A review by fantasticfiction
The Binding Vine by Shashi Deshpande

dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I understand why these texts are brilliant and essential, but as Brecht and many other authors and thinkers hold: art must also delight, and this book fails to achieve that. I read primarily for pleasure. I'm not suggesting that all books must incorporate—better yet, force—pop culture themes in order to appeal to readers, but the writing style itself can be enjoyable. The narration in the book falls flat, while the short poems were enjoyable to read. I wished that the author could incorporate some poetic diction in the overall work.