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mayankshah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was a fascinating read mainly because of what it taught me about the lives of Indian indentured workers during British rule. The story was an interesting and captivating one with characters that are fully fleshed out and have histories and personalities of their own.
I picked up this book while in Fiji in an attempt to learn more about the history and people of the country. This book definitely did that and it was nice to read about the research that the author had done in preparation. The way that the lives of the workers is portrayed is heartbreaking but necessarily so in my opinion. Even characters which show up just for a small amount of time, who are workers, are well considered and between the different workers, we get to see a range of responses that people may have had in those awful conditions. At the same time, there are a range of European characters who show us differing views on the situation and, again, make the book complex and showing a range of potential responses from people.
The main character feels almost viscerally real as we get to learn about his history and personality throughout the book, and the relationships that he has with his friends and family bring his character together. We also get to see a nuanced side of him in his response to the workers' situation, sometimes feeling like he is above them but coming to understand the kinship he has with them and despising the situation they are made to live in. I liked that he wasn't a perfect character as it gave the book more depth and made him more interesting to read about throughout.
The mystery in the book is complex and has twists and turns, as you would want from this sort of book but it doesn't overwhelm the story as sufficient time is given to the characters and the setting, which are the stars of the show. I quote liked this because I prefer character based books over pure mysteries.
It was pretty obvious that this was the author's first book in some respects as there were parts of writing that seemed underdeveloped, perfunctory or clichéd. I don't think this is necessarily a criticism as every writer must learn to be consistent in their style (and this writer has a really interesting style which I enjoyed) so I hope her future books are more consistent in that sense. The sometimes simplistic style did make this an easier read and I was able to finish it in about 2 days!
This is a great book for anyone who likes books that involve aspects of social justice and also learning about the history of Fiji. I'd recommend it because it ended up being an easy read that anyone could enjoy.
I picked up this book while in Fiji in an attempt to learn more about the history and people of the country. This book definitely did that and it was nice to read about the research that the author had done in preparation. The way that the lives of the workers is portrayed is heartbreaking but necessarily so in my opinion. Even characters which show up just for a small amount of time, who are workers, are well considered and between the different workers, we get to see a range of responses that people may have had in those awful conditions. At the same time, there are a range of European characters who show us differing views on the situation and, again, make the book complex and showing a range of potential responses from people.
The main character feels almost viscerally real as we get to learn about his history and personality throughout the book, and the relationships that he has with his friends and family bring his character together. We also get to see a nuanced side of him in his response to the workers' situation, sometimes feeling like he is above them but coming to understand the kinship he has with them and despising the situation they are made to live in. I liked that he wasn't a perfect character as it gave the book more depth and made him more interesting to read about throughout.
The mystery in the book is complex and has twists and turns, as you would want from this sort of book but it doesn't overwhelm the story as sufficient time is given to the characters and the setting, which are the stars of the show. I quote liked this because I prefer character based books over pure mysteries.
It was pretty obvious that this was the author's first book in some respects as there were parts of writing that seemed underdeveloped, perfunctory or clichéd. I don't think this is necessarily a criticism as every writer must learn to be consistent in their style (and this writer has a really interesting style which I enjoyed) so I hope her future books are more consistent in that sense. The sometimes simplistic style did make this an easier read and I was able to finish it in about 2 days!
This is a great book for anyone who likes books that involve aspects of social justice and also learning about the history of Fiji. I'd recommend it because it ended up being an easy read that anyone could enjoy.
jan73af's review against another edition
4.0
The story is fairly predictable, but the setting is interesting.
filmcritic23's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
ihummarina's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
kchisholm's review against another edition
4.0
In the author's notes at the back of A DISAPPEARANCE IN FIJI, Nilima Rao provides background to the thinking behind this novel, including the structure of the Indian indentured servitude program, established by the British overseen, Indian government, coming into its own when slavery was abolished. Why am I not surprised that this was yet another example of utter bastardry, arranging for Indian workers, desperate to improve their lives however marginally, to be sent to places like Trinidad, Jamaica, and Mauritius on fixed period contracts with working and living conditions that were utterly shameful. Why am I not surprised that this lead to sexual and physical abuse by ruthless plantation owners, and from 1879 to 1916, over 60,000 Indians being sent into slavery by another name in Fiji, with 30,000 remaining after their contract periods expired. Amongst those staying on were Rao's own great-grandparents.
