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The Desirable Sister
Gia and Serena Pirji are sisters, but as the first-generation born in Canada to immigrant parents, their lives play out in different ways because of their skin tone. Gia’s fair skin grants her membership to cliques of white kids as a teen, while Serena’s dark skin means she is labelled as Indian and treated as inferior. This superficial difference, imposed by a society obsessed with skin colour and hierarchy, sets the sisters into a dynamic that plays out throughout their lives. In a world where white skin is preferable, the sisters are pitted against each other through acts of revenge and competition as they experience adultery, ruined friendships, domestic abuse, infertility and motherhood.
Taslim Burkowicz’s vivid, sensory-rich writing style brings readers to the party scene in Goa, suburban supermarkets in Vancouver and a safari in Africa, where Gia and Serena navigate through the highs and lows of a tumultuous, loving relationship. The Desirable Sister reveals the bitter games of treachery women are forced to play to achieve the ranks of beauty and success, and ultimately shows the strength of love between sisters.
Taslim Burkowicz’s vivid, sensory-rich writing style brings readers to the party scene in Goa, suburban supermarkets in Vancouver and a safari in Africa, where Gia and Serena navigate through the highs and lows of a tumultuous, loving relationship. The Desirable Sister reveals the bitter games of treachery women are forced to play to achieve the ranks of beauty and success, and ultimately shows the strength of love between sisters.
300 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2019
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Taslim Burkowicz
4 books15 followersTaslim Burkowicz’s work is inspired both by her Indo-Canadian heritage, as well as her global travels and experiences. Her first novel, Chocolate Cherry Chai, was listed on CBC Books’ 2017 Fall Preview list. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from Simon Fraser University. Taslim resides with her husband and three boys in Surrey, B.C., where she focuses on writing, running and dancing.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 25, 2019
Color's often played a bigger in access to social privileges all over the world. It's even birthed the terms "racist" and "racism." However, in reading this book, what's guaranteed is a tale of love, family, prejudice, and most of all a struggle to build self-esteem in young children. Gia and Serena's relationship is at the center of this, and what appealed to me most was how the author used culture to express this self-image theme in a family that's been in more than one continent struggling to belong. This preference of fair skin over dark skin is seen from their mother's generation and into their's with the difference being, in their generation-technology and laws have created more avenues for young people to speak up and challenge these matters.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. I love this book, it'd be great having it in my library for my family.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. I love this book, it'd be great having it in my library for my family.
November 17, 2021
i love books about family dynamics. this is about two sister and the tensions arise in their lives because of their skin colors. One lighter than the other. an excellent take on beauty standards and the of complexion. Reminded me of My Sister, The Serial Killer.
July 29, 2019
Definite 3.5!
In recent years, scientists have begun to research the role sibling relationships play on in shaping individual personalities, positing that the sibling relationship may be as strong, if not stronger, than the parental relationship in shaping who we are and how we behave. At the heart of Taslim Burkowicz’ novel The Desirable Sister is the complicated and intricate connection between the Pirji sisters - Gia and Serena - and how that connection, both consciously and unconsciously, catalyzes the thoughts and actions of the sisters throughout their lives.
From the time of their births, the die is cast – Gia, the oldest by less than a year, is fair-skinned, the shining example of beauty for any Indian girl, while Serena is dark with a head of unruly curly hair, the mirror of her mother who suffered under her own self-conscious comparisons to her fair-skinned sister. The book follows the lives of the sisters through childhood to adulthood to a rather heartbreaking denouement. Gia is the free-spirited artist who spends a great deal of her adulthood meandering like a somnambulist through several iterations of men and art, and Serena is the reactionary hot-head who finds herself locked in a prison of her own making. I think Burkowicz did a wonderful job in creating the inner worlds of both Gia and Serena. Equally, I think her the writing and the story was strongest when the sisters interacting with one another and/reacting to one another. I found a lot of truth in the way the Gia and Serena walked that fine line between wanting to show their best selves to one another and wanting to lay bare the darkest parts of their souls to one another. The deepest sadness of the book was that neither sister could ever be wholly true and open with one another and reveal the violence and heartbreak they had endured. I think this can be very true for many siblings. And, it points to the essential problem between Gia and Serena – they didn’t define themselves based on one another; rather they defined themselves based on what they perceived one another to be.
