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nai__reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
monalisalisa's review against another edition
5.0
I can't even describe to you have heartbroken and exhausted I felt after reading this book. It was all worth it though. The relationship between a mother and her children is really important and one thing this book tackles is what happens if a mother expression her dislike of her children. How does that influence the children?
This book channels themes of betrayal, the caste system, forbidden love, how culture influences people choices and behaviour , love between siblings and the after effects of not dealing with childhood trauma. Estha and Rehal are the two main characters and this follows their family through decades and how everybody's experience in the family influences each other. They are by no means a stable family. They are very set in their ways of the caste system and how they don't want anything influencing their image. When tragedy strikes, they do everything in their power to make sure that their family's image is not hurt in the eyes of society.
Their are so many things that happen in this book that leads to a downward spiral of events that no body in this family can get out of. And that is what makes it such a heartbreaking read. You have characters that you like, characters you are hoping yo better, characters you are just waiting to dies and characters you don't wish died. It's a true roller oyster of emotions that is totally worth it.
This book channels themes of betrayal, the caste system, forbidden love, how culture influences people choices and behaviour , love between siblings and the after effects of not dealing with childhood trauma. Estha and Rehal are the two main characters and this follows their family through decades and how everybody's experience in the family influences each other. They are by no means a stable family. They are very set in their ways of the caste system and how they don't want anything influencing their image. When tragedy strikes, they do everything in their power to make sure that their family's image is not hurt in the eyes of society.
Their are so many things that happen in this book that leads to a downward spiral of events that no body in this family can get out of. And that is what makes it such a heartbreaking read. You have characters that you like, characters you are hoping yo better, characters you are just waiting to dies and characters you don't wish died. It's a true roller oyster of emotions that is totally worth it.
alitasharing's review against another edition
5.0
Gentle like a slicing knife - precise, expository, and bloody. Roy is a genius.
floatwiththesticks's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most stunningly poetic books I’ve read. I want to bathe in the words.
4.5 stars.
NOTE: Just realised I listened to the abridged version (3.5 hours as opposed to 12) oops. Oh well, it defo worked as a novella. Tbh it was so tragic, not sure I could cope with the full text right now. My one complaint was that the non linear narrative left me wanting more from each scene —- turns out the scenes were literally cut lol. Though, I still very much felt the richness of the setting and characters.
4.5 stars.
NOTE: Just realised I listened to the abridged version (3.5 hours as opposed to 12) oops. Oh well, it defo worked as a novella. Tbh it was so tragic, not sure I could cope with the full text right now. My one complaint was that the non linear narrative left me wanting more from each scene —- turns out the scenes were literally cut lol. Though, I still very much felt the richness of the setting and characters.
joeldrama's review against another edition
5.0
this book so incredibly draws you into its world and manages to build up to the events of a single day that destroys the characters lives and shatters even the very chronology of the book
judithholzapfel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
nina_wintermeyer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
setlledbullet9's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book will shatter your emotional state much like the way it was constructed. Definitely not comfortable beach reading, but so so worth it
readwiser's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Exquisite writing