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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
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