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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
And I'm done. With this book. I've been lugging this book around with me for the past couple of months, traversing through its seemingly unconnected stories and characters, trying to figure out the links between the stories and the idiosyncrasies of the characters.
It's not 'Life of Pi', I'll give you that, but this book has a different sort of appeal to it. The common thread connecting the stories comprises of a profound sense of sorrow,primates, widowers and Portugal. That's about it. I have never read a more bizarre compilation of narrations, topics, subjects and characters. But that's not to say that the book isn't enjoyable. It is gripping, engaging and sometimes baffling.
I'm fully aware that my review may be very much biased since I have already placed Yann Martel on the pedestal of 'My favourite author' because of his novel Life of Pi, and I'm likely to find something to admire in each of his works. May be it is just my obsession to find meaning in almost everything in life, to each story, to each tale and occurrence and that's why I enjoy Martel's works.
It's not 'Life of Pi', I'll give you that, but this book has a different sort of appeal to it. The common thread connecting the stories comprises of a profound sense of sorrow,primates, widowers and Portugal. That's about it. I have never read a more bizarre compilation of narrations, topics, subjects and characters. But that's not to say that the book isn't enjoyable. It is gripping, engaging and sometimes baffling.
I'm fully aware that my review may be very much biased since I have already placed Yann Martel on the pedestal of 'My favourite author' because of his novel Life of Pi, and I'm likely to find something to admire in each of his works. May be it is just my obsession to find meaning in almost everything in life, to each story, to each tale and occurrence and that's why I enjoy Martel's works.
I've never been more shocked.
I went into this book thinking I'd love it. Then I hated it.
Why did Martel keep repeating the title - we know what the book is called?
The "lice" part was the funniest thing.
It was so bizarre.
I was so ready to rate it two-stars.
Then, at the end, everything came together.
I didn't understand why my face was wet. It was tears, real tears.
I admire Yann Martel so much for writing a book which he knew wouldn't be well-received - especially after the success of "Life Of Pi".
I went into this book thinking I'd love it. Then I hated it.
Why did Martel keep repeating the title - we know what the book is called?
The "lice" part was the funniest thing.
It was so bizarre.
I was so ready to rate it two-stars.
Then, at the end, everything came together.
I didn't understand why my face was wet. It was tears, real tears.
I admire Yann Martel so much for writing a book which he knew wouldn't be well-received - especially after the success of "Life Of Pi".
What a beautifully written collection of three profound stories, connected over time and space, born of a deep sense of loss, each struggling to find a way to handle their grief in their own unique way. Homeless, homeward and home. Although takes a while to get into the first story, it reveals its connection to the other two in the most beautiful and poignant way. Highly recommend it to those who are intrigued by the trials and tribulations of life.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book left me wanting more. Lots of questions in my mind which I like in a book. Martel's use of animals makes the reading quite enjoyable.
Took me a couple days of thought to write this review. I really want one of my friends to read this so that I can have someone to talk about it with. The author also wrote Life of Pi, which I haven't yet read, but have heard so much about. This book is nothing like that, I'm told. There are three parts to this book, each telling a separate (but related) story: "Homeless", "Homeward" and "Home". There were lines in this book that were so beautifully insightful that I got teary. How did the author capture these thoughts and feelings that I've had only in the abstract but have never been able to put into words? Then there were sections of this book that made me say- what the hell? Magical realism is involved. I wanted to scoff-- but then--isn't there any magic left in reality? Somehow? I wanted to believe.
Then there were the utilitarian portions of the book where I just wanted the story to move.on.already (bit of a slow start for me, but then ok). But they, too, served their purpose. I thought the intertwining of the three stories was well done for the most part. (I think) this is a book about deep love, and the grief that comes with the loss of that love, and how on earth we can possibly move on from that loss. Bottom line, (again, I think?) this book tells the story of how we are all connected, even as it weaves its own stories together. Sweet book that (obviously) gave me a lot to think about.
Then there were the utilitarian portions of the book where I just wanted the story to move.on.already (bit of a slow start for me, but then ok). But they, too, served their purpose. I thought the intertwining of the three stories was well done for the most part. (I think) this is a book about deep love, and the grief that comes with the loss of that love, and how on earth we can possibly move on from that loss. Bottom line, (again, I think?) this book tells the story of how we are all connected, even as it weaves its own stories together. Sweet book that (obviously) gave me a lot to think about.
The book is split up into three sections, each featuring a different character and a different time period (this is on the book jacket, no spoilers!). I struggled through the first section, was intrigued by the second, and even more drawn into the third. So if the premise of the book interests you, stick with it!
The responses to the losses of loved ones were at the heart of this...and didn't do anything for me.