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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
Having enjoyed the writing style and characterisation in Reluctant Fundamentalist but not the overall energy or direction of the book, I was apprehensive but intrigued to find Mohsin Hamid's debut novel.
In short, I loved it. The characters have an honesty about them, which while not making them likable does make them wholly believable. I finished it within a couple of hours and was intrigued and pulled on throughout.
In short, I loved it. The characters have an honesty about them, which while not making them likable does make them wholly believable. I finished it within a couple of hours and was intrigued and pulled on throughout.
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book spoke to me it’s a masterpiece and it’s even set in my hometown teehee. I picked up on everything the writer was putting down. The writing is amazing. I loved the beautiful ways it dissected the morality of poverty and corruption. The chapter What Lovely Weather We’re Having (or the importance of Air-Conditioning) ugh beautiful. The fact that we’re the judge in the trial and the trial itself. The way it’s meaningless and points to a bigger issue showing the failures of the justice system when it operates within the confines of a corrupt society. The title. The endinggg. I loved the book from the moment I read the prologue. I think it’s a masterpiece and it speaks to me.
dark
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Considering the subject matter this is a surprisingly easy read, not shallow by any means, but the writing is filled with verve and trots along at pace. The characterisation is sharp, though both this and the metaphors are at times over explained. The sections told from different supporting character's point of view are refreshing, it is good to see our protagonist in a different light, but I don't think we needed quite so much backstory for them all - sometimes things are best left hinted at.
Overall though a cracking read, full of atmosphere with tragic but relatable characters.
Overall though a cracking read, full of atmosphere with tragic but relatable characters.
I think Mohsin Hamid is an incredible writer and, after reading How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Exit West, I will read literally anything he writes.
Moth Smoke is a close-up of the socialite class in Lahore, Pakistan that includes an unreliable narrator, shifting perspective, shocking violence, a searing critique of capitalism, extended metaphor, and a tangled, cryptic conclusion. It's Hamid's first book and I can see he was still developing his absolute mastery of the novel, but it's pretty damned good.
Moth Smoke is a close-up of the socialite class in Lahore, Pakistan that includes an unreliable narrator, shifting perspective, shocking violence, a searing critique of capitalism, extended metaphor, and a tangled, cryptic conclusion. It's Hamid's first book and I can see he was still developing his absolute mastery of the novel, but it's pretty damned good.