I got 15 percent into this book and it was nothing like what the blurb said. I was not interested at all. The writing was beautiful though and if you like a contemporaryish type book, this is the one for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this. I loved that the writing fluctuated from sometimes very lyrical to fairly conversational and informal. I often forgot that it was a work of fiction and not a memoir with how Leav was able to portray Ai looking back on her experiences. My only real criticism of the story was that the major turning point of the book didn't seem to lead to any changes in Ai. We didn't really get to see her grieve at all in part one and the second part of the book was so short it felt a bit rushed and we still didn't really get to see Ai delve into her grief very much. Overall, would definitely recommend and I look forward to reading more work by the author!

I love the premise and this book exceeding my expectation. The story set in 90s Australia, following a high schooler named Ai.

I grow fond of this book gradually. I didn't put up much expectations on the beginning, as it revolved around the friendship and high school romance drama. However, it's getting more intriguing bcs the "drama" itself created huge misunderstanding and regrets later in the story. There are layers about fitting in, self actualisation, jealousy, and acceptances mixing in their high school life. The dynamics of somewhat complicated friendship is well written.

Ai and her family were Asian (Cambodia) who had to move to Australia to save their lives. There was a huge Asian immigrants and refugees taking shelter in Australia and how they face racism on daily basis. I wasn't aware of this issue before and this book gave me a glimpse on how bad it could be. Yes, it talked about racism, fighting the said racism, and surviving. The unfairness is heart breaking.

I love how this book takes its time to explore grief and loss. And regrets. And shattered dreams. I love how the closure wasn't rushed. It fits the pieces perfectly.

At the end, I grow fondly emotional with the characters and how their lifes turned out.

If you're into hard coming of age, exploring grief and friendship and love, and misunderstanding as well as facing racism, give this book a go.

Thanks so much for the arc 💜🫶🏽🫶🏽

Others Were Emeralds presents a robust narrative that delves deep into the intricacies of its characters, exploring a myriad of themes encompassing friendship, racism, grief, immigrant experiences, and love. It skillfully portrays the complex tapestry of teenage relationships, unearthing facets of jealousy, impulsiveness, and the fundamental yearning for acceptance.

Set against the backdrop of late 90s Australia, the story revolves around the lives of teenagers grappling with the challenges of growing up in their immigrant neighborhoods. Ai, the central protagonist, hails from the immigrant community of Whitlam, born to Cambodian refugees. In the face of racial prejudices and the abrupt loss of something precious, Ai and her friends are compelled to confront the harsh realities of life prematurely, carving their paths through the tumultuous journey to adulthood.

Although not particularly drawn to Lang Leav's poetry, my curiosity led me to pick up this book, driven by the anticipation of a distinct narrative. True to my expectations, the writing style proved to be captivating, effortlessly engaging me in its intricate storytelling. The thematic premise of the novel, coupled with the compelling plot, held my interest throughout.

The exploration of Australia's historical racial dynamics during that era provided an intriguing dimension, broadening my perspective in a way I had not previously encountered. The narrative unfolds in two distinct parts, the first chronicling Ai's high school years, while the latter follows her experiences in college. The initial segment held a particular charm, primarily attributed to the endearing bond between Ai and Brigette. While the romantic entanglement between Ai and Bowie was well-developed, it was the unwavering friendship between Ai and Brigette that stole the spotlight, leaving a profound impression long after the story's conclusion. Brigette's journey, in particular, left an indelible mark, rendering me speechless as her narrative unfolded.

However, the discrepancy in length between the two parts resulted in an imbalance, with the latter section feeling somewhat rushed. A deeper exploration of Ai's journey through grief in the latter part could have enhanced the overall impact. Furthermore, the character of Tin, while initially intriguing, seemed to fade into the background, resurfacing only to serve the demands of the plot, leaving me yearning for a more comprehensive understanding of his story arc. Despite this, the concluding chapters brought a satisfying resolution, effectively tying together the narrative threads.

In retrospect, the novel's essence felt more aligned with young adult fiction, predominantly owing to the age of the central character. Nevertheless, the depth of the themes explored and the emotional resonance woven into the narrative transcended age boundaries, leaving an enduring impression that lingers long after the final page.

I had the opportunity to read Lang Leav's, Others Were Emeralds, and it was a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. This coming-of-age story set in late 90's Australia explores complex themes and emotions.

The narrative revolves around Ai, the daughter of Cambodian refugees, and her close-knit group of friends in the immigrant town of Whitlam. The book beautifully portrays the intricate dynamics of teenage relationships, layered with feelings of jealousy, inadequacy, and the desire for acceptance. It also addresses the subtle, yet potent racism faced by these young Asian teens and highlights the delicate balance they must maintain.

