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premxs's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
febishine's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I read from this genre. The whole book is very well written and engaging till the end. The characters and their relations, the setting of the city, the history everything sums up. Waiting for the next book.
dhoop08's review against another edition
5.0
This is easily my favourite book from 2020, and is responsible for bringing my reading habit back with a vengeance.
The writer’s words were like water to the parched landscape of unpretentious visual writing, and I’m a huge enthusiast of ‘show-don’t-tell.’
I loved how the dialogue between Mithila and Amrit never fell off beat, though chapter 13 has my whole heart in the way that I had to call a friend up to scream about how gorgeously it was written.
While I’d have loved to know more about Alvar, Elmandar and Mankala, I’m going to wait until book 2 to judge the fullness of character sketching, since I’ve heard this is a two-part series.
That aside, I’m so mad about the way that cliffhanger has me yearning.
The writer’s words were like water to the parched landscape of unpretentious visual writing, and I’m a huge enthusiast of ‘show-don’t-tell.’
I loved how the dialogue between Mithila and Amrit never fell off beat, though chapter 13 has my whole heart in the way that I had to call a friend up to scream about how gorgeously it was written.
While I’d have loved to know more about Alvar, Elmandar and Mankala, I’m going to wait until book 2 to judge the fullness of character sketching, since I’ve heard this is a two-part series.
That aside, I’m so mad about the way that cliffhanger has me yearning.
acottageofwords's review against another edition
3.0
Check out the complete review on my blog
The Wall by Gautam Bhatia: 3.5/5
What I liked:
◈ The society based on current and past Indian situation
◈ Writing style and tidbits that pop up
◈ LGBT+ rep in an Indian fantasy? that's kinda rare
What was meh:
◈ Plot execution
What I didn't like:
◈ Characters & character development
◈ Romance
Overall:
◈ Not particularly memorable
◈ Enjoyed the adventures
◈ Somewhat cliche plot?
◈ Hope for better development in next book
Recommended!
The Wall by Gautam Bhatia: 3.5/5
What I liked:
◈ The society based on current and past Indian situation
◈ Writing style and tidbits that pop up
◈ LGBT+ rep in an Indian fantasy? that's kinda rare
What was meh:
◈ Plot execution
What I didn't like:
◈ Characters & character development
◈ Romance
Overall:
◈ Not particularly memorable
◈ Enjoyed the adventures
◈ Somewhat cliche plot?
◈ Hope for better development in next book
Recommended!
aetius's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
apekshita_'s review against another edition
4.0
Once in a while, you come across a book which makes you question the very foundation your life has been built upon, the norms you have been following all your life. The Wall is just that kind of a book. It urges you to take a leap of faith. A leap beyond things no one thought to even look beyond, and those few who dared, were silenced.
It is set in a world called Sumer, which is bound by a wall. The wall has been there since time immemorial and it stands in the present day as a protector to the people of Sumer. However, things begin to change when a group of young people dare to question its existence and see a future without it. The book follows the journey of Mithila and her friends, as their mere dream of a horizon transforms into a revolution. It is a tale of rebellion, of rights, of duties, of curiosity, of yearning and above all, of love. Love for not just the people in your life, but for your own thoughts and ideas.
The writing style of the author is one of the best things about the book. The way it traverses between stories revolving around the history of Sumer and the present day plot, without seeming abrupt at any point, is something quite appreciable. I really like how the book is presented to the reader, with excerpts from original texts of Sumer, songs and poetry which compliment the story all along.
The world building is quite intricate and detailed. The nomenclature, inspired by Hindi and Sanskrit, is also something worth mentioning. Also, Gautam places women at positions of power in his story, breaking all the stereotypes and that too, effortlessly. It seemed as if there was nothing unique with women leading a government, it was something equally likely for both the genders in Sumer. The romantic relationships too were not bound by the gender norms of our world.
But, at the same time, I could draw so many parallels between our world and Sumer-how people’s right to express themselves are curbed by fooling them, how the loopholes of governance are hidden successfully from the people because of their unawareness, how inter-caste relationships are still forbidden and so on.
There were times, I felt the story to be a bit dragged. In my opinion, it lacked action, adventure and twists, which would have made it all the more easy to get one hooked to it. I also felt that the romance was way too subtle. It could have been written about more. Also, I struggled a bit with the functioning of the world in the beginning. Too much information was given to the reader without much time to process it .I found myself struggling to understand what was happening in the first hundred pages, I would have appreciated a little more explanation of how things worked in Sumer.
Nevertheless, The Wall is a beautifully written book which will make you stand against whatever wall the society has built around you or even you yourself have managed to trap yourself in. It will make you question things, for no reason in particular but just because they exist.
Looking forward to the next installment!
