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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A rollicking historical epic about the rise and fall of the Bisnaga Empire, based on the real-life Vijayanagara Empire in Southern India. A young girl, Pampa Kampana, is left behind by her mother after she self-immolates (along with other women) when their kingdom is overthrown. The young girl is inhabited by the goddess Pampa and goes on to found a major city that becomes the capital of an empire. The young girl lives for 250 years and lives to see the rise and fall of a glorious, rich, opulent city. A beautiful novel (read it in one day) that will certainly make me want to read more of Rushdie's lush, fast-paced prose.
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Epic storytelling with vivid imagery, suspense, humor and fascinating takes on philosophy, religion, history, culture and feminism in 14th century middle east. I was actually rooting for the heroin and the ending fell short of complete triumph in my eyes. And no mention of African dynasties and contributions to civilization when you reference all around the globe was a faux paux that earns this less than a 5.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i liked the mythical/historical tone to begin with but it wears thin by the end when you hear about Some Guy the 4th or whatever
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A beautiful novel where storytelling is a power unto itself. Lore and prose unlike anything I’ve read this year. Immortal Pampa Kampana is an amazing character that is built up amazingly through this novel.
VC broke my heart but cl it was worth it.
VC broke my heart but cl it was worth it.
Rushdie's writing and voice is very full and clear. The story at times was a little too fantastical, but then again, that was the point of the myth/tale.