dipanwita's review against another edition
May be i am not ready for this big commitment of a book . But i am sure that i might go back to this one . Maybe not now but someday .
chyneyee's review against another edition
The first thing I wanted to point out is the excessive untranslated words in the book made it hard to follow the story.
Then, the introduction didn't clearly indicate the storyline's direction and the mixture of local slang and languages made it even harder to read. Occasionally I lost where the character was supposed to be and what was happening. I reread some passages more than once, and I feel very bumpy with the flow of the story.
I stopped reading after only completing 6% of the book. I'm unsure whether I lost my interest or I'm frustrated that I don't know what is going on, as if something is wrong with my understanding ability. At this stage, the story seems to go back to Ganesh, narrating his life, and another character Paritosh Shah is introduced. I have no idea who he is, even though I tried to go back several pages to find out who this new character is. I don't understand why Sartaj's life suddenly jumps to Ganesh narrating his life before his confrontation with the police.
I stopped reading after only completing 6% of the book. I'm unsure whether I lost my interest or I'm frustrated that I don't know what is going on, as if something is wrong with my understanding ability. At this stage, the story seems to go back to Ganesh, narrating his life, and another character Paritosh Shah is introduced. I have no idea who he is, even though I tried to go back several pages to find out who this new character is. I don't understand why Sartaj's life suddenly jumps to Ganesh narrating his life before his confrontation with the police.
It's time to give up. I have to let go. It's pointless to continue if I keep reading in a lost state.
kaliaddy's review against another edition
2.0
Got all the way to page 525 and decided I really wasn’t too invested in any of the characters. I felt like I was forcing myself through it. It had a strong start, though, and had me going for a while (so 2 stars instead of 1). But after a while it was too repetitive (crime, violence, police shenanigans, inset of semi-related story, repeat) and I just didn’t care. So I skimmed the last 400+ pages for dialogue and read some summaries online. Probably saved myself another 2 months of forced struggle. And I’m saying this as someone who read the unabridged Les Miserables coming in at 1300+ pages, so if I’m interested I *will* read an epic - no problem. This one just didn’t hold my interest beyond the halfway mark.
fgaon's review against another edition
3.0
Yes, I finally got through the 900 pages! There were elements that I enjoyed about the book. The author developed the two main characters in a way that they were pretty believable. I just didn't love it. As well written as the book was, it didn't "sing" to me. I guess that I didn't care too much what happened to anybody, I cared more about finishing. Overall it was a well written interesting read but not one of my favorites.
tbsims's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting. very long. Characters were really interesting and view into india and crime was interesting.
soniek's review against another edition
5.0
Because I picked up this book after watching the Netflix series, I was a little biased as I read this book. I say bias because I wanted quick answers to questions left behind by the series. But the book is long! So, the best thing a reader should do is stop rushing to reach the end and find out about the climax. The best way to read this book is to relish each and every chapter because there are so many details and stories and sub-plots. Even when two characters speak about a third character, there's a beautiful story in it (which by the way was turned into a prominent character in the series!)
I'll admit that ever since I started reading this book, I have found Mumbai uglier and gloomier. Maybe that's because I always get deeply involved in the stories and characters. What I loved about this book is that the writer doesn't stop at the climax but goes ahead to wrap up the stories of most of the characters, he doesn't leave anyone unattended.
After A Suitable Boy, this is the 2nd book I've ever read where it feels as if I know the characters, and their memories will be with me as if I knew them personally.
I'll admit that ever since I started reading this book, I have found Mumbai uglier and gloomier. Maybe that's because I always get deeply involved in the stories and characters. What I loved about this book is that the writer doesn't stop at the climax but goes ahead to wrap up the stories of most of the characters, he doesn't leave anyone unattended.
After A Suitable Boy, this is the 2nd book I've ever read where it feels as if I know the characters, and their memories will be with me as if I knew them personally.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
Took me a week to read this book but was totally worth it! The Indian culture and language is so interesting and intriguing although thought the ending could have been a bit better.
toddtyrtle's review against another edition
4.0
What an interesting experience to meet unlikeable characters and yet still care what happens to them. Really enjoyed this book and am sad it is over.
Fascinated to see the changes made for the Netflix series. Some huge differences that make me wonder who made the decisions and why.
Fascinated to see the changes made for the Netflix series. Some huge differences that make me wonder who made the decisions and why.
robgreig's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5