Thank you to Viking and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I rated this book 3./5 stars.
This book follows three women in one family lineage through an especially tumultuous time of India’s history. The story is told by Ayukta to her wife Nadya, as she shares her family’s history and the family’s secret- all of the women in the family are connected via a magical tapestry. The plot is heavily character centric, with themes of inheritance, womanhood, and healing generational trauma.
The story felt at odds with the different elements- the stories of the past women, the historical elements, and the present day story of Ayukta and Nadya. The way that these three elements competed left none of them feeling fleshed out enough. I found the pacing to be odd, and most often too slow, as well as the overall flow of the book to be uneven. The majority of the book is spent focusing on Amla’s childhood, which leaves the rest of the book feeling rushed. The historical elements were of great importance to the characters, but much of the context was shared through exposition from our narrator. This would have been more engaging if the characters were more integrated into that part of the story. However, this separate third person perspective was very intentional and integral to this storytelling style of the book. For me personally, it left me feeling disconnected from both the narrator and the women she was talking about.
Overall, this book was a slow and character driven exploration. Some of the quotes and topics were thought provoking and the author frequently made some beautiful sentiments. However, the glacial pacing and the lack of feeling connected to the narrator or her family left me feeling unfulfilled after reading this book. However, this still might appeal to fans of light historical fiction and slow character focused stories with little overarching plot.

This was so good! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. We love an African mythology and a beautiful word built into the story.

I absolutely loved this - the voice of Ayukta immediately pulled me into this enchanting story of a tapestry that connects generations of women together. The stories of Amla, Arni, and Ayukta each stood on their own, but woven together were even more compelling. Thanki also really brings the historical milieus to life - I did not know much about the India/Pakistan Partition, or the 1974 Gujarat student protests, but they are very evocative in this novel and now I'd like to go learn more.

This book follows a lineage of women who have the gift to access the memories of their mother (and the generations of women before her) through a tapestry. The story takes the perspective of four women and spans many decades, beginning in pre-partition India and ending in 21st century New York.

The turmoil of events that characters experience was really interesting - I learned a lot about a history that I didn't know much of before - but the heart of the story is really the strength of female love, between mother and daughter but also sisters, friends, spouses, aunts, etc.

The message of this book was powerful, and made me think. How much of myself comes from my mother, and the mothers before her? The story brings out this sense of a sort of aching connection with all of the generations of women who have come before you. I can tell that this feeling will sit with me for a long time after finishing this book.

Lastly, the writing itself was lovely. The book used a frame narrative, in which the narrator was telling the story of the tapestry to her wife. The bulk of the story, which was of the lives of the previous three women to be stitched onto the tapestry, was in third person while the frame was written as the narrator speaking to her wife.

Loved and would definitely recommend this book.

A beautiful story with a complex construction, this novel is perfect for fans of literary fiction with a historical focus. Definitely a must-watch author, as this debut is a force to be reckoned with!

DNFed
Tbh the story and the concept is amazing but I don’t like the writing it’s confusing lots of type and the language is weird imo

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book early!
This book is a gem and a must read if you enjoy historical fiction and multi-generation family sagas. The family this book follows are Indian so we get a taste of the rich history and culture of India. I will warn the reader that this book does cover topics that can be triggering and at times I was in tears reading about all the turmoil women, especially mothers, have to do to just survive in this world. But there were moments of triumph and pure, unfiltered love as well. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I really liked this book, and I think the world-building and character creation worked great together. I found them to be dynamic and very entertaining to read. I was looking forward to this book and it did not disappoint, I can't wait for it to come out so that I can have a physical copy of it

“There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.”
—M. Russell Ballard

A captivating story of how a mother’s love, lessons, and even the parts of herself that she hides away can influence generations to come. I was so enthralled by the intertwining stories of these mothers/daughters that we begin to hear through the book’s narrator Ayukta as she shares this unbelievable tale of how she is able to access the memories of her ancestors through a tapestry handed down through generations. This story has heavy influences in its Indian history, but its message can be felt across all cultures. This is an absolute must read.

*thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this story early!

Set around a magical tapestry, we follow generations of women in India. Building from this tapestry is love, trauma and passion. This is one big inheratance to to pass on.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and or the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review the A Thousand Times Before.

I really liked this story due to it being different than what I am used to reading.

Really interested in what's happening with the narrator - the choice to re-create a scene as a character watching another across space & time was poignant. Felt a lot of resonances and echoes with my own family history. Beautiful storytelling here. "I wish she'd paid more attention, but it isn't necessary. You and I both know how this history goes, Nadya."