Others Were Emeralds not only delves into the characters' nuanced emotions but also tackles larger societal issues, particularly anti-Asian sentiment in Australia during that era. It prompts readers to reflect on the consequences of letting misconceptions shape our reality and how our actions can unwittingly contribute to tragedies.

Overall, this novel is a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience, racism, and the struggles of teenagers trying to find their place in the world. Lang Leav's debut in adult fiction is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and I highly recommend it to readers looking for a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

Lang Leav delivers yet again. I am always in awe of the way that she captures her words and they are shared with the universe. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you for the opportunity to read!

Leav had me from page 1 with her lyrical writing and tenderness with her characters. The book starts with two of the characters, Ai and Tin, talking about how The Sound of Music is a blend of documentary and fiction. This book clearly has that same blend, which made me feel like I was reading a memoir. Ai’s narration throughout the story felt so genuine to a girl in her late teens and early twenties that it felt like I was reading a diary. This book handles a lot of sensitive topics with care and honesty. The struggles Ai goes through, from the cliquey nonsense every high school girl experiences to the targeted racism she and her friends and family experienced, are all portrayed vividly. However, even with some heavier topics, this book remained hopeful.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and would truly recommend it to anyone. At under 300 pages, it’s a shorter book, and I think it will resonate with everyone who reads it. For a more detailed review, check out my website!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I fell in love with Lang Leav’s writing over a decade ago and her hold on me is still just as strong. The storytelling of Ai, Bridgette, Bowie, and the rest their gang was so descriptive I was hooked!

This book really showcases the feeling of being young, impulsive, and all the highs and low of being a teenager. This is a great coming of age story about friendship, dating, but also touches on other themes like mental illness, grief, racism and more that shows just how complicated life can get at a young age!

I’m just really not feeling this book. After setting it aside in favor of other books multiple times and coming back (trying to see if it was the book or just me/my attention span), I’m DNFing at 37% (106 pages). The author does more telling than showing which I never enjoy, give me credit as a reader for being able to understand what’s happening. It’s also slow for my taste, I don’t mind character driven stories but then I need to get inside the characters heads and that’s just not happening. The characters are flat and the pacing is all over the place. We don’t really get to see their motivations and get to know them very well and I’m over 100 pages in, I should feel more connected or have a better idea of the purpose of the story.

Just when it started getting interesting, it got slow and boring again by the next chapter. I really wanted to like this one and learn more about what it was like for POC communities in Australia during the 90s. But I can only try to read a novel for so long before realizing it’s just not for me. Based on other reviews, I’m sure plenty of other people will love it.

This was such a heartwarming book. For the initial 15 pages, I found it to be too lyrical and poetic and thought I might end up not liking it. But gradually, the plot started taking hold and I liked reading about Bowie and Ai. Sying was absolute monstrous and her mind games were shown aptly. Everyone should have a friend like Brigitte and a mom like Lucille. The duo was amazing and inspite of their hardships, they were so kind to all.

Others were Emeralds brings out many pertinent topics like racism, loss of family member, handling tragedy, grief and confusions of adolescents. All of this has been handled by author so sensitively. Midway through the book when the twist came, I was not prepared for it at all and was shocked as to how to handle it.

Lang Leav has done a tremendous great job on her debut novel and am looking forward to read more of her other works.

The cover made me expect a little more cheerful book than it actually was but it was still very good. An interesting look into anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment in 1990s Australia it really read more like a memoir than fiction. It felt very real which made it all the more disturbing.

This book made my heart ache in the best way possible. It was fictional but read just like a memoir. There’s two parts, with part one taking up the first 75% of the book, and I just felt like they were two different books. I LOVED the first part. I was moved to the point of tears, learning about the racial injustices Asian people suffered in Australia and Ai’s parent’s immigration story. The tender friendship between Brigette and Ai was amazing and probably my favorite part of the book, truly the more superior love story in this book in comparison to the romance. Leav did a fantastic job capturing angst, grief, and the damage of jealousy. Everything about the writing was just so raw and poetic. I think part two maybe should’ve been longer. I wanted to spend more time with Ai overcoming her pain but it just felt a bit rushed. There’s also one character in particular that I’m totally peeved we didn’t get to spend more time with I did love the ending, though. As a whole, I really loved this book and it was a stellar reading experience

Recommend to all lit fic fans who love a sad coming-of-age story.