As a whole, I thought the novel bit off a bit more than it could chew. There were a lot of characters that came in and out of the story that I couldn’t determine the real value of their presence. I also felt a lot of threads that could have been interwoven throughout the story were just given up or lost, namely the relationship to their mother (and their identity as first-generation immigrant children), and the relationship to the aunt living in Africa whom they visited as children (a visit that included one of the most important events of the book) and never heard from again. Finally, I am not entirely sure how I feel about the ending. It felt a little melodramatic upon first read, but also led to a touching conclusion. Again, it felt a little too big for the story as a whole.
At the end of the day, I found myself wanting to pick up the book and touch base with Gia and Serena. I wanted to see where their lives were going. And, that is the essence of storytelling – wanting more. I look forward to what this author does in the future.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
In recent years, scientists have begun to research the role sibling relationships play on in shaping individual personalities, positing that the sibling relationship may be as strong, if not stronger, than the parental relationship in shaping who we are and how we behave. At the heart of Taslim Burkowicz’ novel The Desirable Sister is the complicated and intricate connection between the Pirji sisters - Gia and Serena - and how that connection, both consciously and unconsciously, catalyzes the thoughts and actions of the sisters throughout their lives.
From the time of their births, the die is cast – Gia, the oldest by less than a year, is fair-skinned, the shining example of beauty for any Indian girl, while Serena is dark with a head of unruly curly hair, the mirror of her mother who suffered under her own self-conscious comparisons to her fair-skinned sister. The book follows the lives of the sisters through childhood to adulthood to a rather heartbreaking denouement. Gia is the free-spirited artist who spends a great deal of her adulthood meandering like a somnambulist through several iterations of men and art, and Serena is the reactionary hot-head who finds herself locked in a prison of her own making. I think Burkowicz did a wonderful job in creating the inner worlds of both Gia and Serena. Equally, I think her the writing and the story was strongest when the sisters interacting with one another and/reacting to one another. I found a lot of truth in the way the Gia and Serena walked that fine line between wanting to show their best selves to one another and wanting to lay bare the darkest parts of their souls to one another. The deepest sadness of the book was that neither sister could ever be wholly true and open with one another and reveal the violence and heartbreak they had endured. I think this can be very true for many siblings. And, it points to the essential problem between Gia and Serena – they didn’t define themselves based on one another; rather they defined themselves based on what they perceived one another to be.
As a whole, I thought the novel bit off a bit more than it could chew. There were a lot of characters that came in and out of the story that I couldn’t determine the real value of their presence. I also felt a lot of threads that could have been interwoven throughout the story were just given up or lost, namely the relationship to their mother (and their identity as first-generation immigrant children), and the relationship to the aunt living in Africa whom they visited as children (a visit that included one of the most important events of the book) and never heard from again. Finally, I am not entirely sure how I feel about the ending. It felt a little melodramatic upon first read, but also led to a touching conclusion. Again, it felt a little too big for the story as a whole.
At the end of the day, I found myself wanting to pick up the book and touch base with Gia and Serena. I wanted to see where their lives were going. And, that is the essence of storytelling – wanting more. I look forward to what this author does in the future.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
July 20, 2019
As a person that oscillates between cultures myself, I was intrigue by the premise and plot. Although I truly enjoyed the issues that the book brought up for discussion (culture/tradition, colorism, sexism, healthy relationships, generational trauma, colonization, etc. Although it was understood that the story's point is to illustrate the harmful effects of colorism and the scars that linger into adulthood, some parts of the story were unsatisfying.
Things that Bothered Me
For example, Serena never learned about Kabir raping Gia or the affair Kabir had with her aunt, and they were estranged for years because Serena believed that Gia thought she was superior. However, Gia never felt that way and the only one that had a complex about it was Serena, ie. meaning that she was the one that actually thought her sister was superior (because of her skin tone). And ironically, she made herself and her sister suffer for that. And Serena was the one that did harmful things to her sister, thinking it was the other way around. And their parents kinda of disappeared. People popped up in this novel quite randomly...? I mean they get shipped to their aunt in Uganda, but then never see her again? Despite the fact that she is uber rich with a gay husband? And did anyone ever find that Danny's mom Serene's painting in the closet? :) I was waiting for Kabir to get a comeuppance!
