Reviews

When the Moon Shines by Day by Nayantara Sahgal

maaaans's review against another edition

2.0

The book almost feels like the outline of a more complete story. It’s hard to invest in the characters since none of them really have a personality. The politics are interesting but still underdeveloped to the point that I almost missed the climax of the story. Skip it.

ely2005's review

challenging dark informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.75

shivi_m's review

challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

ameliasbooks's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Very interesting agenda in this book, but unfortunately there is not really a story to bring the important topics across to the reader. Nothing didn't really come together for me unfortunately. 

abhijitpatwa1's review

3.0

“Because people are tortured for refusing to agree the moon shines by day and the sun by night, because there are cells—hells—for the torture known as solitary confinement, because hanging doesn’t break a neck, it cracks it and slowly strangles. And because of what happens up the road and around the corner. All this remained unsaid.”

alexture's review

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

thebookishtales's review against another edition

1.0

1.5⭐
This book presented a picture of Dystopian India, drawing parallels between the situation in Germany during World War 2 and the current scenario in India as the author likes to believe it. People have to wear badges and live in ghettos. It was a really good plot and the story could've been better if there was no political propoganda involved. I just wish this book had a more neutral tone not targetting anyone, but sadly that happened. The protagonist Rehana is a member of a book club started by her friend and later the club is not paid much attention. It talks of various other topics which were really not needed.
~
I didn't like how the author was just forcing her political opinions on the reader and this is where the book failed to impress me. I was disappointed after reading the book. I don't think I'll recommend it to anyone. It is a dystopian satire but it missed the mark. Something was missing in the writing. It constantly frustrated me.

santreads's review

3.0

A superb concept - satire and dystopia is on point taking into consideration the current climate in India. Just wish she spent more time fleshing out the characters. There was just something missing in the writing.

Still, a very uncomfortable (in a good way) read.