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miklosha's review against another edition
3.0
From what I can understand, much of the criticism of this book appears to stem from a hope that it would be like Rushdies better known works. Alas, this is no Midnights Children or Satanic Verses; but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
The yellow haired storyteller paints a family tree for an emperor in the spirit of Sharazade, documenting his mothers travels across Europe and Asia. The story alternates between interactions between Emperor Akbar and the Mughal of Love and the history of the Mughals mother, a transcendant figure turned saint turned general force of nature. This altnernating storyline succeeds to propel the story, but while the former plot thread is comtemplative and abstract (A Rushdie literary style), the latter is overly complex and stilted.
Together, much of Rushdie radiates out of the Enchantress of Florence; it is just that it doesnt come together in the same way his other books have.
The yellow haired storyteller paints a family tree for an emperor in the spirit of Sharazade, documenting his mothers travels across Europe and Asia. The story alternates between interactions between Emperor Akbar and the Mughal of Love and the history of the Mughals mother, a transcendant figure turned saint turned general force of nature. This altnernating storyline succeeds to propel the story, but while the former plot thread is comtemplative and abstract (A Rushdie literary style), the latter is overly complex and stilted.
Together, much of Rushdie radiates out of the Enchantress of Florence; it is just that it doesnt come together in the same way his other books have.
jgolomb's review against another edition
5.0
This is a magnificent novel; a model of the perfect reading for a book group, or literature class. Rushdie creates and amazingly solid and well-crafted central plot, surrounded by parables and dreams, imbued with a deep multiplicity of meanings, that all flows like poetry.
"Enchantress" is a more focused version of Umberto Eco's "The Island of the Day Before". It has that same dream-like quality of stories flowing into and within other stories, but in Rushdie's case, anchored by a more stable threaded plot.
The novel revolves around a mysterious European traveler, ostensibly from Florence, who finds himself at the court of an Indian ruler. The Florentine (who goes by numerous names) has a secret to tell...a secret that will kill all but one who are exposed by it. This secret is the fulcrum upon which this vibrant tale is balanced.
Rushdie delves into themes of love, poetry, one-ness, leadership, gender, beauty, war, and the list goes on. I'm quite sure that I was only able to grasp but a small fraction of the delightfully nuanced story's multiple tiers of meanings. English majors will have an easier time dissecting the stories within the stories, but all readers will enjoy Rushdie's easy-flowing style.
The first third of the novel takes place in India where the stage is set for the Florentine's secret. The second two thirds focus on Florence where Niccolo Machiavelli plays a significant role in unravelling the deadly secret.
Each character represents a different quality of being or literate theme. Each clue to the mystery leads to a new tale, a new parable. These lead Rushdie, particularly in the early India-centered scenes, to create a bright atmosphere of story-clouds, drifting in and out from each other, composing a complete and satisfactory conclusion.
I found myself looking forward to each reading session with 'Enchantress'. Rushdie's approach to building the story and themes developed a very comforting and pleasing read. While I wouldn't consider this 'light' reading, it's deeply layered story and almost poetic approach make this a wonderful book.
"Enchantress" is a more focused version of Umberto Eco's "The Island of the Day Before". It has that same dream-like quality of stories flowing into and within other stories, but in Rushdie's case, anchored by a more stable threaded plot.
The novel revolves around a mysterious European traveler, ostensibly from Florence, who finds himself at the court of an Indian ruler. The Florentine (who goes by numerous names) has a secret to tell...a secret that will kill all but one who are exposed by it. This secret is the fulcrum upon which this vibrant tale is balanced.
Rushdie delves into themes of love, poetry, one-ness, leadership, gender, beauty, war, and the list goes on. I'm quite sure that I was only able to grasp but a small fraction of the delightfully nuanced story's multiple tiers of meanings. English majors will have an easier time dissecting the stories within the stories, but all readers will enjoy Rushdie's easy-flowing style.
The first third of the novel takes place in India where the stage is set for the Florentine's secret. The second two thirds focus on Florence where Niccolo Machiavelli plays a significant role in unravelling the deadly secret.
Each character represents a different quality of being or literate theme. Each clue to the mystery leads to a new tale, a new parable. These lead Rushdie, particularly in the early India-centered scenes, to create a bright atmosphere of story-clouds, drifting in and out from each other, composing a complete and satisfactory conclusion.
