Book Summary and Reviews of Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Reader Reviews

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Adebisi Akinfenwa

Worth reading
Next Time Will Be Our Turn is a sweeping, emotionally rich novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto that defies easy categorization and lingers long after the last page. It’s at once a queer love story, a family drama, and a cultural exploration all woven through a multi-generational lens that feels both intimate and expansive.

Alisa_C

Emotional, but feel good story
This book reminded me of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo with the LGBTQ themes and the older woman reflecting back on her life stories to a younger person. However, the past timeline was set primarily in the 90s, and the present timeline was set in the near future (although it feels more like the present, and is not really important). Additionally, there are heavy Chinese-Indonesian themes, and the asian cultural background of the characters is important to the story. It was beautifully written, and a diversion from what I love to read by the author (namely, both of her cozy mystery series). The development of the characters was sweet, and the feminist message was strong and important to our times. I loved, loved, loved this book.

Linda S. (Castle Pines, CO)

Oh my!
This is the first book I have read by the author but it will not be my last. Where to start? I will not detail the story of the book itself but rather my response to it. Next Time Will Be Our Turn brought to mind many of the decisions I have made through my life and the results of them that can only be understood in reflection. Granted, I am neither Indonesian nor gay but that doesn't matter when looking at Magnolia's life choices as a whole. We, as women, can all identify with many of the aspects of her journey. The ending brought me to tears for a life that which ultimately, was one well-lived. Please read this. You will not be disappointed.

Susan_U

Pleasant surprise
When Grandma Nainai admits to her grand daughter that she's gay, "Tulip", as her granddaughter will later be called, Nainai begins to share her life story. Of love lost and found, of love for her husband of many years and the joy she finds now in her partner and her family. This is a lovely story. Touching. Funny but also a bit sad. I loved it.

Sara_S

Enjoyable and Enlightening
This is polished and assured storytelling at its best. My initial reluctance to engage in reading an "in your face" tale about a young person discovering her "alternative sexuality" was quickly put asunder by the author's skill and sensitivity. Any misgivings I had evaporated as I became thoroughly engrossed in the unfolding tale featuring relatable characters that transcend or adapt to traditional boundaries. I found the minimal love scenes both tasteful and written with spare but contextually appropriate words. Regarding the rest of the book, there is much there for women's book club discussions.

Readers - from young adult to older readers - should find this book both enjoyable and enlightening, especially as one can relate to such thoughts and possible paths that confront adults as they encounter real life challenges.

Theresa_P

Grandma tells it all
The connection between the grandmother and granddaughter is the heart of this story. A heart beating strongly, I should add. The open dialogue between the two was beautifully told, and while surprising to the granddaughter, it was also a blessing of being understood.

...23 more reader reviews