georgiaedwards1's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
emmavsuijlekom's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
rebeccatc's review against another edition
3.0
Forster seems to be trying to expose the faults and prejudices of British colonialism, but he writes about his Indian characters with so much stereotyping that it's hard to take it seriously. Also, the story, such that there was, dragged.
muftarova's review against another edition
4.0
A really good read. The author's use of language is almost unforgivable! He writes beautifully and satirically, his use of imagery is magnificent! His characters are developed in such a way that makes you feel like you actually know and met them personally, and its one of the best things about this book. Every character has their faults and qualities, they are all imperfectly human. At first glance this book wouldn't catch my eye, but im very glad i read it. It is an insight of India, its traditions, religions and people that lived there a few centuries ago. The clash between the English as "ocupators" of India, the Indians themselves and some that felt that they belonged to neither of the two is the main theme in this book (as far as i could capture it) but it is also the question of human understanding and relationships based on the beliefs, viewpoints and ways of life that they practice, and whether these things can be boundaries between men.
niharm_1368's review against another edition
3.0
It is a slog to read through Mosque and half of Cave. It is only after Aziz is thrown in jail the novel picks up pace. However, all scenes and events after Aziz's victory seem dragged out, unnecessarily filled with detail.
The writing style, despite being quite rich with analytic content (including the dull detailing), is quite boring, snatching away any sense of emotional connection to the events or characters. The story, despite being a strong one, is wasted by the language. This is however, a purely personal opinion.
Edit: Updating to 3 (3.5) stars from 2, because I re-read it for exam purposes. While I still feel that most of the novel is dragged out, I realised that I enjoyed the humour of Forster's language, even if it dragged the pacing. Plus, I find his portrayal of India (as an Indian) to be quite accurate, even if it is because he displays his recognition of the subjectivity of different perspectives.
The writing style, despite being quite rich with analytic content (including the dull detailing), is quite boring, snatching away any sense of emotional connection to the events or characters. The story, despite being a strong one, is wasted by the language. This is however, a purely personal opinion.
Edit: Updating to 3 (3.5) stars from 2, because I re-read it for exam purposes. While I still feel that most of the novel is dragged out, I realised that I enjoyed the humour of Forster's language, even if it dragged the pacing. Plus, I find his portrayal of India (as an Indian) to be quite accurate, even if it is because he displays his recognition of the subjectivity of different perspectives.
willyearamirez's review against another edition
3.0
Tengo opiniones contradictorias al mismo tiempo sobre esta novela, por un lado incomprensible a veces, por el otro absolutamente genial.
"Boum, Boum, Boum".
"Come, Come, Come".
"Boum, Boum, Boum".
"Come, Come, Come".
blakehalsey's review against another edition
4.0
This book in an amazing read, especially for anyone interested in inter-religious and inter-ethnic dialogue. The relationships between the Indians and the English are full of strain and compassion, fear and hope. It is very telling and useful for our own times.
bibliotequeish's review against another edition
2.0
In short, A passage to India tells the story of a British Magistrate and his family living in British ruled India.
And a Doctor who will later regret suggesting a visit to some caves.
The long version, is steeped with racism, power and a whole lot of jumping to conclusions.
I understand the educational benefits from reading this book.
I understand the important conversations that are a result of reading and discussing this book.
But when you peel back the layers of symbolism and lessons ... it's not a great story.
I can't like a book just because it's important.
I just wish I had enjoyed this story more.
And a Doctor who will later regret suggesting a visit to some caves.
The long version, is steeped with racism, power and a whole lot of jumping to conclusions.
I understand the educational benefits from reading this book.
I understand the important conversations that are a result of reading and discussing this book.
But when you peel back the layers of symbolism and lessons ... it's not a great story.
I can't like a book just because it's important.
I just wish I had enjoyed this story more.
crabbyabbe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
My feelings about this book were all over the place. Forster's writing is gorgeous as usual, but I had a difficult time caring about any of these characters, British or Indian. The motives behind the characters' actions were vague and noncommittal. The so-called exotic atmosphere was tainted--similar in a way to Joyce's “Araby“. I walked away unenlightened and depressed.
rissaleighs's review against another edition
4.0
It took awhile to get into, but this was a really masterfully written book.