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essjay1's review against another edition
2.0
This didn’t work for me, which is a shame as there are sections where you become engrossed in the tale only to have the author insert himself back into the narrative. And not in a good way.
cdeane61's review against another edition
4.0
This book kept me interested throughout, the descriptions of infatuation and ultimately obsession, are fascinating. It felt almost as if Theroux was drawing the reader into a trance like state, via descriptions of India, and repetition of feelings towards the woman whom the author (not Theroux, but the author in the novel - as made clear by that author actually having a meeting with Theroux during the tale) is obsessing on.
I have not read many travelogues, but think I may enjoy delving into Theroux's writing in that area. I find him easy to read, and able to evoke time place and mood.
I have not read many travelogues, but think I may enjoy delving into Theroux's writing in that area. I find him easy to read, and able to evoke time place and mood.
bibliofiendlm's review against another edition
2.0
Never judge a book by its cover - until you do - and the cover was the best thing about it. 2.5 stars.
sanjee_b's review
It took a while to engross me, but the mystery that unfolded was worth the wait. Having said that, the ending was more than a let down after the twisty, turny, loopy action.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
2.0
More of a 2.5; I might round up later.
I am really not sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, it does make me want to read Theroux's travel writing. I like his style.
On the other hand, it's just plain strange. It starts out as a mystery/travel piece, morphs into some quasi romance book, then the author himself appears in the books (FYI, I don't like it when this happens. The only time I didn't get p.o.ed at it was with [a:Orhan Pamuk|1728|Orhan Pamuk|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1260534069p2/1728.jpg] did it because then it made sense. I suppose a person could say it makes sense here, but it doesn't work).
Oh, and then it some type of comment on race, then a comment captialism, then finally a comment on fame and life.
I'm not really sure what the book is trying to be. It also feels like it has a split personality. Maybe that's point, maybe that is what Theroux is trying to capture, not only the split personality of a city or a country, but the public and private lives we all live.
Maybe I should round up.
I am really not sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, it does make me want to read Theroux's travel writing. I like his style.
On the other hand, it's just plain strange. It starts out as a mystery/travel piece, morphs into some quasi romance book, then the author himself appears in the books (FYI, I don't like it when this happens. The only time I didn't get p.o.ed at it was with [a:Orhan Pamuk|1728|Orhan Pamuk|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1260534069p2/1728.jpg] did it because then it made sense. I suppose a person could say it makes sense here, but it doesn't work).
Oh, and then it some type of comment on race, then a comment captialism, then finally a comment on fame and life.
I'm not really sure what the book is trying to be. It also feels like it has a split personality. Maybe that's point, maybe that is what Theroux is trying to capture, not only the split personality of a city or a country, but the public and private lives we all live.
Maybe I should round up.
michaelnlibrarian's review
4.0
Sometimes Paul Theroux's fiction has plot twists that I dislike (sometimes intensely) but this was great. I'm sure I'll read it again.
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