What I Loved
This was a story about sisters ultimately. There were men, but it was truly about the relationship between the women and the one that they had with themselves. Which perhaps could explain the rapid departures of some of the characters. The issues that were highlighted were extremely important! In addition, since I'm a several culture kid, I identified a lot with some of the struggles. I also felt like the infertility part was handled well (no magical, miracle pregnancy), simply finding another way of being a mother. And ultimately, the book was well written and the female characters were thick, juicy, flawed, and real.
The Desirable Sister is a good read, especially for those of us that have identity issues or are in the search for belonging. It explores that in between place -- who your parents raised you to be, who you think you are, who you want to be, and the reality of yourself. I would definitely read more of Taslim's work. The issues I have with the novel are only because I came to care about the characters so much, which is a great thing! It is literary fiction, so the action is a bit more nuanced. However, it is an enjoyable read that raises many important questions about identity and sisterhood.
I read an ARC from NETGALLEY.
Things that Bothered Me
For example, Serena never learned about Kabir raping Gia or the affair Kabir had with her aunt, and they were estranged for years because Serena believed that Gia thought she was superior. However, Gia never felt that way and the only one that had a complex about it was Serena, ie. meaning that she was the one that actually thought her sister was superior (because of her skin tone). And ironically, she made herself and her sister suffer for that. And Serena was the one that did harmful things to her sister, thinking it was the other way around. And their parents kinda of disappeared. People popped up in this novel quite randomly...? I mean they get shipped to their aunt in Uganda, but then never see her again? Despite the fact that she is uber rich with a gay husband? And did anyone ever find that Danny's mom Serene's painting in the closet? :) I was waiting for Kabir to get a comeuppance!
What I Loved
This was a story about sisters ultimately. There were men, but it was truly about the relationship between the women and the one that they had with themselves. Which perhaps could explain the rapid departures of some of the characters. The issues that were highlighted were extremely important! In addition, since I'm a several culture kid, I identified a lot with some of the struggles. I also felt like the infertility part was handled well (no magical, miracle pregnancy), simply finding another way of being a mother. And ultimately, the book was well written and the female characters were thick, juicy, flawed, and real.
The Desirable Sister is a good read, especially for those of us that have identity issues or are in the search for belonging. It explores that in between place -- who your parents raised you to be, who you think you are, who you want to be, and the reality of yourself. I would definitely read more of Taslim's work. The issues I have with the novel are only because I came to care about the characters so much, which is a great thing! It is literary fiction, so the action is a bit more nuanced. However, it is an enjoyable read that raises many important questions about identity and sisterhood.
I read an ARC from NETGALLEY.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
The book is very different from its description. It actually entails a story more advanced than what the blurb reads.
A story about the lives of two Indo-Canadian sisters set worlds apart due to colourism, which produces sibling rivalry.
The plotline developed very unpredictably, even up until the climax, which will throw you off course. I feel the story digressed from the main plot quite a bit. Overall, it is a good book and a fast read.
A story about the lives of two Indo-Canadian sisters set worlds apart due to colourism, which produces sibling rivalry.
The plotline developed very unpredictably, even up until the climax, which will throw you off course. I feel the story digressed from the main plot quite a bit. Overall, it is a good book and a fast read.
August 27, 2019
The Desirable Sister is beautifully written.
Two sisters from one family with one difference; the colour of their skin. This story follows Gia and Serena's journey through life each with their own struggles.
Gia, the white sister who is considered more beautiful struggles to relate to her own family and desperately clutches to her heritage to prove her Indian background. Serena, who is brown, desperately lives in the shadow of Gia who, in her own eyes, she considers more beautiful, and is envious of her sisters ability to fit into white Canadian culture.
Not having a sister I found this a frustrating read - why can't they sit down to talk, acknowledge, understand and embrace their differences? But knowing family is never that simple keeps this read interesting.
Two sisters from one family with one difference; the colour of their skin. This story follows Gia and Serena's journey through life each with their own struggles.
Gia, the white sister who is considered more beautiful struggles to relate to her own family and desperately clutches to her heritage to prove her Indian background. Serena, who is brown, desperately lives in the shadow of Gia who, in her own eyes, she considers more beautiful, and is envious of her sisters ability to fit into white Canadian culture.
