megelsewhere's review
5.0
This book is classic adventure/travel/historical fiction/romance (not the kind with the flowing locks and frilly men-shirts and naughty sections, though). It's her best book, and even after having read it three times, I get caught up in every bit of it. Inspires those dumb cover blurbs like "sweeps you away" but it always leaves me breathless.
iudita's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
andreayoung's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rebekahology's review
3.0
This damn book! It's too long by half, and so boring for some stretches (with nothing but imperialist military drivel), that I almost threw it at the wall in the final third (which I mostly skimmed). It started off as a sweeping, romantic saga, and then petered out completely. The final battle was exciting in places, but also too long, and the ending with Ash and Juli was too abrupt. I'm pretty sure it was a bromance more than a romance. I'm giving it three stars for the depictions of India and the palaces. I have no idea why people love this book. Good grief, I need to cleanse my palette with some sci-fi.
chilmark's review
5.0
Read this 3 times. Once when I was a teenager, once in 2007, and again in 2010 with my book club. Love it. Timeless in its examination of the complicated history among the Afghans, Hindus and Muslims in the region. Very interesting take on women and the burqa.
b00ksforever's review
4.0
I’m truly at a loss for words. Although parts of this were unnecessary or too long, it still stands as one of the greatest epic novels. Full of adventure, romance, action, and tragedy, this was totally worth reading. What an ending!!!!!
spiringvenus's review
3.0
I listened to this book via BBC’s full cast dramatization. I enjoyed it! I think the problem is that when it’s shortened it feels more like a war/spy novel than a romance. Interesting break from my typical reads.