Hummingbirds Fly Backwards by Amy Cheung | Rating: ★★☆☆☆As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
There was something entirely disappointing about Hummingbirds Fly Backwards--sure, there was/is solid writing, gorgeous cover art, a catchy title and opening sentence. But there is something incredibly flat about the entire story itself; constantly lacking something for me. I can't quite pinpoint all that was wrong with it because it did have a world of promise, but it just didn't work for me. I put it down often, wondering if it was just me, but looking now at its rating I see there is a general nod to how lackluster it felt in its reviews.
Although most people will disagree with me, I found one of the character's nature to be the novels biggest--perhaps, only--saving grace. Only one. She is unlikable as can be, but for this reader it was to the point where I couldn't help but to like her all the more for it. Sometimes you just can't connect with a character and their flaws, or their complete inability to connect with their reality, but you don't always have to. Chow Jeoi is an unlikable lead but that's just about the most charming thing about Hummingbirds Fly Backwards. While I didn't necessarily root for her, I did find myself feeling rather fond of her and her delusion, her flaws, and she is the only reason I gave the novel 2-stars instead of 1.
