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A review by bookwoman1967
The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. First, I was happy to receive it as a Goodreads Giveaway, yay Goodreads! And there were things I really enjoyed about it. But there were some substandard aspects too, so it squeaks into a 3.0 stars for me.
After much analysis I think the thing I liked least was actually the main character. Perveen, after all is said and done, ruminates on things, visits people, mulls things over, interviews people (frequently the same ones), and speculates some more. Finally she seems almost to stumble over the culprit.
I enjoyed the setting of historical Bombay and the incorporation of documented events into the plot. This was a strength of the book, although minor spoiler. The author captured the atmosphere of the time and place well and this could have been two different books, both shorter and more focused.
Aside: I found it a bit frustrating that Perveen's and her family's approaches to the political situation were just as wishy-washy as her approach to solving the mystery.
Recommended for those who like a strong historical setting and are in the mood for a leisurely read.
After much analysis I think the thing I liked least was actually the main character. Perveen, after all is said and done, ruminates on things, visits people, mulls things over, interviews people (frequently the same ones), and speculates some more. Finally she seems almost to stumble over the culprit.
I enjoyed the setting of historical Bombay and the incorporation of documented events into the plot. This was a strength of the book, although minor spoiler
Spoiler
the title reference to Edward VIII is somewhat misleading as he had nothing really to do with the mysteryAside: I found it a bit frustrating that Perveen's and her family's approaches to the political situation were just as wishy-washy as her approach to solving the mystery.
Recommended for those who like a strong historical setting and are in the mood for a leisurely read.