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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Dreadful.
If you are someone who enjoys an actual coherent story, do not even insult yourself by picking up this book even if it were encased in gold as an incentive.
I had to read this novel for my literature class, and as much as I despise reading the other 600-page long Victorian classics revolving around class and marriage, through weekly publishments (meaning many of the plotlines were recycled so the author could reach their due date), this was by far a more tedious and lifeless read in comparison.
I entered this story believing it would commentate largely on social hierarchies through a child's innocent perspective. Instead, I was left confused and frustrated as to what the purpose of this novel was. Numerous characters were introduced who were apparently supposed to be strange and enamoring, but with every chapter I struggled to remember who was who outside of the trio (Michael, Ramadhin and Cassius) and Emily. The last few chapters I skimmed through, as I simply could not sustain any interest in a word I was reading.
A main fault lies with Michael, who is a passive protagonist. Why such literary sins still exist? Characters are manipulating him to do things, and even during the novel's climax (which I thought the boys' would have a role in causing/preventing), he is a bystander.
During and after the main event, apparently things are revealed about certain characters, something I only realised when my class discussed it, as my memory of characters was limited to: pigeon lady, the crushing botanist, the perverted storyteller and something about circus people.
If you are thinking of reading this book out of choice, don't. If you have to, there's limited (free and paid) resources that analyse and summarise this book for you. My sincerest apologies.
If you are someone who enjoys an actual coherent story, do not even insult yourself by picking up this book even if it were encased in gold as an incentive.
I had to read this novel for my literature class, and as much as I despise reading the other 600-page long Victorian classics revolving around class and marriage, through weekly publishments (meaning many of the plotlines were recycled so the author could reach their due date), this was by far a more tedious and lifeless read in comparison.
I entered this story believing it would commentate largely on social hierarchies through a child's innocent perspective. Instead, I was left confused and frustrated as to what the purpose of this novel was. Numerous characters were introduced who were apparently supposed to be strange and enamoring, but with every chapter I struggled to remember who was who outside of the trio (Michael, Ramadhin and Cassius) and Emily. The last few chapters I skimmed through, as I simply could not sustain any interest in a word I was reading.
A main fault lies with Michael, who is a passive protagonist. Why such literary sins still exist? Characters are manipulating him to do things, and even during the novel's climax (which I thought the boys' would have a role in causing/preventing), he is a bystander.
During and after the main event, apparently things are revealed about certain characters, something I only realised when my class discussed it, as my memory of characters was limited to: pigeon lady, the crushing botanist, the perverted storyteller and something about circus people.
If you are thinking of reading this book out of choice, don't. If you have to, there's limited (free and paid) resources that analyse and summarise this book for you. My sincerest apologies.
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a portrait of childhood curiosity, naiivity and new beginnings. The main character ‘Mynah’ and his new friends Ramadhin and Cassius spent their time on the boat learning about their fellow passengers by talking with them and spying on them. There was this interesting concept of veiled intentions and intrigue especially surrounding the mysterious prisoner aboard. This book was seeped in the idea that the identities and pasts of strangers are an untapped endless pool of knowledge and experience, only by approaching them and allowing them to open themselves to you can we learn these things. I loved the writing and the characterisation of the adult characters from a younger perspective. I also liked the small snapshots of Michael’s later life as well as Asuntha’s childhood in the circus and Miss Lasquetti’s summer romance. I think the words to describe this tale would be ‘the enchantments of youth’.
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For whatever reason, I do not like Ondaatje's book thought I think it should be a type of book I like.
Good but somehow just didn't grab me. I like the way it goes back and forth in time, though, and the boys were interesting characters.
I haven't read any of his other work, but I couldn't sink my teeth into this one--or, rather, Ondaatje's prose couldn't sink its teeth into me. His style is wonderful, and probably even stronger in other novels, but there was absolutely nothing here that intrigued me, nothing beckoning me to turn the pages, so I gave up after about 50 or so. As an autobiographical piece, it sounds like a fascinating experience, and as a novel it falls flat. When it tries to be both novel and memoir at the same time, it achieves nothing.