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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I love this book because it is teaching me something about history in a part of the world I had not known before. The story takes place at the turn of the century in Burma. I knew nothing of the political climate of Burma, or India as the story moves to. I find it fascinating. The author has melded an interesting personal family story with history to make for a really interesting novel. Love it.
In the end, I gave it only 5 stars because the ending wasn't really satisfying. Overall, I still recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and learning about other cultures.
In the end, I gave it only 5 stars because the ending wasn't really satisfying. Overall, I still recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and learning about other cultures.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a beautiful experience. The narrative is sweeping and yet Ghosh takes his time with detail, allowing the reader to know and care about new generations of characters as they emerge. The first third moves at a slow pace, until the places and people are swept along faster by events, at turns tragic and hopeful. The novel masterfully interrogates class, identity and belonging, as Burmese, Indian and Malay characters try to accommodate to or resist a powerful foreign empire – itself unsteady even at the height of its power, and reliant on its subjects thinking themselves British through their adoption of the language, etiquette or culture. Ghosh lays out the various moral dilemmas with care (to support British imperialism or German/Japanese fascism when no other option appeared possible?) but the historical arc is also there as a backdrop for characters whose relationships and passions are rendered superbly.
It isn't perfect (the pacing can be stuttering and uneven at times), and probably ought to have 4.5 stars, but it's a truly emotional and engrossing century-spanning journey.
It isn't perfect (the pacing can be stuttering and uneven at times), and probably ought to have 4.5 stars, but it's a truly emotional and engrossing century-spanning journey.
Burma/Malaysia/India, late 19th and early 20th centuries. Interesting read. Memorable characters. Learned a lot. Writing style was simple, was slow in parts while others were page-turners.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
A compelling generational saga set in the backdrop of a volatile Burmese political scenery . The plot lines were a bit predictable at times but the story was paced beautifully. A must read for history buffs
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated