Reviews

Loot by Tania James

globetrotta's review

slow-paced

3.0

bridget_h's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

flyingorcas's review

mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

timna_wyckoff's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed each phase of the story, but I am left wondering what others found SO great about it that it made the National Book Award long list.

vlwelser's review

adventurous medium-paced

4.0

timetoread_more2022's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Such an interesting and uniquely-told tale. I really enjoyed the carried perspective and the historical research. And the characters!

aj_mooney's review

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I really enjoyed immersing myself into a piece of history I knew very little about. I officially want to go see Tipu's Tiger in person if I ever get the chance! That being said, I found it hard to get lost in this book despite the twists and turns. I think the changeup of perspectives prevented me from feeling connected to any one character. I still enjoyed the read, but not as much as I had hoped I would.

cmcneill's review against another edition

4.0

I love a book that spans multiple characters over several years and this did not disappoint. Highly obsessed with the letters from Seamon Thomas Beddicker — such a fun way to witness Abbas through another’s eyes. To me, this allowed us to see the way Abbas’ grows and changes without him having to explicitly explain it. But I’m really disappointed that I didn’t;t get more of Abbas’ POV as an adult. Every time i read from his POV, i wanted more, but it always felt rushed compared to other characters. The subtleties of affection between Jehanne and Abbas was really beautiful.

dukhtar's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition

5.0

It seems that nearly all the novels I've picked up lately are filled with dystopian angst about something--not that they're not good, but, boy, are they dire. Then comes the blessed relief of Tania James' "Loot," a beautifully realized historical novel about art, and hope, and science. It's a wonderful dive into a world that is not perfect, but one which people feel will get better, due to the power of new ideas,

It's 1794. Abbas is seventeen the finest woodcarver in his home town of Mysore, India. He is snatched up by the sultan to work with a master French watchmaker to create an unforgettable automaton to celebrate the return of the Sultan's sons from being held hostage by the English. Tipu's Tiger is a wonder, and Abbas is completely enamored with learning to create mechanisms and the opportunities for learning with the Frenchman Lucien Du Leze.

But history engulfs Abbas, Lucien, the Sultan, and the Tiger. Abbas will travel to England and to France, finding his way as a creator and artist. There are so many entrancing characters in "Loot" that the pages fly by, keeping you glued to every one of them.

Tania James is an assured and deft writer, and the good news is that she has several other books to explore. "Loot" is a delight and highly recommended.

Heartfelt thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for a digital review copy of this novel.