Because of this background, and the extensive research she has done into the Indian population in Fiji, it should come as no surprise that this historical mystery is set in 1914 in Fiji, with a central protagonist of Sikh background, who comes to Fiji via Hong Kong (again an historical reference to the transfer of a team of 10 officers to build up the Fijian police force by the governor of Hong Kong, previously the governor of Fiji). It should also come as no surprise that the subject matter is the disappearance of a young Indian woman from a sugercane plantation. The only reason the case is getting any attention at all is because of the insistence of a local priest that the woman would never have just upped and ran away with the plantation supervisor, she must have been kidnapped. Which leads to media attention and some very grumpy acknowledgement that something needs to be seen to be done by white management of the police force. Enter, Sergeant Akal Singh. Recently arrived in Fiji after a scandal in Hong Kong, he's struggling to adapt to his new environment, new bosses who regard him with contempt (partially because of the eventually revealed scandal), and the whole indentured worker scheme.
To be honest, I doubt much of the outcome of the investigation by Singh, and the potential suspects and the eventual truth / guilty party(ies) are going to come as a big surprise to frequent readers of crime fiction. There's unpleasant people after all, and then there's huge arrows over a few people's heads labelled "not just a horrible person". Which in A DISAPPEARANCE IN FIJI isn't the downside that you'd expect - this is a novel about the process, serving more as a whydunnit and "how the hell could people condone it" than a whodunnit.
The story does move along at a good pace, and the writing is descriptive, with a real sense of place, time and weather to go along with Singh's discomfort and struggles. His backstory is well delivered, with again, lots of clues along the way that will leave the reader in no doubt of his motivations and failures when it comes to the scandal in his past. There are also some really well fleshed out supporting characters - from the doctor that guides him through the plantation reality, to a co-worker who has to balances traditional / familial expectations with the desire to be a fully fledged police officer.
The media release that came with the novel includes the observation:
"The exploitation of migrant workers continues today. ... I hope my novel provides a human face to such stories."
It seems there is a second novel in the series being worked on, so it will be particularly interesting to see the human faces that are revealed in it.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/disappearance-fiji-nilima-rao
Because of this background, and the extensive research she has done into the Indian population in Fiji, it should come as no surprise that this historical mystery is set in 1914 in Fiji, with a central protagonist of Sikh background, who comes to Fiji via Hong Kong (again an historical reference to the transfer of a team of 10 officers to build up the Fijian police force by the governor of Hong Kong, previously the governor of Fiji). It should also come as no surprise that the subject matter is the disappearance of a young Indian woman from a sugercane plantation. The only reason the case is getting any attention at all is because of the insistence of a local priest that the woman would never have just upped and ran away with the plantation supervisor, she must have been kidnapped. Which leads to media attention and some very grumpy acknowledgement that something needs to be seen to be done by white management of the police force. Enter, Sergeant Akal Singh. Recently arrived in Fiji after a scandal in Hong Kong, he's struggling to adapt to his new environment, new bosses who regard him with contempt (partially because of the eventually revealed scandal), and the whole indentured worker scheme.
To be honest, I doubt much of the outcome of the investigation by Singh, and the potential suspects and the eventual truth / guilty party(ies) are going to come as a big surprise to frequent readers of crime fiction. There's unpleasant people after all, and then there's huge arrows over a few people's heads labelled "not just a horrible person". Which in A DISAPPEARANCE IN FIJI isn't the downside that you'd expect - this is a novel about the process, serving more as a whydunnit and "how the hell could people condone it" than a whodunnit.
The story does move along at a good pace, and the writing is descriptive, with a real sense of place, time and weather to go along with Singh's discomfort and struggles. His backstory is well delivered, with again, lots of clues along the way that will leave the reader in no doubt of his motivations and failures when it comes to the scandal in his past. There are also some really well fleshed out supporting characters - from the doctor that guides him through the plantation reality, to a co-worker who has to balances traditional / familial expectations with the desire to be a fully fledged police officer.