Not having a sister I found this a frustrating read - why can't they sit down to talk, acknowledge, understand and embrace their differences? But knowing family is never that simple keeps this read interesting.
December 18, 2019
Ah, this book sounded so promising - almost exactly like an Indian-Canadian version of one of my favorite books of the year, Mrs. Everything. It started out strong, and was not terrible up until the traumatic climax for one of the sisters, after which things really go off the rails.
Gia and Serena lose their identities and don’t feel like individuals - and there is hardly any focus on characters other than the two sisters. You get flashes of each sister’s life spaced out every few years, but you don’t get to know them or understand them well enough to like or even empathize with their actions. I was left wanting more with every single chapter.
The dialogue - oh boy - was the biggest reason struggled to finish this book. Everything is so stilted and unnatural - it sounded like Google Translate trying to emulate a human conversation. The book is supposed to be about relationships - both between the sisters and the sisters’ relationships with other people - but the dialogue makes it impossible to believe in or like any of these relationships. I started highlighting every time I read an exchange that was fanfiction-level bad, and towards the end, the chapters were filled with yellow marks.
Overall, the concept of this book is great - the discrimination between light- and dark-skinned Indian woman is prominent and creates vast inequality. The generational differences in immigrant experiences and assimilation, as well as the struggles to fit into a culture in which you always feel like an outsider, are compelling topics that are touched upon in this book. But still, the execution was not good. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gia and Serena lose their identities and don’t feel like individuals - and there is hardly any focus on characters other than the two sisters. You get flashes of each sister’s life spaced out every few years, but you don’t get to know them or understand them well enough to like or even empathize with their actions. I was left wanting more with every single chapter.
The dialogue - oh boy - was the biggest reason struggled to finish this book. Everything is so stilted and unnatural - it sounded like Google Translate trying to emulate a human conversation. The book is supposed to be about relationships - both between the sisters and the sisters’ relationships with other people - but the dialogue makes it impossible to believe in or like any of these relationships. I started highlighting every time I read an exchange that was fanfiction-level bad, and towards the end, the chapters were filled with yellow marks.
Overall, the concept of this book is great - the discrimination between light- and dark-skinned Indian woman is prominent and creates vast inequality. The generational differences in immigrant experiences and assimilation, as well as the struggles to fit into a culture in which you always feel like an outsider, are compelling topics that are touched upon in this book. But still, the execution was not good. Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this enlightening book! My review may contain spoilers!
I chose to read The Desirable Sister based on the concept: two Indian sisters, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned, navigate life as children of immigrants. As an Indo-Canadian immigrant herself, the author does an amazing job of exploring the nuances of identity for the two women. While Serena struggles to overcome the colorism that renders her less desirable, Gia fights to even be recognized as Indian through her art. I loved getting to know more about the nuances of Indian culture, rather than just the surface-level stereotypes. This book really reveals how Indian culture isn't a monolith, but actually really multi-faceted, something white Westerners often fail to recognize.
Unfortunately, this book fell short for me as far as the writing itself. I loved the lengthy descriptions of locations, outfits, and food. The narration allowed me to connect with Serena and Gia toward a better understanding of what they experienced. On the other hand, the dialogue felt incredibly stilted. The characters spoke with a pronounced lack of contractions in a way that I've never heard people speak in real life, making them seem like actors on a stage rather than real people. I tried to keep giving the book a chance to change my mind, but the dialogue passages consistently threw me out of the story itself.
Considering this is a smaller publication I want to give it a pass—particularly due to how impactful this type of story can be as far as developing an understanding of different cultural experiences. That being said, the writing did affect my ability to connect with the story and its characters. Additionally *spoiler alert* I felt that some of the plot points were by turns unaddressed and forced. Early in the story, Gia is raped by a man that her sister has a crush on, and this creates a rift in the sisters' relationship when Gia fails to tell her sister she was raped. It bothered me that this rift is constantly brought up and never repaired, that Gia's affected by this experience but never tells her sister the truth. I wanted that to come out later in the story, but in the end, Serena is shot by her abusive husband. Which brings me to another problem I had with the story: how heavy-handed the ending felt. Why did Serena, the darker sister, have to die at the hands of her traditional Indian husband? I wanted a redemption arc for this character that I never received.
