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dmfw's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kbkittyb's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I am sorry to say I didn't really enjoy this one. I had high hopes and they just weren't met.
Firstly, it was really really boring in places. The ending in particular. Which is very frustrating after reading 300 pages of an only 'okay'book.
Secondly, it was difficult to read. I admit I am not very well versed in Indian culture and I think that without that knowledge this book falls short. Nothing is explained. I swapped to my kindle for quicker access to word definitions. But not only this, although well written in some places, in others it made me doubt my knowledge of the English language as well as the narrative faltered and jumped around will.
Thirdly, the characters kinda suck. All of them. Not only are they one-dimensional, they are unlikeable. We know the English suck (myself being one), but I think this book would have made more impact if the Indian characters were more likable. Unless the point is we all suck, let's be friends.
Finally, the plot and pacing was...odd. Like the narrative, it was all over the place with very little warning. Although I will say that the middle bit with the 'incident' was good. Its just a shame the rest of the novel suffered so much. There was very little that actually added to the plot - what was Mrs Moore's purpose?!!! What happened in the cave???!! We are left with so many questions. I dislike unsatisfying endings.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the British bashing, I found it witty and factual. (Again, I say this as a brit) I also enjoyed learning more about the other side of history and more about India - I just wish it was in a more interesting manner.
I didn't much enjoy a room with a view either, so maybe this author isn't for me...
But I wouldn't recommend this one. It is like a boring version of To Kill a Mockingbird but in India.
Firstly, it was really really boring in places. The ending in particular. Which is very frustrating after reading 300 pages of an only 'okay'book.
Secondly, it was difficult to read. I admit I am not very well versed in Indian culture and I think that without that knowledge this book falls short. Nothing is explained. I swapped to my kindle for quicker access to word definitions. But not only this, although well written in some places, in others it made me doubt my knowledge of the English language as well as the narrative faltered and jumped around will.
Thirdly, the characters kinda suck. All of them. Not only are they one-dimensional, they are unlikeable. We know the English suck (myself being one), but I think this book would have made more impact if the Indian characters were more likable. Unless the point is we all suck, let's be friends.
Finally, the plot and pacing was...odd. Like the narrative, it was all over the place with very little warning. Although I will say that the middle bit with the 'incident' was good. Its just a shame the rest of the novel suffered so much. There was very little that actually added to the plot - what was Mrs Moore's purpose?!!! What happened in the cave???!! We are left with so many questions. I dislike unsatisfying endings.
I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed the British bashing, I found it witty and factual. (Again, I say this as a brit) I also enjoyed learning more about the other side of history and more about India - I just wish it was in a more interesting manner.
I didn't much enjoy a room with a view either, so maybe this author isn't for me...
But I wouldn't recommend this one. It is like a boring version of To Kill a Mockingbird but in India.
samble's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.75
prose was cool in parts, otherwise i was very bored and confused
jenhurst's review against another edition
2.0
Unpopular opinion but I don’t think this is that good… this is constantly on best books ever written but compared to Maurice, Howard’s end and A room with a view this just isn’t anywhere near as good. For a 300pg book it felt so slow because of the pacing. A white man discussing colonialism of India, wasn’t what I was looking for either. We get it the British suck. I think he did a lot better with Howard’s end/a room with a view on women’s roles at that time and Maurice with a gay man at that time. I recommend reaching for that one before this!
nichecase's review against another edition
4.0
Spoiler
'temples' (apart from the very ending) is such a let downhh78's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
heather_g's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Not sure what to say. The first half was very slow and confusing. Then it got exciting with the cave visit and the trial. Then confusing again. Perhaps I’m just ignorant of Indian culture but regardless of that, the wording of sentences sometimes made me wonder if I understood English. Ugh. Painful but glad I read it.
maferencak's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
samitdhull's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault and Racial slurs