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sylvermist's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Writing my journal entry as the review:
I don't know how to evaluate this book properly, although it is not the first time I am reading it. I think it is a great shame that in Bangali societies this book is sometimes referred to as the epitome of romance. Perhaps, just because a mention of the Bangali culture, or that a Bangali girl can be desirable to a white man.
I find his obsession with her virginity extremely disturbing, even after the amount of self-reflection and self-criticism Alain has shown. And undermining of Indian culture and it's people, referring them as primitive and barbarians, putting himself as the ultimate civilised being from the continent. In today's time, we are taught not to talk like this. Not to think like that too, if possible. But after living in Europe for a year, I really wonder if people’s perspectives can actually be changed in a mere century.
I don't know how to evaluate this book properly, although it is not the first time I am reading it. I think it is a great shame that in Bangali societies this book is sometimes referred to as the epitome of romance. Perhaps, just because a mention of the Bangali culture, or that a Bangali girl can be desirable to a white man.
I find his obsession with her virginity extremely disturbing, even after the amount of self-reflection and self-criticism Alain has shown. And undermining of Indian culture and it's people, referring them as primitive and barbarians, putting himself as the ultimate civilised being from the continent. In today's time, we are taught not to talk like this. Not to think like that too, if possible. But after living in Europe for a year, I really wonder if people’s perspectives can actually be changed in a mere century.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Child death and Confinement