Reviews

Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag

whatismichaelareading's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

boomeraang's review against another edition

4.5

 it’s true what they say – it’s not we who control money, it’s the money that controls us. when there’s only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us.

as a succession girlie, i am a sucker for all things money and family dynamics. i also loved the short succinct prose throughout the story. a very solid read - i would highly recommend 

megj23's review against another edition

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

somebodys_fool's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

thechanelmuse's review against another edition

4.0

“It’s true what they say – it’s not we who control money, it’s the money that controls us. When there’s only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us.”

thefantasticalworldofsara's review against another edition

3.0

I've heard Ariel Bissett talk about this on booktube a lot over the years so when I stumbled across it at my little free library I had to pick it up!

I really liked how succinct it was, if it was any longer I worry the message of "having lots of money can corrupt your values" would have become too repetitive. It was a really interesting to see what habits or things changed among each of the characters after they suddenly became more wealthy. Especially the dynamics of the family!

All in all a very solid read but nothing spectacular. (3.5/5)

ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the views of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee

rawrsoobin's review against another edition

mysterious tense

clayborn55's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

curly_cat_lvr's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

3.5

I would really give this like 3.5 stars. It was quirky and fun and an interesting little story about the dynamics of family and how hard it is bringing outsiders into a tight knit family and the things we do to maintain family dynamics. From poverty to wealth it’s a great story of how money can change people and dynamics as well.

spaces_and_solaces's review against another edition

5.0

There is beauty in simplicity. Vivek weaves an elegant yet simplistic tale of a family going from rags to riches. Though that is not all there is to it. This book touches on matters that are usually swept off beneath the rug too often because they are too painful to hold on to or revisit even in memories.

The family consists of 5 people, there are the parents, their 2 children (a son and a daughter), and an uncle (father's younger brother) .
You are introduced to the family through the son's eyes.

He takes us on a journey of their everyday lives and when you begin to read you might think there is nothing special about it. And that's where the brilliance of the book lies.

In the first part, you come across a vivid description of living a frugal life, of celebrating even the smallest of things like getting a stove and you also experience the pain when the sole earner of the family loses his job. And then it beautifully transitions to the family's newfound wealth due to the uncle's business. How one family lives off of the business and how they each adapt to it forms the second part of the book.

The implicit societal norms when it comes to behavior of family members towards the one who is earning, is written beautifully and is sure to invoke nostalgia. The subtle notes of the human psyche came across in every other page. You might feel the need to shake your head and re-read the book again to grasp onto the flavors of the words a little longer. Also, the ending is open ended, though the hints of it are scattered throughout the novella.

This book will force you to sit up and take notice. Read this book with a certain kind of awareness and you will not regret it.