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snowhite197's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was not a book I’d usually choose. Having read it, I wouldn’t read it again. Don't get me wrong- it’s fantastically entertaining. I just feel like…. My soul has the ick now, if that makes sense??? It showcases the darker aspects of human nature in a way that’s almost joyous, I know I should be taking aspects of the story as satire but I can’t help but feeling that the world as painted by the story is both hopeless and hopelessly cruel. Every single character in the story is dehumanized including the narrator himself, by the end. Very nihilistic. I was entertained to the max but damn, idk if it was worth it.
anastaziamie's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.75
larsianu's review against another edition
5.0
Hilarious! (As a concept anyway.)
A poor man and servant shakes off his shakles and becomes an 'entrepreneur'. He writes about this in a number of letters to the Chinese president.
A poor man and servant shakes off his shakles and becomes an 'entrepreneur'. He writes about this in a number of letters to the Chinese president.
bexlrose's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly slow starting but an interesting story once it got going. Interesting from a cultural perspective but not so interesting as to keep me from wishing it would hurry up and finish so I could get on with something else. Then again not so un-interesting that I abandoned it.
Didn't like the use of the word 'beak' in place of the word 'penis' throughout. *shudders*
2.5 stars. 3 if I'm feeling generous.
Didn't like the use of the word 'beak' in place of the word 'penis' throughout. *shudders*
2.5 stars. 3 if I'm feeling generous.
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this book is a masterpiece. It's brutal, sharp, and addicting. It's definitely made to unsettle you. It was a wild and sometimes extremely painful ride but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page.
cooturtle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
campbelle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t say I enjoyed this book. But it was a very unique narrative voice and the story packed a punch for sure. Last year I read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry which painted a pretty desperate picture of India in the 70s. Sadly, this modern novel seems to illustrate that living conditions for many in the country are still bleak, plagued by the legacy and desperation of the caste system. But it was a quick read at least, so I can expedite getting back to the privilege of putting my head in the sand.
loreleimoxon's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating main character and a very unique satire of poverty