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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
This book was like wading through cool, refreshing water. The prose is beautiful, undulating and sincere. Anil’s time in Sri Lanka is thought provoking and the stories of each of the characters weave together effortlessly.
Crash course on Sri Lankan literature no. 1.5
Rereading Anil, I fell in love with Ondaatje's writing again as well as with Gamini.
"I can never understand someone by his strengths. Nothing is revealed there. I can only understand people by their weaknesses."
Rereading Anil, I fell in love with Ondaatje's writing again as well as with Gamini.
"I can never understand someone by his strengths. Nothing is revealed there. I can only understand people by their weaknesses."
dark
informative
“What is that quality in us? Do you think? That makes us cause our own rain and smoke?”
This writing this writing this writing!
I truly knew zilch about the Sri Lankan civil war and still know so little, but this story delivered powerful stuff. The storytelling excavated murk. The characters’ unfolding histories were maneuvers of memory and duty. How to processss- idrk!
A big ty to KC for the rec and loan!! :)
This writing this writing this writing!
I truly knew zilch about the Sri Lankan civil war and still know so little, but this story delivered powerful stuff. The storytelling excavated murk. The characters’ unfolding histories were maneuvers of memory and duty. How to processss- idrk!
A big ty to KC for the rec and loan!! :)
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Devastating, gut wrenching, and heartbreakingly hopeful. I fear this book will never leave my mind.
This book has a lot of excellent qualities: political engagement in the Sri Lankan conflict, a desire to provide justice and acknowledgment for victims, painfully beautiful scene depictions, characters whose loneliness feels familiar, and an episodic structure that doesn't diminish the book's overall clarity of purpose. My first Ondaatje but I don't believe it will be my last.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is insanely layered and beautifully details the impact of war. Clearly inspired by the Sri Lankan Civil War, it details aspects of the conflict, including the various parties involved and the government's significant role.