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This is possibly the best audiobook book dramatization I have ever experienced. If you have never listened to an audiobook this is a sign to check out your local library and start downloading books. All of the extra sounds of car traffic, chairs moving in a lecture hall, dishes moving, people whispering, and all of the music really add to this audiobook. I had put this on my t0-read list two years ago but when it was listed in The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams I knew it was time to enjoy this book. Lata is of marriageable age and she and her mother have different ideas for her marriage. I was disappointed in where this ended but will keep reading.
A friend urged me to read this book. She lent it to me and then oppressed me until I relented and read it. I have thanked her many times. What a marvelous story! There was one dull patch in the middle, when a character in politics is completely involved in an important lawmaking step for India -- I have to admit I was tempted to skip ahead. But otherwise, I stayed up late too many nights enjoying all the characters in this book thoroughly. It's often funny, and so richly described, with such good dialogue, I felt as if I knew the whole gang, families and children, mothers and daughters. And running all through it is the choice a girl must make (or have made for her): Whom will she marry? Ah, I have to say I became more and more interested in the outcome the longer I read! Don't be put off by the length of this book. It is 100 percent worth every word.
This is too many books trying to be one book. It reminds me a lot of Tolstoy, where instead of writing several books with a familiar cast of characters, Seth tries to make this book ALL THE BOOKS, and it suffers for it. The core story of Lata trying to find a husband felt secondary to all the drama with other characters, like Maan, who I simply did not care about. I was there for Lata, and would have liked the book more if I actually could have read about her without constant interruptions from other characters, some who really did not feel like they tied into the narrative.
That said, the writing in this is so well done, it is an immensely readable 1500 page book, and that is a rare accomplishment! The writing is good and there are stories worth reading in this book, the narrative simply suffers from having all those narratives smashed together. This would have made a better series.
That said, the writing in this is so well done, it is an immensely readable 1500 page book, and that is a rare accomplishment! The writing is good and there are stories worth reading in this book, the narrative simply suffers from having all those narratives smashed together. This would have made a better series.
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a great book. It was long (1450 pages) but well worth it. Seth transports you to India in 1951 and sinks you into the political and cultural life. I learned so much and didn't want it to end.
i got through 30% then listened to an abridged audiobook version
No idea when I began reading this, well over a year ago. I enjoyed all of it, I did, but it's a big beast of a book. Very Tolstoy, for better or worse. It might have been an easier read if it was cut down or split up, but it may not have been as immersive.
The description of making a shoe, that occurs about half way through this novel, is typical of the meticulous detail provided by Seth in his recreation of life in India not that long ago. I stumbled on this book - gave up for a while - and then returned when someone reading it on a train assured me it was worth the effort. They were right and I am so glad I read it through. There is much to delight and the story and characters do come to really matter to you. finishing this book was like losing track of a family you know really well.
After spending a month reading this book, I am in withdrawal. I felt I became a part of the lives of Seth's characters with their twisted yet beautifully intertwined lives. This book is a long read no doubt, but the investment of time is totally worth it.
Not too many surprises, but that's not the kind of book this is. A wonderful slice of life epic.