Scan barcode
jamorley's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not usually one to balk at long novels, but I would have enjoyed this one a lot more had it been around a third of the length. I'd be happy on one level to see someone pull out a cleaver and produce a bastardised version, leaving the narrative framework that a western reader would feel safest with and leaving dense and unfamiliar modes of address, stories and references in a messy heap on the floor, but I'd know somehow that the true heart of the novel would be left there with the offal.
I couldn't find peace with the seemingly redundant meta-commentary. "There's no harm in starting the story right here, that is, the way we're doing it right now," it's stated early on. "Not much need be said about [whomever/whatever], as the story doesn't really concern [them/it]," begging the question of why this subject was dragged up in the first place. These explicit goiters of inefficiency, as George Saunders might refer to them, layered on frustration for me that was not shaken off by any later re-incorporation or reveal.
I am grateful for the exposure to themes of partition, despite the opening of part three being maybe the most lost I've ever been reading a book.
I wanted more on Bahu and her Reeboks.
I couldn't find peace with the seemingly redundant meta-commentary. "There's no harm in starting the story right here, that is, the way we're doing it right now," it's stated early on. "Not much need be said about [whomever/whatever], as the story doesn't really concern [them/it]," begging the question of why this subject was dragged up in the first place. These explicit goiters of inefficiency, as George Saunders might refer to them, layered on frustration for me that was not shaken off by any later re-incorporation or reveal.
I am grateful for the exposure to themes of partition, despite the opening of part three being maybe the most lost I've ever been reading a book.
I wanted more on Bahu and her Reeboks.
mrucker's review against another edition
The book is beautiful word wise and has lovely descriptions but no actual plot and after two hours of getting nowhere, especially when you’re listening to the audio book, it makes it especially hard to get any kind of investment. If you like plot lines, this is simply not the book for you
bill_muganda's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm finding it difficult to express how reading this story has affected me. The author, Shree, has created an incredible piece of literature that has changed how I view writing in the stream-of-consciousness style as well as long-form prose and poetry.
The story follows an Indian family through seven hundred pages. After the father passes away, we are introduced to an older woman who is paralyzed by grief. Despite her resistance to life, she continues to breathe and occasionally says "no" when her children and grandchildren try to help her. From there, the story takes on a life of its own, like a butterfly on a long journey.
The story follows an Indian family through seven hundred pages. After the father passes away, we are introduced to an older woman who is paralyzed by grief. Despite her resistance to life, she continues to breathe and occasionally says "no" when her children and grandchildren try to help her. From there, the story takes on a life of its own, like a butterfly on a long journey.
caitlin_waddick's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My new favorite book!!
Playful writing style
Playful writing style
sgp's review against another edition
stuff is supposed to happen in the last third but unfortunately there's no plot in the rest
andy_acid's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
The vastness and individuality of each character make this book seem like an epic. The wittiness of Shree and the richness of the prose made me delighted and entertained throughout the book. The narrative is often dreamlike, unjunctured, and unfiltered, which made the experience more raw. Despite a seemingly uneventful storyline (particularly in part 1) the depth of thematic exploration makes every moment significant. What i liked the most was nuanced portrayal of intricate human relationships, from the dynamic between Ma and Beti, Beti and Bade, to the complexities involving Ma and Bahu, Ma and Bade, KK and Beti, Ma and Rosie, Rosie and Beti- each interaction and internal dialogue revolves in multidimensional authenticity.
But, all of these aside, I felt like the translation tried to be too literal in the sense of the original Hindi prose, and sometimes it felt quite meandering and awkward.
P.S: I haven't read many books with an older woman protagonist, and it was such a delight to read one.
3.5 stars/5
But, all of these aside, I felt like the translation tried to be too literal in the sense of the original Hindi prose, and sometimes it felt quite meandering and awkward.
P.S: I haven't read many books with an older woman protagonist, and it was such a delight to read one.
3.5 stars/5
ankiechatto's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I haven’t found a book that I have enjoyed as much as this one in a long time. The beauty of the book is in its language. Those who look for defined plot-lines will not be able to appreciate this. But those who are piqued by the sounds in a language and other literary devices will find this gripping. I’ve also never read another book that captures the essence of relationships and the turmoil of emotions in words as well. I’ve only seen it done in movies.
Lastly, this is also a very important book because it makes a lot of political statements in a subtle, not-so-subtle ways and we definitely need more authors speaking out freely.
Will be purchasing the hindi version soon!
Lastly, this is also a very important book because it makes a lot of political statements in a subtle, not-so-subtle ways and we definitely need more authors speaking out freely.
Will be purchasing the hindi version soon!
avialia's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This book is one of those that instead of telling you a story it takes you on a jurnany. Something that for sure has to be done correctly in order for me to like it.
There may not be alot happening spesificly in the book. Ok yes there is stuff happening. But there is not much of a greater storyline? You learn and see alot of diffrent realtions between people. There is a deep theme about the complexity of humen relations and how to handle grief.
It also gives you a somewhat realistic wiev and look at how loosing somone as a wive in India might be. the loss and depression of not knwoing what to do as such.
For me this story was kinda not my taste, I tend to want a greater storyline and this simply only had smaller ones. It was not my kind of taste but also not really terrible. The writing style was also kinda denser and in need for more analysing than i wanted it to be.
There may not be alot happening spesificly in the book. Ok yes there is stuff happening. But there is not much of a greater storyline? You learn and see alot of diffrent realtions between people. There is a deep theme about the complexity of humen relations and how to handle grief.
It also gives you a somewhat realistic wiev and look at how loosing somone as a wive in India might be. the loss and depression of not knwoing what to do as such.
For me this story was kinda not my taste, I tend to want a greater storyline and this simply only had smaller ones. It was not my kind of taste but also not really terrible. The writing style was also kinda denser and in need for more analysing than i wanted it to be.
ugh_m's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0