Others Were Emerald by Lang Leav is a mesmerizing debut adult novel that showcases the author's unparalleled talent in poetic lyricism and emotional depth. With its poignant coming-of-age narrative set against the backdrop of anti-Asian sentiment in late 90's Australia, this book is a gripping exploration of guilt, loss, and memory, reminding us of the profound impact our misconceptions can have on our lives.

The protagonist, Ai, is the daughter of Cambodian refugees, growing up in the small town of Whitlam alongside a community of Asian immigrants who sought refuge after fleeing war-torn countries. In the seemingly ordinary lives of Ai and her close-knit group of friends—charismatic Brigitte, sweet and endearing Bowie, shy and inscrutable Tin, and politically minded Sying—the traumas of their parents' pasts remain hidden, overshadowed by the pursuit of a better future.

However, the tranquility of their existence is shattered during their final year of school when they encounter two racist men whose acts of intimidation escalate into senseless violence. Ai and her friends grapple with the overwhelming grief thrust upon them at such a tender age. Struggling to process the magnitude of their trauma, Ai decides to leave Whitlam for college, hoping to escape the painful memories that haunt her.

But fate has a way of bringing us back to our roots, and in her second year of college, Ai finds herself in the midst of a mental health crisis, driving her back to the very place she swore never to return. Back in Whitlam, she reunites with the friends she left behind, and together they embark on a journey of self-reflection, compelled to confront the tragedy that shaped their adolescence and uncover the roles they unwittingly played.

Lang Leav's mastery of language and her ability to evoke emotions with every word shines through in Others Were Emerald. The novel delicately weaves together past and present, seamlessly intertwining the weight of history with the struggles of the present. Leav's poetic background is evident in the book's lyrical prose, which brings a unique depth and beauty to the narrative.

Through Ai's personal journey, the author sheds light on the lasting effects of trauma, the power of friendship, and the importance of confronting our own biases. As readers, we are transported to Whitlam, feeling the weight of the characters' experiences and the consequences of their choices. Leav's exploration of the themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the search for belonging resonates on a profound level.

Others Were Emerald is an unforgettable novel that captivates from the first page to the last. Lang Leav's transition from poetry to fiction is seamless, and her storytelling prowess shines through in this remarkable work. It is a book that lingers in the reader's mind, provoking introspection and empathy long after the final chapter.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. I don’t really know how I feel about this book, truth be told. I liked the portions of navigating their identities, but other than that I was a little confused on what the ultimate purpose of this was. The pacing felt off, like we spent the first half of the book getting so invested in these characters and then halfway through, there’s a big plot twist and everything seemingly moved quickly and slow?

Nothing had to be so dramatic or over the top if they would have all just talked to each other and communicated. I’m not really a fan of books that have that trope (like Emily Henry’s latest book, Happy Place).

Also, I’m a little confused about the timing/logistics of the author mentioning cell phones in 1998. While I am sure they existed, it wasn’t until the early 2000s where they were really popular - at least in the US.

I don’t know, I just feel like there could have been more? Maybe too short for all it tried or wanted to do.

reads like a nonfiction memoir. the characters felt so real to me in this, that i genuinely forgot this was a work of fiction. the writing felt so nostalgic, lyrical, and reflective; I can definitely tell that lang leav is a poet. honestly, one thing that i kind of wish is that this book was longer. i wish i had more time to enjoy the characters, and see them mature as people, and how their relationships would evolve collaterally. the ending had a sense of feeling a bit rushed, but maybe it was the author’s intent to leave you with this sense of longing and bittersweetness upon finishing the book.

It was like watching a bicycle going faster and faster and careening off a cliff. Despite the disjointed feeling, the story unwrapped beautifully the struggles of immigrants surviving in a new society and trying their hardest to live within the confines of new rule and order. It was looking into a lens and seeing the different struggles that immigrants go through and coming out the other side with side effects like not wanting to appear too Asian or else you don’t fit in. Wanting to downplay you so society won’t cast you out as others. As an immigrant, I understood this pain and I wanted to shake this book and say, yes that’s exactly what happened. However, as beautiful as this book feels, it felt disjointed. It felt like telling a story from a helicopter in the air instead of down in the trenches, experiencing it first hand. I enjoyed this book, but I felt as though somethings missing from it.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc!

I am smitten with this coming of age novel that swept me up from page 1. there was alot i did love but also some things that could have been stronger or benefitted from another round of drafts.

Pretty solid, although a bit contrived at times. Not sure how I'd judge the writing style, there are some people who will love it, others won't vibe with it. Decent read for both young adults and adults too.