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scarletohhara's review against another edition
3.0
It was good reading this book that spans across generations set in the hills in the Raj just after the mutiny. I struggled to understand who the book is about or why I should remember any detail related to how ppl are introduced etc because the plot didn't need to me tie down any relationships between protagonists.
It was an enjoyable read, good literature and an easy tone. I loved some female characters who dared to go beyond their limits set by the society back then.
I'd recommend one to read this book if one has time to spare and can ponder on the modern civilization around the hills, spread of Christianity in the 1800s etc.
It was an enjoyable read, good literature and an easy tone. I loved some female characters who dared to go beyond their limits set by the society back then.
I'd recommend one to read this book if one has time to spare and can ponder on the modern civilization around the hills, spread of Christianity in the 1800s etc.
roses_readingspace's review against another edition
4.0
Namita’s new novel ‘Things to Leave Behind’, is a rich, panoramic historical novel set in Kumaon, in Nainital, Almora and Sat Tal, in the years 1842 to approximately 1912. The novel is about many things, colonialism and history and a first fragile modernity in a society steeped in tradition. These are the days of Firangi Raj, of Upper Mall Road (for Europeans and horses) and Lower Mall Road (for dogs, servants and other Indians). Readers follow the inter-twined story of spirited Tillotama Uprety, whose uncle is hanged during the ‘Mutiny’, her troubled daughter Deoki, missionary Rosemary Bodden and Deoki’s husband Jayesh Jonas into Bodden’s Utopian Eden Ashram, where artist William Dempster seeks out new Indians.
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I enjoyed the rich scenery of the book. The description of all the places it's set in is beautifully written. I also realised while the Indians under British Raj wanted freedom and were working towards it many were also in a dilemma. The dilemma that the British who are bringing modernization and so much progress in the country so is freedom from them the right path or not.
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I enjoyed the rich scenery of the book. The description of all the places it's set in is beautifully written. I also realised while the Indians under British Raj wanted freedom and were working towards it many were also in a dilemma. The dilemma that the British who are bringing modernization and so much progress in the country so is freedom from them the right path or not.
rach_reads_books's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed her descriptions of India and learning about how tightly wound cast traditions were/are but i found parts of the story where my mind drifted off as it didn’t hold my full attention. The way she interweaves the lives of all the women was thoughtfully done, however I wanted more from them.
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