It is set in a world called Sumer, which is bound by a wall. The wall has been there since time immemorial and it stands in the present day as a protector to the people of Sumer. However, things begin to change when a group of young people dare to question its existence and see a future without it. The book follows the journey of Mithila and her friends, as their mere dream of a horizon transforms into a revolution. It is a tale of rebellion, of rights, of duties, of curiosity, of yearning and above all, of love. Love for not just the people in your life, but for your own thoughts and ideas.
The writing style of the author is one of the best things about the book. The way it traverses between stories revolving around the history of Sumer and the present day plot, without seeming abrupt at any point, is something quite appreciable. I really like how the book is presented to the reader, with excerpts from original texts of Sumer, songs and poetry which compliment the story all along.
The world building is quite intricate and detailed. The nomenclature, inspired by Hindi and Sanskrit, is also something worth mentioning. Also, Gautam places women at positions of power in his story, breaking all the stereotypes and that too, effortlessly. It seemed as if there was nothing unique with women leading a government, it was something equally likely for both the genders in Sumer. The romantic relationships too were not bound by the gender norms of our world.
But, at the same time, I could draw so many parallels between our world and Sumer-how people’s right to express themselves are curbed by fooling them, how the loopholes of governance are hidden successfully from the people because of their unawareness, how inter-caste relationships are still forbidden and so on.
There were times, I felt the story to be a bit dragged. In my opinion, it lacked action, adventure and twists, which would have made it all the more easy to get one hooked to it. I also felt that the romance was way too subtle. It could have been written about more. Also, I struggled a bit with the functioning of the world in the beginning. Too much information was given to the reader without much time to process it .I found myself struggling to understand what was happening in the first hundred pages, I would have appreciated a little more explanation of how things worked in Sumer.
Nevertheless, The Wall is a beautifully written book which will make you stand against whatever wall the society has built around you or even you yourself have managed to trap yourself in. It will make you question things, for no reason in particular but just because they exist.
Looking forward to the next installment!
asawari's review against another edition
5.0
This is a novel packed cover to cover with ideas. I'd ask any reader to pay very close attention to them, and reflect on them.
Once in a while, you stumble upon fiction that makes you question your place in the world, the nature of social construct and what it means to be human. The Wall draws you into the city of Sumer from the get go, setting the stage for what you'll read, learn and feel.
It forces you to think about personal relationships, dissent, invisible walls around us and how we as humans engage with each of these. To me, personally, Sumer felt like it could be placed anywhere and in any place that needs a disassembling of status quo. You'll also find that the author takes the time to talk about social class, democracy, dependence on oral history and our drive, as humans, to engage with the great unknown.
With that said, the novel takes some time to get into. Push through, and you'll begin to see why the writer choses not get into details and spell everything out for the reader. He lets you choose your own Sumer in a way - allowing you to build the scene for yourself. The map of Sumer included in the paperback edition really helps.
If you're looking for some fresh SF to explore, The Wall is a no-brainer.
Once in a while, you stumble upon fiction that makes you question your place in the world, the nature of social construct and what it means to be human. The Wall draws you into the city of Sumer from the get go, setting the stage for what you'll read, learn and feel.
It forces you to think about personal relationships, dissent, invisible walls around us and how we as humans engage with each of these. To me, personally, Sumer felt like it could be placed anywhere and in any place that needs a disassembling of status quo. You'll also find that the author takes the time to talk about social class, democracy, dependence on oral history and our drive, as humans, to engage with the great unknown.
With that said, the novel takes some time to get into. Push through, and you'll begin to see why the writer choses not get into details and spell everything out for the reader. He lets you choose your own Sumer in a way - allowing you to build the scene for yourself. The map of Sumer included in the paperback edition really helps.
If you're looking for some fresh SF to explore, The Wall is a no-brainer.
penprince's review against another edition
5.0
The Wall is different from your usual speculative fiction offering. At least I found it so. The politics of the world it's set in is intricate and the system of government in it, interesting. The yearnings and strivings of the characters are conveyed in beautiful, poetic prose and their philosophical musings and banter will have you taking frequent breaks, to allow for the richness and depth of this amazing piece of literature sink in. Something I believe won't even happen, till after several reads and a lot of introspection after. The book examines a wide range of interesting and serious themes. Personal freedom, civil liberty, the validity or extent of the validity of history, religion, free thought to a society trying to choose between existence and quality of life that's worth risking everything for. The conflict as characters agonize over the two choices, none an easy one. It manages to do all this in a way that still keeps you surging through its pages, never bored, always wondering what's next, a journey that ends in a gasp of delight/horror. No spoilers, but it's definitely worth checking out. And definitely a 5 star for me.
anukriti's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
marsican's review
adventurous
informative
fast-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
2.0