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nuggeyy's review against another edition
4.0
This books starts with a sort of mystical feeling, partly because it is written through the eyes of a child. when the story progresses however it becomes darker and darker, and sub-sequentially more realistic. Though the main plot resolves around Jai, Pari and Faiz trying to find the missing children, intertwined in these disappearances are the problems underclass Indians face. These problems are also reflected in short mythical stories. This way of story telling is incredibly compelling, and though it might seem repetitive the intertwined stories make all of them as important as the next.
fialia's review against another edition
3.0
Creo que me esperaba más, había varios momentos en los que era muy repetitivo, cada vez que desaparecía un niño se ponían a buscar y luego volvían a casa y se olvidaban de todo. Habia un momento en el que creía que comenzaba a moverse más rápido y pasaban cosas que no habían hecho antes y luego es como si se olvidan de esa parte.
naomiflopes's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nicjohnston's review against another edition
4.0
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line comes with a reasonable amount of expectation - chatter on book podcasts and blogs and the Observer listed it as a debut to look out for in 2020.
On the whole, it deserves those plaudits. Told from the perspective of Jai and his friends who live in a slum, they pick up and “investigate” as their classmates go missing. Drawing on Jai’s love of TV reality police shows, the friends and families bring to sharp focus the cruelties of endemic child kidnapping, police indifference and a cruel class structure.
The characters are superb and there is a real warmth to the storytelling. The only niggles I had were an over abundance of local vernacular (thank goodness for my Kindle where the meaning pops up when you hover over a word) and the ending lacked the closure I was seeking, but nevertheless was appropriate for the story.
One small thing. The UK cover is superb. The alternative (which I suspect to be the US one) is lacklustre!
With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House (and Vintage) for an advance copy in consideration of an honest review.
On the whole, it deserves those plaudits. Told from the perspective of Jai and his friends who live in a slum, they pick up and “investigate” as their classmates go missing. Drawing on Jai’s love of TV reality police shows, the friends and families bring to sharp focus the cruelties of endemic child kidnapping, police indifference and a cruel class structure.
The characters are superb and there is a real warmth to the storytelling. The only niggles I had were an over abundance of local vernacular (thank goodness for my Kindle where the meaning pops up when you hover over a word) and the ending lacked the closure I was seeking, but nevertheless was appropriate for the story.
One small thing. The UK cover is superb. The alternative (which I suspect to be the US one) is lacklustre!
With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House (and Vintage) for an advance copy in consideration of an honest review.
catechism's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
danrosan's review against another edition
3.0
Beautifully narrated by naive, endearing, sweet, and unreliable children, but this is fundamentally a dark work which believes the world is brutal, adults incapable, and children die without the world knowing or caring.
Atmosphere and sense of place compensate somewhat, but there is no redemption. The second half of the book meanders darkly into a depressing whimper of an ending.
Just be prepared.
Atmosphere and sense of place compensate somewhat, but there is no redemption. The second half of the book meanders darkly into a depressing whimper of an ending.
Just be prepared.
dwm_1040's review against another edition
5.0
It took me a long time to read this book as I had it at work and read it on breaks. It's an excellent book.
richardwells's review against another edition
3.0
Dystopias are where you look for them, and Delhi stands out like a sore thumb. The Delhi slum where this book takes place is a sore thumb with a ribbon on it. Too many people, substandard housing, not enough food, lack of basic sanitation, no money, no work, no prospects, inefficient and corrupt police, gurus in it for the money/prestige, criminals, kids kids kids. That being said, the people are decent, parents care about their kids, people who have jobs work harder than hard - and humanity in all its beauty and mess is in your face.
Into this come children-snatchers; for trafficking, for body parts, for sick kicks, nobody knows, but kids are going missing. Three other kids decide to investigate. Djins or criminals. "The Shadow knows."
Having lived in Delhi, and visited the slums, and gotten to know NGO workers, having more than a passing relationship with various wallahs, upward striving tech workers, and "hi-fi's" and having been accosted by a fair share of slum kids, I will testify to the veracity of this novel. Of course, it helps that it was written by a Delhi-wallah.
Not great, but good, and worth the time, and Mr. Anappara writes with the conscience of a 21st century Charles Dickens.
Into this come children-snatchers; for trafficking, for body parts, for sick kicks, nobody knows, but kids are going missing. Three other kids decide to investigate. Djins or criminals. "The Shadow knows."
Having lived in Delhi, and visited the slums, and gotten to know NGO workers, having more than a passing relationship with various wallahs, upward striving tech workers, and "hi-fi's" and having been accosted by a fair share of slum kids, I will testify to the veracity of this novel. Of course, it helps that it was written by a Delhi-wallah.
Not great, but good, and worth the time, and Mr. Anappara writes with the conscience of a 21st century Charles Dickens.
littletaiko's review against another edition
Very slow going. I gave up due to the lack of progress in the story.