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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Really tough for me to get into a rhythm with this book. So many characters were introduced, and normally I love a challenge trying to keep them all straight, but many of these were not well developed and hard to care for. It takes place over a century in Burma, India, and Mandalay through both world wars. English colonization of India and Indian soldiers fighting for the British army. I learned a ton of historical facts, but the characters were uninteresting to me.
The book travels extensively between being a historical fiction to pure history at times. For a history buff like me, this was a complete gold mine of information, I have always wanted to know about Myanmar and the nation's culture. What went into the formation of Myanmar from Burma? The 590 pages book leaves you feeling attached to every single character and in no way, let's you down with the ending. I look forward to reading more of Amitav Ghosh's books as he is brilliance laced with excellent researching skills. Highly recommended to people with a lot of patience as it will take a while to complete this one. Not for the ones who want to complete Reading Challenges. This book demands all your time and you will end up giving it. Happily. :)
one of ghosh's best books. really great to read while in burma. provides context and visualization to a entire region over 90 years. highly recommend.
Historical fiction at its best, this multi-generational tale starts off slow but sucks you in as each deep layer is unravelled gradually and precisely. At times the details can get exhausting, when you just want to know what happens next. However the author has really put a lot of research into this and we get to learn a lot if we give it time. Really amazing female characters written by a man and a gripping family drama set through pivotal moments in Asia's history. Amazing to read how the world wars had an impact on the eastern side for a change.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. Whenever I would start to feel connected with a character they would abruptly do something completely out-of-character leaving me feeling adrift and confused. The romance scenes were awkward and off-putting, and I wonder if that is a cultural issue. I enjoyed learning new things and perspectives. The history was mostly new to me, which was also enjoyable. I've read other tomes of multi-generational historical fiction and loved them, but this one misses the mark for me.
After a long time (Since Chanakya's Chant, to be precise) I've enjoyed reading a novel by an Indian author. Amitav Ghosh's Hungry Tide restored my faith in our desi writers and The Glass Palace reinforced the same.
It's an absolutely engaging read and yes, Ghosh can write. Loved reading it!
P.s: Not for people who don't enjoy lengthy descriptions and the FYIs Ghosh seems to toss about in his narration
It's an absolutely engaging read and yes, Ghosh can write. Loved reading it!
P.s: Not for people who don't enjoy lengthy descriptions and the FYIs Ghosh seems to toss about in his narration
The frustrating thing about this book was that I enjoyed it. I dislike the style, too much history, not enough character development, too much telling and not enough showing. The book strays too far away from the emotions of the characters, but there' something about the writing that kept me reading.
It's a tale that passes through multiple generations of a sprawling family. There's something discomforting about attaching yourself to a character who grows old and eventually dies. It's a reminder that I too am growing older. One day I'll be old and grey and my life will pass into history.
It's a tale that passes through multiple generations of a sprawling family. There's something discomforting about attaching yourself to a character who grows old and eventually dies. It's a reminder that I too am growing older. One day I'll be old and grey and my life will pass into history.
The moving saga of a family facing challenges in the evolving landscape of colonial South and Southeast Asia. I found the writing intense but steady, and wholly absorbing. This was an excellent introduction to Ghosh. I will certainly read more.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes