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A review by mweis
The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera
3.25
*I received an audio review copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This is such a hard novel to review because while there is nothing untrue in the summary, it also doesn't feel like it fully encompasses what this book is. The Saint of Bright Doors is a lyrical story about identity and destiny and the descent into fascism. It's surreal and meandering and definitely requires more brain power than I was able to give it on this read, though I imagine upon reread it will all make more sense. I think the story might also be more impactful if the reader has some knowledge of Buddhism and of Sri Lankan folklore and history.
Honestly, what strikes me most with this story is that it is a debut novel. It's ambitious and complex and the writing was visceral. I can't necessarily say I enjoyed reading this novel but it definitely was a unique experience and I look forward to seeing what Chandrasekera comes up with next, which is apparently a standalone science fiction epic about two souls bound together and I am so intrigued.
This is such a hard novel to review because while there is nothing untrue in the summary, it also doesn't feel like it fully encompasses what this book is. The Saint of Bright Doors is a lyrical story about identity and destiny and the descent into fascism. It's surreal and meandering and definitely requires more brain power than I was able to give it on this read, though I imagine upon reread it will all make more sense. I think the story might also be more impactful if the reader has some knowledge of Buddhism and of Sri Lankan folklore and history.
Honestly, what strikes me most with this story is that it is a debut novel. It's ambitious and complex and the writing was visceral. I can't necessarily say I enjoyed reading this novel but it definitely was a unique experience and I look forward to seeing what Chandrasekera comes up with next, which is apparently a standalone science fiction epic about two souls bound together and I am so intrigued.