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rhona123's review against another edition
3.5
Disappointed because I adored A Fugue in Time and this was no comparison. Still a good broody gothic, not a lot happens but an interesting slice of life during the colonial era in India
annieroff's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
krobart's review against another edition
5.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/07/26/review-1697-black-narcissus/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/07/26/review-1697-black-narcissus/
soniapage's review against another edition
4.0
Sad tale of a group of nuns attempting to set up a convent in India to provide schooling and medical care to the women and children in the area. There is a tension throughout the entire book; a sense of foreboding. I recently watched the movie version of this (and it followed the book very closely) but I think I would have felt the uneasiness even without knowing how it all turned out. Very good descriptions of the area and the customs of the people.
erincataldi's review against another edition
4.0
Brooding and gothic; this tale of culture and religion clashing in the mountains of India is unique and compelling. The General has gifted his remote palace to the Sisters of Mary after it was mysteriously vacated by monks after only six months. At first the sisters were delighted, it was odd, yes; but beautiful too and filled them all with the anticipation of work and good deeds. They aim to open a hospital and school for the villagers but a lot of the work is out of their reach - they must rely on one of the few English speaking residents, Mr. Dean to help them with the labor. He's unconventional, uncouth, and has "gone native." He sees firsthand the remarkable transformation of the nuns - the chilling and haunting palace may be too much for the sisters - but what will it take for them to admit defeat?
bekab20's review against another edition
3.0
Moody, dark, haunting and unsatisfying in a good way. Told in a circular rather than linear movement and, with many wandering spokes that just keep going round and round. The story of the Sisters of Mary and the Palace of Mopu is a perfect eery fall read during Halloween season. Very well written, everything just lingers with you, haunting you, making you think about these people and women and what happened to make these passions come to life. Was it the isolation, the mountain god, or just the legend of the palace itself..... Destined to never be satisfied with anyone staying there....
luciaslucas's review against another edition
4.0
this was a book i just couldn’t put down! riveting, beautiful prose and such compelling characters. i loved the way character POVs were written - moving between characters was so effective and really added to the story (4.5 stars)
steph72000's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75