Ultimately, while I enjoyed getting to learn about the experience of colorism within Indian culture, this book left me wanting in a lot of places, from the writing to the storytelling itself. This book held a lot of potential, so I'd be interested to read more from this author in the future.
I chose to read The Desirable Sister based on the concept: two Indian sisters, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned, navigate life as children of immigrants. As an Indo-Canadian immigrant herself, the author does an amazing job of exploring the nuances of identity for the two women. While Serena struggles to overcome the colorism that renders her less desirable, Gia fights to even be recognized as Indian through her art. I loved getting to know more about the nuances of Indian culture, rather than just the surface-level stereotypes. This book really reveals how Indian culture isn't a monolith, but actually really multi-faceted, something white Westerners often fail to recognize.
Unfortunately, this book fell short for me as far as the writing itself. I loved the lengthy descriptions of locations, outfits, and food. The narration allowed me to connect with Serena and Gia toward a better understanding of what they experienced. On the other hand, the dialogue felt incredibly stilted. The characters spoke with a pronounced lack of contractions in a way that I've never heard people speak in real life, making them seem like actors on a stage rather than real people. I tried to keep giving the book a chance to change my mind, but the dialogue passages consistently threw me out of the story itself.
Considering this is a smaller publication I want to give it a pass—particularly due to how impactful this type of story can be as far as developing an understanding of different cultural experiences. That being said, the writing did affect my ability to connect with the story and its characters. Additionally *spoiler alert* I felt that some of the plot points were by turns unaddressed and forced. Early in the story, Gia is raped by a man that her sister has a crush on, and this creates a rift in the sisters' relationship when Gia fails to tell her sister she was raped. It bothered me that this rift is constantly brought up and never repaired, that Gia's affected by this experience but never tells her sister the truth. I wanted that to come out later in the story, but in the end, Serena is shot by her abusive husband. Which brings me to another problem I had with the story: how heavy-handed the ending felt. Why did Serena, the darker sister, have to die at the hands of her traditional Indian husband? I wanted a redemption arc for this character that I never received.
Ultimately, while I enjoyed getting to learn about the experience of colorism within Indian culture, this book left me wanting in a lot of places, from the writing to the storytelling itself. This book held a lot of potential, so I'd be interested to read more from this author in the future.
July 8, 2019
MAY HAVE GENERAL SPOILERS ABOUT THE SUBPLOTS!!!!
I read The Desirable Sister (courtesy of an ARC) about three or four weeks ago on a lazy Saturday, but held out on writing a review until now. There were things about both sisters (in each generation) that I adored and hated. I don't know how many times I screamed in my head: JUST TELL HER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, MOM; TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD(S) AND HOW IT AFFECTED YOU!! For any of the Indian women representing different generations in this novel, my wish was for them to avoid turning into the things and people that they found unpleasing, insulting, and unsatisfactory during their upbringings. But it's hard go against (and deconstruct) parents' hopes and wishes, (mis)guided rules and instruction ingrained from the terrible twos through the impressionable teen wonder years.
WARNING!!! This is not the book to read on an empty stomach. I guess they forgot to send me the bonus cookbook (great idea) that instructs us how to make authentic Indian dishes and treats, which were so deliciously described (and eaten) throughout the novel. I can wait though. The author really did build a world that readers could sink their teeth in. I must find me a local spot that serves Indian food...one that delivers, of course.
On a more serious note... There is an inequitable and inevitable price many adult children pay for how we are raised by our parents (or guardians); how well our evolving physical and mental traits and individual interests are nurtured or ignored; how we are protected or abandoned by the community of people and places that our childhood selves witness in daily interactions and communications that cement the ethnic cultures surrounding us; and the moments in time that we are affirmed by said culture, fully or partially, as we cautiously make our way outside our cultural norms, known communities, and parental guidance onto the stage of life, or adulting, as coined by the millennial generation.
