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spannalou's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
3.0
Kipling knows a lot about India - but all that knowledge seems to be surface level only. The lama in the book for example shows outward ways of a lama but never any substantial knowledge of his own religion.
Kim's character is probably very powerful statement against racism. The very fist sentence of the book showing him to be speaking Indian language, having skin shade of Indians and even religious faith of Indians; and yet claiming he is a white Irish points out absurdity of his race. You might claim Kipling is in fact claiming that race as defined by his parents is stronger than the impact of culture but anyway Kim constantly shows preferance for native ways. Indian or more correctly South Asian characters are sterotypical but you could excuse it on grounds that it is a children's book and it is done to invoke humor. Kipling is really showing Indians as very good book. It is I guess the racism embedded within language of his time which he can't avoid and which irks me - for example when he says Indians squat in a way no one in 'civilised' world. This repeative calling the west 'civilised' as compared to orient is unforgeable. And since the narrator is Kipling himself rather than a character in book, you can't just pretend he did it show racism of others.
Kim's character is probably very powerful statement against racism. The very fist sentence of the book showing him to be speaking Indian language, having skin shade of Indians and even religious faith of Indians; and yet claiming he is a white Irish points out absurdity of his race. You might claim Kipling is in fact claiming that race as defined by his parents is stronger than the impact of culture but anyway Kim constantly shows preferance for native ways. Indian or more correctly South Asian characters are sterotypical but you could excuse it on grounds that it is a children's book and it is done to invoke humor. Kipling is really showing Indians as very good book. It is I guess the racism embedded within language of his time which he can't avoid and which irks me - for example when he says Indians squat in a way no one in 'civilised' world. This repeative calling the west 'civilised' as compared to orient is unforgeable. And since the narrator is Kipling himself rather than a character in book, you can't just pretend he did it show racism of others.
stacikristine's review against another edition
My oldest and I tried to read this for his school work. It was soooo long and we felt like there really wasn't a point. We dreaded it each day. I was having to look up cliff notes after we finished a chapter. It just wasn't worth it.
sarahrussell's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
3.5
vortimer's review against another edition
3.0
I was impressed by the crispness of the story collection that contained The Man Who Would Be King, but this, my second foray into Kipling, is closer to my preconceptions. I found it heavier going.
zerrota's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sanjana1510's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
aberdeenwaters's review against another edition
It took me a weird amount of time. I started out reading it in print but then transitioned to audio to finish it (book club deadlines). I like the story and the writing...but for a reason I can't pinpoint, I just couldn't get into a groove with it. Also, the audio book was a poor production and that may have impacted things. I like Kipling and his writing. Just not sure what happened with this one.