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teegsn's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
A well-written portrait of Kipling’s India. Was enamored with the vivid sights and sounds Kipling captured. Loved the character of Kim - plucky, witty, resourceful. Surprised by moments of cleverness and humor.
hvv's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
after struggling through 11 chapters U decided to put myself out of my misery and just read a summary of the final 4. The book is literally 80% dialogue and consequently is extremely difficult to follow.
therealkathryn's review against another edition
4.0
Some classics don't wear as well. While this is one, it also offers a view of a particular time and place. It's kind of amazing that Kipling offers the British colonial point of view with almost no reflection or questioning, it simply Is. This book was most interesting from the perspective of reading something hugely popular at the time, which is why I gave it a star over the three I would have given for the story alone - dated and cringe-inducing in places.
jon288's review against another edition
4.0
A great story from the Empire. Definitely of its time, but really good fun; thrilling, fast moving at times, thoughtful, compelling
oliviabrcka's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
annasar's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
uhambe_nami's review against another edition
4.0
Kim is a wonderful novel about an orphaned boy and a Holy Man on their quest to find meaning and truth. I loved it for the vivid imagery of the Indian landscapes, and the beautiful connection between Kimball and his holy man, the lama. I can't resist quoting the bit where the boy just met the lama, who is searching for a River of Healing, and tells him that he, too, is searching for something: a Red Bull on a green field - which soon turns out to be the flag of the Irish regiment his late father was part of:
I heard thy talk in the Wonder House of all those new strange places in the Hills, and if one so old and so little - so used to truthtelling - may go out for the small matter of a river, it seemed to me that I too must go a-travelling. If it is our fate to find those things we shall find them - thou, thy River, and I, my Bull, and the strong Pillar and some other matters that I forget.
I heard thy talk in the Wonder House of all those new strange places in the Hills, and if one so old and so little - so used to truthtelling - may go out for the small matter of a river, it seemed to me that I too must go a-travelling. If it is our fate to find those things we shall find them - thou, thy River, and I, my Bull, and the strong Pillar and some other matters that I forget.
paigemorgan17's review
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
potterhead_3789's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The book is a beautiful depiction of India before independence. Kipling beautifully captures the essence of India.