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cilantropigeon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
melgarber's review against another edition
5.0
Such an interesting world with so many parallels to our own.
Loved every minute of it.
Loved every minute of it.
milena_mec's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nuhafariha's review against another edition
1.0
I had high expectations given the interesting plot line for this story. However, as soon as I started reading this book, I felt confused. What greatly distracted me is the scaffolding of narrative within narrative, making it difficult to establish a timeline. I couldn't finish the book.
mrdietz's review against another edition
4.0
This novel bites off a whole lot. There are four distinct narratives unfolding at the same time, scattered across a timeline. Some of these work more effectively than others. The intercutting allows for some striking juxtaposition, but I wonder if I might have enjoyed this novel more if it was longer. Powerful ideas regarding the integration of economic systems, technology, and governments. Plenty to discuss and think about in the aftermath.
paulhammond's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
underapileofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This was an ambitious, thought-provoking novel, addressing big themes and spanning multiple genres, decades, and countries - all in under 400 pages - and I think it mostly worked.
There are three major storylines that are interwoven throughout the book: the story of King Rao’s childhood in India, where he grew up on his family’s coconut plantation; his immigration to the US as a young adult, and the creation of his Apple-like tech empire; and his daughter Athena’s life in the near-future among the “Exes” who have opted out of participating in the global “shareholder” government - where society runs on social capital as determined by an Algorithm - and instead live communally on the world’s islands. The story is narrated by Athena, who is being held in a correctional facility, charged with her father’s murder.
Vauhini Vara jumps seamlessly between historical and speculative fiction, telling the story of the Raos in layers that are slowly peeled back, each chapter adding nuance to the developing narrative. The book feels in some ways like a cautionary tale, raising important questions about capitalism and technology - and sounding alarm bells about the climate - but mostly stops short of suggesting answers. Overall, a very solid debut and a solid four stars for me.
There are three major storylines that are interwoven throughout the book: the story of King Rao’s childhood in India, where he grew up on his family’s coconut plantation; his immigration to the US as a young adult, and the creation of his Apple-like tech empire; and his daughter Athena’s life in the near-future among the “Exes” who have opted out of participating in the global “shareholder” government - where society runs on social capital as determined by an Algorithm - and instead live communally on the world’s islands. The story is narrated by Athena, who is being held in a correctional facility, charged with her father’s murder.
Vauhini Vara jumps seamlessly between historical and speculative fiction, telling the story of the Raos in layers that are slowly peeled back, each chapter adding nuance to the developing narrative. The book feels in some ways like a cautionary tale, raising important questions about capitalism and technology - and sounding alarm bells about the climate - but mostly stops short of suggesting answers. Overall, a very solid debut and a solid four stars for me.
niatate's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0