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A review by gadrake
A State of Freedom by Neel Mukherjee
3.0
Absolutely hated this book that is nevertheless well-written. Would love to have a chat with the author about the intent of this novel that strips hope from anyone trying to better their situation.
Through a series of loosely interconnected stories in India, Mukherjee describes prejudice and class within the various sects, complete with abuse, filthy living conditions, lack of education, and more. The story where a supremely poor man believes he can turn a captured bear into a money-making entertainment scheme just about did me in as he nearly destroys the animal over many pages and yet the bear still offers him kindness.
There are no happy endings here. The brightest spot was that a woman working three jobs was able to send a nephew to Germany for his education. These people were stuck in poverty and abuse even when there are signs of interest in reading and self-improvement.
I suspect the author might say he wrote this book in order to shock people so that the status quo may change. It was disheartening to the point of nausea, so unfortunately many readers may never pick it up.
Through a series of loosely interconnected stories in India, Mukherjee describes prejudice and class within the various sects, complete with abuse, filthy living conditions, lack of education, and more. The story where a supremely poor man believes he can turn a captured bear into a money-making entertainment scheme just about did me in as he nearly destroys the animal over many pages and yet the bear still offers him kindness.
There are no happy endings here. The brightest spot was that a woman working three jobs was able to send a nephew to Germany for his education. These people were stuck in poverty and abuse even when there are signs of interest in reading and self-improvement.
I suspect the author might say he wrote this book in order to shock people so that the status quo may change. It was disheartening to the point of nausea, so unfortunately many readers may never pick it up.