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