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rishitamall's review
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of my friends ordered this book for me, and I was a bit reluctant to even pick this up... I've read dark humour once before and I loved it.. But in this one the plot seemed a bit disturbing, and I was wondering if I would have this dilemma of whether anything justifies killing.. But soon I remembered that sometimes it's best not to go into the "right or wrong" debate because somethings are just beyond it... When an imbecile system and society pushes one to the wall, they'ill take their chances... They are not the real culprit..
Coming to the book... I loved the writing style, characterization, the way emotions have been put into words, the highs and lows in the female friendship, THE TWISTS, the author's understanding of ground realities.. I was visualizing it as a Priyadarshan film.. The way the author has brought Geeta alive in this story, I could feel her.. Strong, self reliant, living in isolation by choice (to some extent), but lonely and gaining awareness of the extent her vulnerability as the story progresses... She needed loyal female friends, one of whom might have even blackmailed her, but they stood by her, when faced with an outsider !!
One thing that touched me on a personal level was the whole realization about how as kids, we didn't question injustices... I realised this a few years back, and honestly I did feel guilty.. It's difficult to understand how on one hand while I stood by a class fellow in the Principal's office because she was right (she made it look like I was in danger later, because her ego didn't allow her to accept that I saved her), on the other hand I did not say a word when some class fellow was being mercilessly beaten by a lunatic teacher frustrated with his/her own life, for absolutely no reason... Some sort of shared/collective fear the rest of us in the class had I guess... I wish I had not kept quiet..
A few things that didn't make sense to me was giving the dog an English name and use of english words in conversation (I am not referring to the narration), as the story is set in a village.. I understand that the women had some basic education and knew a bit of English, but I don't think people talk to each other in English in rural areas.. That's just a small thing.. Also, I am wondering if there was a way to show casteism but skip casteist slurs/terms.. The author's intention is clear, but just another small thing...
Then the small bit about Ramayan.. Ramayan has been re-told several times.. I am not sure whether it was in the original Valmiki Ramayana, or a re-telling, that Ravan had raped Rambha and was cursed, which is why he didn't touch Sita.. If this was in the original Ramayana, then perhaps Ravan was an out and out villain, contrary to what is often posted on social media and even written in this book.. If it's in a re-told version, then of course there's nothing wrong with the interpretation...
Loved it !!! An explosive debut novel...
Coming to the book... I loved the writing style, characterization, the way emotions have been put into words, the highs and lows in the female friendship, THE TWISTS, the author's understanding of ground realities.. I was visualizing it as a Priyadarshan film.. The way the author has brought Geeta alive in this story, I could feel her.. Strong, self reliant, living in isolation by choice (to some extent), but lonely and gaining awareness of the extent her vulnerability as the story progresses... She needed loyal female friends, one of whom might have even blackmailed her, but they stood by her, when faced with an outsider !!
One thing that touched me on a personal level was the whole realization about how as kids, we didn't question injustices... I realised this a few years back, and honestly I did feel guilty.. It's difficult to understand how on one hand while I stood by a class fellow in the Principal's office because she was right (she made it look like I was in danger later, because her ego didn't allow her to accept that I saved her), on the other hand I did not say a word when some class fellow was being mercilessly beaten by a lunatic teacher frustrated with his/her own life, for absolutely no reason... Some sort of shared/collective fear the rest of us in the class had I guess... I wish I had not kept quiet..
A few things that didn't make sense to me was giving the dog an English name and use of english words in conversation (I am not referring to the narration), as the story is set in a village.. I understand that the women had some basic education and knew a bit of English, but I don't think people talk to each other in English in rural areas.. That's just a small thing.. Also, I am wondering if there was a way to show casteism but skip casteist slurs/terms.. The author's intention is clear, but just another small thing...
Then the small bit about Ramayan.. Ramayan has been re-told several times.. I am not sure whether it was in the original Valmiki Ramayana, or a re-telling, that Ravan had raped Rambha and was cursed, which is why he didn't touch Sita.. If this was in the original Ramayana, then perhaps Ravan was an out and out villain, contrary to what is often posted on social media and even written in this book.. If it's in a re-told version, then of course there's nothing wrong with the interpretation...
Loved it !!! An explosive debut novel...
amyj520's review
dark
funny
tense
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
4.25
tbuoy's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dittacarr's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
By the end it does try to hammer home the feminism message a bit too much that it gets a bit annoying but still very enjoyable and fun
natnatcat82's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
4.0
betharoo's review
5.0
I loved this book! Set in a rural Indian village, we follow Geeta, a woman whose husband disappeared five years ago who has enjoyed her independence and reputation that comes from villagers assuming she is a "self-made widow." It's when Geeta is asked by another woman to help murder her husband that her world turns upside down. Shroff has crafted a smart, funny, and unforgettable tale of retribution and friendship with endearing characters you'll love, flaws and all. She achieves all this alongside sharp critique of caste and the patriarchy. You won't want to put this book down!
squirmosauruslex's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0