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pillywiggin's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good coming of age story, but once again, I misinterpreted a book title and description. I was expecting a coming of age story in the sense of "Something Wicked This Way Comes," "Summer of Night," or "It." This was a coming of age story more like "To Kill a Mockingbird." Even though it drags in parts, it is certainly worth reading.
geve_'s review against another edition
3.0
2.5
Story told through a child's voice, and although it was fairly well done, I tend to dislike books from this perspective.
Good:
Great setting, so much so that it feels as if that is mostly what the book is about
Well detailed, made me see the places and people and feel like I was there
Many layered issues that wrap around the central story line.
Bad:
Kinda boring
children led stories can be very frustrating, and this was
slow and repetitive
Not really a ton of actual plot
It was okay, I would read more by this author, hopefully on a different topic.
Story told through a child's voice, and although it was fairly well done, I tend to dislike books from this perspective.
Good:
Great setting, so much so that it feels as if that is mostly what the book is about
Well detailed, made me see the places and people and feel like I was there
Many layered issues that wrap around the central story line.
Bad:
Kinda boring
children led stories can be very frustrating, and this was
slow and repetitive
Not really a ton of actual plot
It was okay, I would read more by this author, hopefully on a different topic.
jmccarth's review against another edition
Not enough plot and character, too much "this is life in an Indian slum"
beemini's review against another edition
5.0
An insider's look at Indian slums from the eyes of a child, this story feels as chaotic and noisy and colorful as the shantytowns it depicts. It is neither precious nor overly grim about the people who eke out livings in the underclasses. The people who live in the basti are shown as individuals with dreams and feelings who do their best to live in uncertain circumstances. Although it is very moving, it does not get bogged down in the dark
subject matter, and in fact telling the story from a child's point of view allows for lightness, humor, and magical realism when events creep into the unknowable. I won't forget it for a long time.
subject matter, and in fact telling the story from a child's point of view allows for lightness, humor, and magical realism when events creep into the unknowable. I won't forget it for a long time.
dhee_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I liked the voice/ tone/ atmosphere. Anappara delves deep into the basti, Bhoot Bhazar, rubbish grounds etc. I think the map really helped me. She shows everything ( caste discrimination, inequities, communal and religious strife, and local police and enforcer dynamics) in an innocuous manner but that's horror. I love the chapter pov(s) for our missing persons. Those chapters in particular broke my heart. *Goodreads Giveaway
Spoiler
I was stupidly hopeful about the outcome. I kept believing despite how awful everything was that someone would find at least one person. The fact that this could not happen is important.obliviousstill's review against another edition
I read a library copy and the lending time run out. Will pick this back up at a later time.
chacha4869's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The book grips you, and takes over you slowly, turning your emotions inside out.
mauryneiberg18's review against another edition
5.0
This was incredibly atmospheric and beautifully written.