Scan barcode
donnaadouglas's review against another edition
1.0
Incredibly descriptive, but by chapter 5 NOTHING HAD HAPPENED!!! Bailed.
aprilalwayswithabook's review against another edition
1.0
I stopped reading this - I loved the narrator's voice but I couldn't not figure out what was going on or what the point was. It was going nowhere, or at least not fast enough to keep me interested. I found I was not a person who cared.
keetham's review against another edition
1.0
A deeply unsatisfying book and ends awfully. Took me forever to read because there was nothing to hold me. Every time it looked like a story was coming together it was promptly abandoned. Felt like watching a long slide presentation of someone's trip. Way too descriptive to the point of boredom. Failed attempts at political understanding. I hope this is not autobiographical of the author because if it is I am judging him wholly for what he did, especially in the end
ameliabedeliaful's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
jenmat1197's review against another edition
3.0
This is the story of a 26 year old journalist who flew from Bombay to live in Guyana. During his year long sojurn in Guyana, he recounts the different towns in the country and the people he meets. Written with a mix of Guyanese language it brings to life and paints the picture of the country from his point of view. He recounts his time panning for gold and diamonds with someone named Baby. The second part of the book delivers some Guyana political and social-cultural history. (this area of the world speaks English, but 30% of the people are Afro-Guyaese - decendents of slaves). The third part actually takes the narrator out of Guyana and on a trip with a woman to Venezuela.
This book was fine. It was a little slow moving, but if I put everything else aside and tried to absorb my thoughts all on reading this book- it actually had some redeeming qualities. I like the incorporation with the Guyanese language in with the writers. I liked the section about the history of Guyana the best of the three parts. IT was a little rambly, and I found myself putting it down more often than picking it up, however, it will stay my Guyana book.
This book was fine. It was a little slow moving, but if I put everything else aside and tried to absorb my thoughts all on reading this book- it actually had some redeeming qualities. I like the incorporation with the Guyanese language in with the writers. I liked the section about the history of Guyana the best of the three parts. IT was a little rambly, and I found myself putting it down more often than picking it up, however, it will stay my Guyana book.
anywiebs's review against another edition
2.0
A book this slow needs a reward for me finishing it. Having said that I like the things I learned from this book about Guyana and the people and life there as well as some small part of its history.
As a novel however this book is highly disappointing. The story is just followwing the main character around who is not following any other purpose than to look what's there and escape from his old life. But none of his personal issues are ever really discussed (or maybe I just missed them).
As a travel journal about a foreign country this is very interesting, also because it is not written by a white man from England or America, but by an Indian, who experiences the world differently and has different access to Guyana (I would think at least).
One more word to the writing, which is meant to represent the language of Guyana and the culture, but it was mostly confusing and not beautiful for me to read. I found myself tuning out every now and again and had to reread passages because I wasn't paying attention.
As a novel however this book is highly disappointing. The story is just followwing the main character around who is not following any other purpose than to look what's there and escape from his old life. But none of his personal issues are ever really discussed (or maybe I just missed them).
As a travel journal about a foreign country this is very interesting, also because it is not written by a white man from England or America, but by an Indian, who experiences the world differently and has different access to Guyana (I would think at least).
One more word to the writing, which is meant to represent the language of Guyana and the culture, but it was mostly confusing and not beautiful for me to read. I found myself tuning out every now and again and had to reread passages because I wasn't paying attention.
nicoleisalwaysreading's review against another edition
2.0
oddly paced and often weirdly worded, but there were gems of clarity and captured emotion.
prakash0912's review against another edition
3.0
A travelogue with a twist in the tail - rather than a novel. Vivid, evocative and authentic. A great way to visit a place one is unlikely to ever go to.