The media release that came with the novel includes the observation:
"The exploitation of migrant workers continues today. ... I hope my novel provides a human face to such stories."
It seems there is a second novel in the series being worked on, so it will be particularly interesting to see the human faces that are revealed in it.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/disappearance-fiji-nilima-rao
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The more I learn, the more realize how little I know. I knew nothing about the history of Fiji, its being a colony of England, and its sugar cane economy resting solely on indentured servants from India.
This book delves into all these aspects of life on the island, as shown through the eyes of Akal, a disgraced Indian policeman exiled to Fiji. He doesn’t feel connected to the coolies (the workers) despite their both being Indian. As a higher caste person, he can’t - or won’t - see how similar they are.
Akal is tasked with finding a missing coolie but it turns out to be a more far-reaching case than he first thought. This is where we learn the complicated relationship between Fiji, India, and England. We see the casual racism of the white Europeans for anyone darker, the lack of respect for a policeman who, as an Indian, has “no right” to investigate his white “betters.” This grates on Akal every time but he has to bite his tongue and pretend the racism doesn’t bother him.
There’s a wonderful friendship between Akal (Indian), a fellow policeman (Fijian), and a doctor (Englishman). It illustrates how racial prejudice is something learned, not something inherent. To hear the three laughing together mitigates a tiny bit of the awfulness that has come before.
This book delves into all these aspects of life on the island, as shown through the eyes of Akal, a disgraced Indian policeman exiled to Fiji. He doesn’t feel connected to the coolies (the workers) despite their both being Indian. As a higher caste person, he can’t - or won’t - see how similar they are.
Akal is tasked with finding a missing coolie but it turns out to be a more far-reaching case than he first thought. This is where we learn the complicated relationship between Fiji, India, and England. We see the casual racism of the white Europeans for anyone darker, the lack of respect for a policeman who, as an Indian, has “no right” to investigate his white “betters.” This grates on Akal every time but he has to bite his tongue and pretend the racism doesn’t bother him.
There’s a wonderful friendship between Akal (Indian), a fellow policeman (Fijian), and a doctor (Englishman). It illustrates how racial prejudice is something learned, not something inherent. To hear the three laughing together mitigates a tiny bit of the awfulness that has come before.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Classism
drron's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
bbvalentino's review against another edition
5.0
As a Fijian Indian, this book spoke to my soul. We don’t have representation in any media forms outside of Fiji. This was lovely. I’ve already requested an ARC of the second book.
The plot line was good, interactions felt authentic. Yes, even the racism felt like an accurate representation. The mystery flowed along nicely and I could not put it down. Great police procedural
The plot line was good, interactions felt authentic. Yes, even the racism felt like an accurate representation. The mystery flowed along nicely and I could not put it down. Great police procedural
nnic's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book has a quote on the cover from Alexander McColl Smith which says that it’s “ charming” and the whole vibe of its cover and blurb gives the impression of a cosy “ death in paradise” type murder story. It is definitely not that. I thought it was excellent, shocking, saddening and illuminating and I am grateful for learning about Fiji and the shocking conditions of the Indian indentured sugar cane workers. Ah just when you think you know the worst about the British Empire something else horrific comes along.
This is a great story with great characters and an interesting plot and setting. Perhaps the beginning of a series. Huge thanks to the author for prompting me to read about Fiji and the Indian indenture programn.
This is a great story with great characters and an interesting plot and setting. Perhaps the beginning of a series. Huge thanks to the author for prompting me to read about Fiji and the Indian indenture programn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
The cover and blurb of this book give the impression of a cosy crime novel, it is far harder hitting than that.dtodd's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A wonderful book, the first I’ve ever read to meet all the Storygraph mood criteria! I was drawn to it by the Fijian setting, since I am also descended from indentured workers in Fiji like the author. It was a satisfying murder mystery steeped in realistic historical context with likeable characters. Can’t wait for the second in the series to come out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Rape