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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
At first, this book felt like a retelling of David Copperfield, with the poor kid and his reversals of fortune. Then seemed more like Chinatown, with the all the building projects and the rampant corruption. Then I saw an article comparing it to The Godfather, as the story of the descent of an optimistic hero and I saw the sense in that. (Or was it maybe Citizen Kane vibes I was getting?)
But it is unfair to compare Age of Vice to other works of fiction because it is its own thing, notwithstanding all the archetypes it employs.
It's mostly a fun read. I didn't enjoy the long, droning autobiography delivered by Sunil Rastogi near the end of the book. He's completely venal in a not-fun way (if his fantastical tale is to be believed... and even if he's lying his tits off), has a mystical experience involving one of the other characters... and I hate hate hate extended monologues in novels. (Scarred by Atlas Shrugged I think.) Also, some backstory was added to the story very close to its end and it was more disruptive than informative. Another complaint I have about it is that Kapoor chooses not to tie up some of the loose ends she leaves. Loose ends are for short stories and novels with sequels planned.
But it is unfair to compare Age of Vice to other works of fiction because it is its own thing, notwithstanding all the archetypes it employs.
It's mostly a fun read. I didn't enjoy the long, droning autobiography delivered by Sunil Rastogi near the end of the book. He's completely venal in a not-fun way (if his fantastical tale is to be believed... and even if he's lying his tits off), has a mystical experience involving one of the other characters... and I hate hate hate extended monologues in novels. (Scarred by Atlas Shrugged I think.) Also, some backstory was added to the story very close to its end and it was more disruptive than informative. Another complaint I have about it is that Kapoor chooses not to tie up some of the loose ends she leaves. Loose ends are for short stories and novels with sequels planned.
Totally page-turning, churn through book- some serious content warnings, and some muddly plot points, but a great 500mph book
Depressing as fuck and extremely slow. Made more sense once I found out it was the first of a trilogy. Might read the others just to see how it all is going to end.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, Alcohol
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Trafficking, Car accident, War
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked some parts (Neha’s chapters) but not others (Sunil’s). The book was so long and I read it over a month so I lost track of characters by the end. Felt like lots of gratuitous violence
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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:
Yes
Usually I can't get into crime novels and thrillers, but I liked how this book had range in the locations it was set in India and POVs it followed. I like that it was long and that there is going to be 3 books. I can't explain why because I read it 7 months ago, whoops.
Page 1-149: 5 stars - if this part of the book doesn't get turned into a Netfflix or other OTT series, I'd be VERY surprised. The whole time I was reading this, I was watching a screenplay in my mind. I devoured this section.
Page 150-360: 3.5 stars. Hmm let's just say I could not understand the source of Neda's pain honestly.
Page 362-440: 3 stars. Here I started to get a bit lost.
But pages 441-548: 2 stars. That's when shit got really weird, and honestly I don't know what on earth was going on. I was reading and reading, and then all of a sudden it was over. But really - wtf did I just read? Did I miss something? Please help.
Page 150-360: 3.5 stars. Hmm let's just say I could not understand the source of Neda's pain honestly.
Page 362-440: 3 stars. Here I started to get a bit lost.
But pages 441-548: 2 stars. That's when shit got really weird, and honestly I don't know what on earth was going on. I was reading and reading, and then all of a sudden it was over. But really - wtf did I just read? Did I miss something? Please help.