I was satisfied with The Desirable Sister as a standalone novel; however, I would bet a plate of lightly crunchy hot samosas that many pages were left out with more of the familial backstories and conflicts; enough to continue the story lines of each generation in a series. I would love to read the prequel, exploring the lives of the grandmothers (or the first set of sisters that we meet). In addition, I couldn't help but notice the advanced timelines between the chapters, which could easily be filled in with adventures and mishaps of the second generation of sisters. And of course, readers want to know how the family fared in life, after such a tragic loss.
This book held a few first for me: first time reading this author (and I hope to read more); first time reading a book highlighting Indian family life and culture; and, first time reading a book highlighting the deliberate ugliness and subtle nuisances of (discrimination by) colorism within the families of women of color beyond the lens of my black American experience.
For those who read the book, in the first and second generation of siblings, which sister would you label the "desirable" one?
#ARC #AdvancedReadingCopy #literaryfiction #RosePublishing #familydisfunction #inlaws #immigrants #womenofcolor #colorism #comingofage #arrangedmarriages #Indiancusisine #spicesx10 #siblingrivalry #TheDesirableSister #NetGalley #02Nov2019 #PYWBlog(Fall/Winter2019) #digitalproofreading #copyeditingservices
I read The Desirable Sister (courtesy of an ARC) about three or four weeks ago on a lazy Saturday, but held out on writing a review until now. There were things about both sisters (in each generation) that I adored and hated. I don't know how many times I screamed in my head: JUST TELL HER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU, MOM; TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD(S) AND HOW IT AFFECTED YOU!! For any of the Indian women representing different generations in this novel, my wish was for them to avoid turning into the things and people that they found unpleasing, insulting, and unsatisfactory during their upbringings. But it's hard go against (and deconstruct) parents' hopes and wishes, (mis)guided rules and instruction ingrained from the terrible twos through the impressionable teen wonder years.
WARNING!!! This is not the book to read on an empty stomach. I guess they forgot to send me the bonus cookbook (great idea) that instructs us how to make authentic Indian dishes and treats, which were so deliciously described (and eaten) throughout the novel. I can wait though. The author really did build a world that readers could sink their teeth in. I must find me a local spot that serves Indian food...one that delivers, of course.
On a more serious note... There is an inequitable and inevitable price many adult children pay for how we are raised by our parents (or guardians); how well our evolving physical and mental traits and individual interests are nurtured or ignored; how we are protected or abandoned by the community of people and places that our childhood selves witness in daily interactions and communications that cement the ethnic cultures surrounding us; and the moments in time that we are affirmed by said culture, fully or partially, as we cautiously make our way outside our cultural norms, known communities, and parental guidance onto the stage of life, or adulting, as coined by the millennial generation.
I was satisfied with The Desirable Sister as a standalone novel; however, I would bet a plate of lightly crunchy hot samosas that many pages were left out with more of the familial backstories and conflicts; enough to continue the story lines of each generation in a series. I would love to read the prequel, exploring the lives of the grandmothers (or the first set of sisters that we meet). In addition, I couldn't help but notice the advanced timelines between the chapters, which could easily be filled in with adventures and mishaps of the second generation of sisters. And of course, readers want to know how the family fared in life, after such a tragic loss.
This book held a few first for me: first time reading this author (and I hope to read more); first time reading a book highlighting Indian family life and culture; and, first time reading a book highlighting the deliberate ugliness and subtle nuisances of (discrimination by) colorism within the families of women of color beyond the lens of my black American experience.
For those who read the book, in the first and second generation of siblings, which sister would you label the "desirable" one?
#ARC #AdvancedReadingCopy #literaryfiction #RosePublishing #familydisfunction #inlaws #immigrants #womenofcolor #colorism #comingofage #arrangedmarriages #Indiancusisine #spicesx10 #siblingrivalry #TheDesirableSister #NetGalley #02Nov2019 #PYWBlog(Fall/Winter2019) #digitalproofreading #copyeditingservices
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July 24, 2019My interest was piqued by the premise of this book – two sisters with about a year’s difference in age, brought up in the same cultural and social background, both described as beautiful but with one difference: the colour of their skin. Part of an Indian family living in Canada, Gia is white and Serene is brown. From the outset Serene was considered less because of her skin colour even by her mother, but certainly by the extended Indian community. So Serene grows up acutely aware of this difference and of the fact that Gia does not always support her sister when she is exposed to racism. It is the ideal set-up for a scientific experiment, is it nature or nuture?
I come from a large family and my nearest sibling is two years older than me. Although very close I was very aware of the huge differences in our characters and that is why I found this book so compelling. There was plenty to love about both girls and equally plenty to be disappointed with in both. I longed for Serene to stop feeling sorry for herself and to realise how much she had to offer: similarly I ached for Gia to understand how her sister felt and to try and strengthen their relationship. Just talk and try to understand, went through my mind a hundred times.
Beautifully written, especially lyrical when talking about the glories of Indian cuisine. My favourite parts – those describing Gia’s fascination with the sari fabrics, the colour and exuberance and her designs and the excitement that is Indian culture. A truly exotic feast in more ways than one.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
I come from a large family and my nearest sibling is two years older than me. Although very close I was very aware of the huge differences in our characters and that is why I found this book so compelling. There was plenty to love about both girls and equally plenty to be disappointed with in both. I longed for Serene to stop feeling sorry for herself and to realise how much she had to offer: similarly I ached for Gia to understand how her sister felt and to try and strengthen their relationship. Just talk and try to understand, went through my mind a hundred times.
Beautifully written, especially lyrical when talking about the glories of Indian cuisine. My favourite parts – those describing Gia’s fascination with the sari fabrics, the colour and exuberance and her designs and the excitement that is Indian culture. A truly exotic feast in more ways than one.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
October 4, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a sneek peak at this wonderful story! The Desirable Sister offers a look at the way prejudice plays out even within a particular race and across society as a whole. Never over done, Taslim Burkowicz's realistic look at the antagonistic relationship between two sisters shows all too well how shades of color impact every area of our lives, even without us realizing it.
Gia and Serena were so well written, that I felt sisterly towards them both and at times wanted to shake each one to knock some sense into her! The story begins with echoes of what is to come when it introduces us to Gulshan and Zeenat (Gia and Serena's mother) who are also quite opposite in coloring and temperament.
The novel examines the ways in which we are seen by others affecting the changes we make within ourselves in order to meet or defy the expectations of our appearance. What I think is the saddest part of the story is that within these families the women withhold their secrets from one another. A lack of communication truly separates us as much skin color and classist hierarchies.
Burkowicz's writing is engaging and vivid, painting details of cultures I've never been witness to in India, Africa, and Canada.
This novel should be savored as an exploration of identity, sisterhood, and heritage. 4 stars
Gia and Serena were so well written, that I felt sisterly towards them both and at times wanted to shake each one to knock some sense into her! The story begins with echoes of what is to come when it introduces us to Gulshan and Zeenat (Gia and Serena's mother) who are also quite opposite in coloring and temperament.
The novel examines the ways in which we are seen by others affecting the changes we make within ourselves in order to meet or defy the expectations of our appearance. What I think is the saddest part of the story is that within these families the women withhold their secrets from one another. A lack of communication truly separates us as much skin color and classist hierarchies.
Burkowicz's writing is engaging and vivid, painting details of cultures I've never been witness to in India, Africa, and Canada.
This novel should be savored as an exploration of identity, sisterhood, and heritage. 4 stars
January 21, 2020
The Desirable Sister wouldn’t be describe as an “enjoyable” read, but it is a compelling read. The Desirable Sisters is about two sisters and the way beauty standards can impact a relationship. Serena, the younger sister, looks Indian and her older sister Gia looks white living in Canada. Their appearance has massive impacts their perception of self, their sense of cultural identity, and their relationship with each other. Taslim Burkowicz is a good writer but view points outside of the two sisters hindered the story. The secondary view points became formulaic, I quickly noticed that their appearance meant a life-altering event was around the corner for one or both of the sisters. Secondary view points added nothing to the story and could’ve left out or reworked into the sisters’ own voice. The ending and the events leading up to it were a bit overdone and affected the overall reading experience. This could have been a five star read.
January 29, 2021
This isn't a book that I'd normally gravitate to but I read it because I had an opportunity to hear from the author on a video interaction through a work event and she lives in my home town!!!!. To my pleasant surprise I enjoyed the book very much .. it was well written and contained some very vivid and descriptive imagery. While I have no personal experience related to "prejudice through colourism" I think the author did an excellent job covering the topic .. it's clearly a personal issue for her and that comes out in the plot, the characters and the setting. While I didn't find myself engrossed in the characters, I didn't like how most of the men were portrayed as jerks and I was a little disappointed in the "surprise" ending, overall the book gets a high passing grade. Worthy of your time for sure.
August 24, 2019
A book about sisters, their rivalry, jealousy and love. Born in Canada, but OF Indian background, Gia and Serena are close in age but different in personalities. Much of it is attributed to Gia’s whiteness as being valued more than Serena’s dark skin and the acceptances or rejections that stem from color. An incident visiting their aunt in India changes Gia, and with those misunderstood changes, Serena and Gia losE the closeness they had as young children. The book was well written, and the themes of the story well formed. Recommended for those who like stories about different cultures. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 30, 2019
Amazing read. This book explores the theme of colour which I believe Taslim Burkowicz did justice to. There are two sisters: one "white", the other, "dark" and this apparent difference leads to differences in the way of life and approach.
This theme thoroughly sheds light on the issues people of colour face today and everyone needs to read this book. Taslim pinpoints the fact that we are still humans despite how we look and first humans, before we are people of where we are from.
This theme thoroughly sheds light on the issues people of colour face today and everyone needs to read this book. Taslim pinpoints the fact that we are still humans despite how we look and first humans, before we are people of where we are from.
July 20, 2023
I had high expectations for this novel. The synopsis sounded very interesting and it was longlisted for Canada Reads a few years ago but it fell short of my expectations. The topic of colourism in the South Asian community is so nuanced but this story didn't do the topic justice. The characters felt so unrealistic and one-dimensional and exhibited no growth. The ending was a mess (literally! There were so many typos.) and felt rushed.
September 9, 2019
I was looking forward to reading this book, but I was left disappointed. Although, the storyline is good, I had trouble relating to the characters. The dialogue felt forced and awkward at times and I struggled to finish it.
December 20, 2019
Review to be uploaded shortly
February 11, 2020
Rich in sensory experience. Heartwarming and devastating. Casts a light on the violence of colourism. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2023
I was conflicted on how to rate this book because I generally enjoyed it. It kept me engage with its new and changing developments. This book follows two Indo-Canadian sisters, Serena and Gia. Gia has fair skin while Serena has darker skin, and their lives are seemingly shaped by this. This book takes us on a journey across continents, decades, starting with the lives of their parents, and tackles what seems like every social issue. While this was good in keeping me engaged, it was a lot.
Nearly every experience the sisters faced, were either directly or indirectly related to the color of their skin. I wish the author had delve into this beyond the surface level approach. I wish the author have provided some more depth into the experiences of their mother, who like Serena had darker skin, and whose sister had lighter skin. There were obvious parallels between the two relationships. I saw no reason to start the book with the parents, but mostly the mother’s experience if she were not going to play a larger role in the book. They appear and disappear with mentions throughout the book, as do a lot of characters. It seemed like the appearance, disappearance and reappearance of characters were to drive the shift in story line.
I think the author was trying to accomplish a lot with this book. This book went to places I didn’t not at all expect or anticipate. It was quite ambitious and it felt like there was still so much more to explore, but overall, a good read.
Nearly every experience the sisters faced, were either directly or indirectly related to the color of their skin. I wish the author had delve into this beyond the surface level approach. I wish the author have provided some more depth into the experiences of their mother, who like Serena had darker skin, and whose sister had lighter skin. There were obvious parallels between the two relationships. I saw no reason to start the book with the parents, but mostly the mother’s experience if she were not going to play a larger role in the book. They appear and disappear with mentions throughout the book, as do a lot of characters. It seemed like the appearance, disappearance and reappearance of characters were to drive the shift in story line.
I think the author was trying to accomplish a lot with this book. This book went to places I didn’t not at all expect or anticipate. It was quite ambitious and it felt like there was still so much more to explore, but overall, a good read.
June 27, 2020
Two sisters caught up in issues of race, skin tone and sibling rivalry dominate this storyline. An arranged marriage also comes between them when the groom chooses the other sister for his bride. Their lives ultimately take different paths as they grown up as immigrants in Vancouver.. Your loyalties move between both sisters as the stories develop but love underlies the relationship uniting them..
Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers for an ARC of this book.
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