Realistic without the Hollywood ending tied up with a ribbon. The main character does win, but not in the usual "impossible goal achieved" way. She stays true to herself. She never caves to the Sweet smile of the brown eyed boy who is really not a good person. She lets the bank lender/land developer know how she feels unapologetically. And when she's unable to stop the title wave that's sweeping her orchard away from her, she takes the car keys and drives off into her new future. I don't remember the exact quote, but she turns to her aunt and referring to the multiple frustrations and difficulties says something like, "Does it ever stop? It's suffocating" Her aunt pretty much says no it doesn't. It just keeps piling up. You have to put on your boots and just muck your way through it. Realistic yet inspiring. I really liked it.
Review of July Rising