I found myself looking forward to each reading session with 'Enchantress'. Rushdie's approach to building the story and themes developed a very comforting and pleasing read. While I wouldn't consider this 'light' reading, it's deeply layered story and almost poetic approach make this a wonderful book.
katejeminhizer's review against another edition
3.0
I almost gave up on this book. It definitely took a bit to wrap my head around the delivery of the story. I appreciate this book for the obvious thoroughness of the research done. Many passages are very eloquently written. Overall however I wasn't truly wowed and there were to many areas of confusion. It may be better the second go around but that's not something I normally do.
forever_amber's review against another edition
5.0
A truly enchanting adventure/fairytale, so swiftly written, so profound and captivating!
This is the first book of Salman Rushdie that I read, and I find his manner of speech and creativity delightfully broad and multi-layered. He definitely is a large-scale thinker.
This is the first book of Salman Rushdie that I read, and I find his manner of speech and creativity delightfully broad and multi-layered. He definitely is a large-scale thinker.
caecilievestergaard's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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? No
4.0
rremer's review against another edition
3.0
What stands out most to me is the language of this book. The words chosen and the use of repetition are what set the scene and tone of the novel.
aneides's review against another edition
4.0
I was pretty delighted with this quasi-fairy tale/adventure story (think 1,001 Arabian Nights) anchored in history but about halfway through, I was terribly lost and decided to restart the novel, taking notes and sketching out family trees as I went.
I don't especially agree with other readers' complaints that this story is sexist. True, the female characters aren't drawn with great depth, but most of the male characters are little more than caricatures as well. The whole "magical mystery woman" thing is a bit annoying, but mostly because it is overdone in a lot of fiction genres, including magical realism. These things make the book not as good as it could be... but not sexist. (I'm no Rushdie apologist. I've was seriously underwhelmed by the highly lauded Midnight's Children and have found most of his other work I've read rather middling.)
I did think the book was a bit overlong for the material and, due to the fact that I had to take notes to remember who was who (and I generally didn't feel like taking the damn notes), it took a lot longer to get through this book than it normally would have.
I don't especially agree with other readers' complaints that this story is sexist. True, the female characters aren't drawn with great depth, but most of the male characters are little more than caricatures as well. The whole "magical mystery woman" thing is a bit annoying, but mostly because it is overdone in a lot of fiction genres, including magical realism. These things make the book not as good as it could be... but not sexist. (I'm no Rushdie apologist. I've was seriously underwhelmed by the highly lauded Midnight's Children and have found most of his other work I've read rather middling.)
I did think the book was a bit overlong for the material and, due to the fact that I had to take notes to remember who was who (and I generally didn't feel like taking the damn notes), it took a lot longer to get through this book than it normally would have.
chaoticbookgremlin's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
s_mavin's review against another edition
3.0
This book truly shines in terms of historical accuracy and prose. Some descriptions were truly comical and enjoyable. Akbar’s reflections on his life and the future of his dynasty were also beautiful.
The chapters based in Florence were long, tedious and slightly pointless. It dampens every bit of enthusiasm the earlier part built up. Qara Koz, who is supposed to be at the centre of the plot, is the most underwhelming female character I have ever encountered. Niccolo Vespucci aka Mogor dell’Amore is another character whose story has holes that were begging to be filled. I especially didn’t appreciate slandering Khanzada’s character at all. And where does the phantom Jodhabai go? The description of all the women in this book is despicable. Niccolo’s ‘secret’ at the end of this entire saga is more underwhelming than Qara Koz’s enchantment. Oh yes, the actual enchantment was drab. This could have been done so much better.
I ended the book feeling deeply dissatisfied. The Enchantress of Florence leaves so much to be desired.
The chapters based in Florence were long, tedious and slightly pointless. It dampens every bit of enthusiasm the earlier part built up. Qara Koz, who is supposed to be at the centre of the plot, is the most underwhelming female character I have ever encountered. Niccolo Vespucci aka Mogor dell’Amore is another character whose story has holes that were begging to be filled. I especially didn’t appreciate slandering Khanzada’s character at all. And where does the phantom Jodhabai go? The description of all the women in this book is despicable. Niccolo’s ‘secret’ at the end of this entire saga is more underwhelming than Qara Koz’s enchantment. Oh yes, the actual enchantment was drab. This could have been done so much better.
I ended the book feeling deeply dissatisfied. The Enchantress of Florence leaves so much to be desired.