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thatchickengirl23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Death, Grief, Child death, Homophobia, Hate crime, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Death of parent, Body shaming, Bullying, Outing, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical trauma, Abandonment, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexism, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Colonisation, Xenophobia, and Racism
skitch41's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Child abuse
spongebobbiii's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"The Sea Elephants" by Shastri Akella is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that follows the life of Shagun, a young man growing up in India during the 90s, who struggles with his sexuality in a society where same-sex attraction is illegal. The author's dedication to the story is evident, as it took eight long years to complete, and during this time, Akella had his own personal awakening, coming out as gay.
The narrative follows Shagun's journey from his early years into his 30s, and the challenges he faces due to his sexual orientation. Akella portrays Shagun's experiences with determination, bravery, and a strong ethical nature, making him a compelling protagonist.
As a fellow queer reader, I found "The Sea Elephants" to be a poignant and touching read. However, I must acknowledge that some parts of the book were triggering, which affected my overall enjoyment. Despite this, the triggering elements were essential to the story, and I recognize that others might not have the same reaction.
The plot is brilliantly constructed and without any noticeable plot holes. It engages readers throughout, keeping them emotionally invested in Shagun's journey. The characters are well-developed, each provoking a distinct reaction from the reader. Shagun and Mark, in particular, are written with such depth that their love and struggles are palpable.
One of the novel's strongest aspects is how thought-provoking it is. The story goes beyond the reading sessions, prompting readers to contemplate the experiences of queer individuals in the 90s, especially in a cultural context outside of the United States.
The narration by Vikas Adam is commendable, effectively portraying the linguistic differences between Shagun and Mark, giving the impression of multiple narrators.
The world-building in "The Sea Elephants" is exceptional, immersing readers in the story's setting and atmosphere. Akella's writing is poignant, allowing readers to grow up alongside Shagun and understand the complexities of his life.
The ending of the book is satisfying, tying up the narrative threads in a way that leaves readers content.
Overall, "The Sea Elephants" is a remarkable novel that deserves high praise for its compelling plot, well-crafted characters, thought-provoking themes, immersive world-building, and skillful writing. Though some aspects may be triggering for certain readers, the emotional impact of the story is undeniably powerful. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeply moving and enlightening reading experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content
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