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kaliaddy's review against another edition
1.0
This book just was not for me. Slow and plodding, and nothing really happens except repetitive life events and the same people annoying (or getting annoyed) by each other - it's called family.
xtinetreasure's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
juliawithmonkeys's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
friendlypoet's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ekmsmith's review
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
The author's deep misanthropy is evident in this book, which makes it hard to get through at times, but the writing has merit.
haaris's review against another edition
5.0
'That conundrum - the housing question -'
So writes Mohun Biswas at one point for the Trinidad Sentinel.
This is a story of resilience written in the manner of dark comedy. The story is set in Trinidad as Mr Biswas undergoes a heart wrenching series of tragedies and misfortunes in the quest for his own dwelling space and dignity. His tale begins from his birth when he is born the 'wrong way,' with an extra finger and immediately declared to be unlucky and cursed. As he gets into one hole after another, Mohun Biswas persists and his life proceeds comically in an often pitiable fashion. We know the ending from the very start; it is the journey that is wonderfully woven by Naipaul.
The book is considered Naipaul's best work and it is not hard to see why. The book is exquisitely written and describes post colonial Indian society in the West Indies with the power of observation reserved for great writers at the peak of their powers. It is not a fast read and like all classics demands its time for rumination and reflection.
Despite having the good fortune to read many incredible books, I am astounded every time I read another great work of fiction. A Classic in every way.
So writes Mohun Biswas at one point for the Trinidad Sentinel.
This is a story of resilience written in the manner of dark comedy. The story is set in Trinidad as Mr Biswas undergoes a heart wrenching series of tragedies and misfortunes in the quest for his own dwelling space and dignity. His tale begins from his birth when he is born the 'wrong way,' with an extra finger and immediately declared to be unlucky and cursed. As he gets into one hole after another, Mohun Biswas persists and his life proceeds comically in an often pitiable fashion. We know the ending from the very start; it is the journey that is wonderfully woven by Naipaul.
The book is considered Naipaul's best work and it is not hard to see why. The book is exquisitely written and describes post colonial Indian society in the West Indies with the power of observation reserved for great writers at the peak of their powers. It is not a fast read and like all classics demands its time for rumination and reflection.
Despite having the good fortune to read many incredible books, I am astounded every time I read another great work of fiction. A Classic in every way.
galoshes's review against another edition
I tried the audiobook from the library. The reader sounded like a white British dude imitating an Indian accent and I couldn't get past how unsettling that is. Despite that, thinking only of the text, there were some funny moments and some wtf moments, but I'm not particularly a fan of this kind of glazed plotless memory trip through a character's life. I've read other similar books (Pachinko comes to mind) with lackluster impressions. I can't see myself sticking it out through this entire novel, it's just a style I don't personally like.
jonsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
tessaays's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars - A tough one to review. As many, many others have said, a plot-driven novel this is not. However, I still found it an absorbing read, and the writing is so fluid and lovely you hardly notice the time passing. I really WANT to say it was too long, but I have to (grudgingly) admit that the length is part of the charm. Nothing is cut out, nothing is modified - this is the full, unabridged story of a life, birth to death. The writing is never breathtaking but always charming - elements of Rushdie without the chaos and García Márquez without the surrealism (magic realism minus magic equals.. realism?). I’m glad I read it - I’d seek out more from Naipaul.