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shooper's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ghachar Ghochar is the type of book that will leave you thinking for hours. It's something that you can read in one sitting, but trust me, you will be thinking about it for days after. You may be tempted to go back and read certain parts again to fully understand it. I must say, the translator has done a phenomenal job in retaining the subtleties of the South Indian culture as well.
This story is a simple yet unnerving depiction of the class system and the patriarchy that prevails in India but at its core it is about how even strong family relationships have the potential to enable toxic behaviors. It reveals the truly disturbing nature of these systems through the story of a quintessential South Indian household. As an Indian person, this story struck a chord with me. I could identify my own family in these characters at times but the author creates this atmosphere that makes seemingly normal conversations dark, giving me a sense of unease as this story progressed.
If you enjoyed the film Parasite or, maybe even the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, you will certainly enjoy this book.
This story is a simple yet unnerving depiction of the class system and the patriarchy that prevails in India but at its core it is about how even strong family relationships have the potential to enable toxic behaviors. It reveals the truly disturbing nature of these systems through the story of a quintessential South Indian household. As an Indian person, this story struck a chord with me. I could identify my own family in these characters at times but the author creates this atmosphere that makes seemingly normal conversations dark, giving me a sense of unease as this story progressed.
If you enjoyed the film Parasite or, maybe even the play Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, you will certainly enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death and Xenophobia
competencefantasy's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Another story about family, first person man
Malaise of course malaise.
I am all set to be bored to tears
So literary amiright?
Dosa, fraught, dosa
And curry, how cruel
These people hate each other, maybe
Do I like bitterness as a theme?
Money, money, money makes you poor or makes you rich
*Gets distracted remembering drummer boy specials*
(those had problems didn’t they?)
What does it mean to earn a living?
What structures of dependency are acceptable?
Ambition, lack of ambition, spoiled, lazy, gendered probably...
Well that was actually pretty sweet
Must find out if that traditional marriage rep is considered good
Entanglement. ENTANGLEMENT
I am suddenly so into this?
Wait did they...
And then I’m rereading the last few pages because oh….OH.
Started for @translateathon finished later.
Other reviews/analysis I’ve read
Thehindu review
Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag | Unpolular opinion | Bookshot
GHACHAR GHOCHAR! | Novella Chat! | Short, but powerful | BOOK OPINIONS
Litfest 2016 Ghachar Ghochar
@Booksmenbrokenhearts insta post
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying and Emotional abuse
mongoosenamedt's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
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