ktrain3900's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
4.25
A smart and captivating fable that takes jabs at monarchy, religion, colonization, history, and even storytelling, while remaining entertaining and witty. It's light-handed, well-written, and largely subtle. I was left a little disatisfied with the ending: characters who had been vocal and forward now abruptly fell silent, spoken of, not speaking. Which is not to say it's an unfair or unexpected ending, only...abrupt? A small complaint ultimately; this tale is very charming even if you're mostly unfamiliar with its historical and folkloric roots.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
This may sound weird since Rushdie's so known for writing about India, but there are very few authors who can make reading about European history anything other than dull dull dull for me. And all the parts set in Florence were completely fascinating. I want to go out and read other books about the Renaissance now. The part of the story set in Mughal India was also interesting, and a way better read I thought than the two books I read last summer by [a:Indu Sundaresan|15322|Indu Sundaresan|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg] about the same cast of fictionalized historical figures.
Yes, I just wrote this review at work. I've been here since 7. Need break. Deal with it.
Yes, I just wrote this review at work. I've been here since 7. Need break. Deal with it.
raruther's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
2.0
A beautifully written book, but I found it incredibly dull and a struggle to get through...
caybird92's review against another edition
5.0
This book must be read with an open mind.
I highly suggest checking out some of the titles listed in the Bibliography of the book as well. Check the references and compare the timelines. It’s all very fascinating and gives a different view on the world.
I highly suggest checking out some of the titles listed in the Bibliography of the book as well. Check the references and compare the timelines. It’s all very fascinating and gives a different view on the world.
vic_ct's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I really struggled through this book, but still wanted to know how it ended, so mixed feelings about it. Too much jumping around for me & couldn’t keep up with all the characters, but what really put me off was the way women are written - this book might be about an enchantress but it’s really about the men who meet her and want to possess her
fionab_16's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-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
4.5