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skyreader's review against another edition
3.0
This is a literary version of Salvador Dali's painting in which everything is possible: dreams mix with history, facts with fiction and fairy tales all distorted through the unique viewing glass of the storyteller. It is told in a voice that makes the reader believe, or at least want to believe in the story. If you like myths and tales of love, sorcery and enchantment from the past, you'll find it here.
evetoi's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
nlammata's review against another edition
3.0
As Salman ages, his novels veer more and more into the realm of softcore porn. Kudos.
ljcostel's review against another edition
4.0
How does a man write so compellingly (in metaphor) about what is/was to be a women through history?
miklosha's review against another edition
3.0
From what I can understand, much of the criticism of this book appears to stem from a hope that it would be like Rushdies better known works. Alas, this is no Midnights Children or Satanic Verses; but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
The yellow haired storyteller paints a family tree for an emperor in the spirit of Sharazade, documenting his mothers travels across Europe and Asia. The story alternates between interactions between Emperor Akbar and the Mughal of Love and the history of the Mughals mother, a transcendant figure turned saint turned general force of nature. This altnernating storyline succeeds to propel the story, but while the former plot thread is comtemplative and abstract (A Rushdie literary style), the latter is overly complex and stilted.
Together, much of Rushdie radiates out of the Enchantress of Florence; it is just that it doesnt come together in the same way his other books have.
The yellow haired storyteller paints a family tree for an emperor in the spirit of Sharazade, documenting his mothers travels across Europe and Asia. The story alternates between interactions between Emperor Akbar and the Mughal of Love and the history of the Mughals mother, a transcendant figure turned saint turned general force of nature. This altnernating storyline succeeds to propel the story, but while the former plot thread is comtemplative and abstract (A Rushdie literary style), the latter is overly complex and stilted.
Together, much of Rushdie radiates out of the Enchantress of Florence; it is just that it doesnt come together in the same way his other books have.
jgolomb's review against another edition
5.0
This is a magnificent novel; a model of the perfect reading for a book group, or literature class. Rushdie creates and amazingly solid and well-crafted central plot, surrounded by parables and dreams, imbued with a deep multiplicity of meanings, that all flows like poetry.
"Enchantress" is a more focused version of Umberto Eco's "The Island of the Day Before". It has that same dream-like quality of stories flowing into and within other stories, but in Rushdie's case, anchored by a more stable threaded plot.
The novel revolves around a mysterious European traveler, ostensibly from Florence, who finds himself at the court of an Indian ruler. The Florentine (who goes by numerous names) has a secret to tell...a secret that will kill all but one who are exposed by it. This secret is the fulcrum upon which this vibrant tale is balanced.
Rushdie delves into themes of love, poetry, one-ness, leadership, gender, beauty, war, and the list goes on. I'm quite sure that I was only able to grasp but a small fraction of the delightfully nuanced story's multiple tiers of meanings. English majors will have an easier time dissecting the stories within the stories, but all readers will enjoy Rushdie's easy-flowing style.
The first third of the novel takes place in India where the stage is set for the Florentine's secret. The second two thirds focus on Florence where Niccolo Machiavelli plays a significant role in unravelling the deadly secret.
Each character represents a different quality of being or literate theme. Each clue to the mystery leads to a new tale, a new parable. These lead Rushdie, particularly in the early India-centered scenes, to create a bright atmosphere of story-clouds, drifting in and out from each other, composing a complete and satisfactory conclusion.
I found myself looking forward to each reading session with 'Enchantress'. Rushdie's approach to building the story and themes developed a very comforting and pleasing read. While I wouldn't consider this 'light' reading, it's deeply layered story and almost poetic approach make this a wonderful book.
"Enchantress" is a more focused version of Umberto Eco's "The Island of the Day Before". It has that same dream-like quality of stories flowing into and within other stories, but in Rushdie's case, anchored by a more stable threaded plot.
The novel revolves around a mysterious European traveler, ostensibly from Florence, who finds himself at the court of an Indian ruler. The Florentine (who goes by numerous names) has a secret to tell...a secret that will kill all but one who are exposed by it. This secret is the fulcrum upon which this vibrant tale is balanced.
Rushdie delves into themes of love, poetry, one-ness, leadership, gender, beauty, war, and the list goes on. I'm quite sure that I was only able to grasp but a small fraction of the delightfully nuanced story's multiple tiers of meanings. English majors will have an easier time dissecting the stories within the stories, but all readers will enjoy Rushdie's easy-flowing style.
The first third of the novel takes place in India where the stage is set for the Florentine's secret. The second two thirds focus on Florence where Niccolo Machiavelli plays a significant role in unravelling the deadly secret.
Each character represents a different quality of being or literate theme. Each clue to the mystery leads to a new tale, a new parable. These lead Rushdie, particularly in the early India-centered scenes, to create a bright atmosphere of story-clouds, drifting in and out from each other, composing a complete and satisfactory conclusion.
I found myself looking forward to each reading session with 'Enchantress'. Rushdie's approach to building the story and themes developed a very comforting and pleasing read. While I wouldn't consider this 'light' reading, it's deeply layered story and almost poetic approach make this a wonderful book.
katejeminhizer's review against another edition
3.0
I almost gave up on this book. It definitely took a bit to wrap my head around the delivery of the story. I appreciate this book for the obvious thoroughness of the research done. Many passages are very eloquently written. Overall however I wasn't truly wowed and there were to many areas of confusion. It may be better the second go around but that's not something I normally do.
forever_amber's review against another edition
5.0
A truly enchanting adventure/fairytale, so swiftly written, so profound and captivating!
This is the first book of Salman Rushdie that I read, and I find his manner of speech and creativity delightfully broad and multi-layered. He definitely is a large-scale thinker.
This is the first book of Salman Rushdie that I read, and I find his manner of speech and creativity delightfully broad and multi-layered. He definitely is a large-scale thinker.
caecilievestergaard's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
4.0