cathodg's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled with this book. I really wanted to love it. I really liked the premise of it and there are many little stories within it that definitely captured me but overall I felt detached. I didn’t care and I find that very difficult when reading a book.
I know a little about Indian religions but I feel that maybe had I known more about the stories of Vishnu and Krishna, if I understood the beliefs about avatars more then maybe I would have connected better with the characters and the story.
The book is written in two parts, the first half is set in India and the second in America. I definitely preferred the time in India. I felt like I was learning something through the stories and felt the characters had real depth to them. The time in America felt a little rough. It’s probably about a 3rd of the overall story and it felt rushed. Kalki’s revelations, his spiral away from the world of the ashram, the confrontations with his father, it all feels incredibly rushed.
After reading the final pages of this book I felt let down. I’m glad I saw it through but I feel there was so much more potential to the book than was realised.
I know a little about Indian religions but I feel that maybe had I known more about the stories of Vishnu and Krishna, if I understood the beliefs about avatars more then maybe I would have connected better with the characters and the story.
The book is written in two parts, the first half is set in India and the second in America. I definitely preferred the time in India. I felt like I was learning something through the stories and felt the characters had real depth to them. The time in America felt a little rough. It’s probably about a 3rd of the overall story and it felt rushed. Kalki’s revelations, his spiral away from the world of the ashram, the confrontations with his father, it all feels incredibly rushed.
After reading the final pages of this book I felt let down. I’m glad I saw it through but I feel there was so much more potential to the book than was realised.
sromanwhite's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
yetanothersusan's review against another edition
4.25
Kalki Sami is the 10th incarnation of Vishnu. He is a god. He is also 9, turning 10, at the start of this book. Probably not the emotions the author was intending, but I was overwhelmed with sadness for the young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and contempt for his horribly abusive father. I cringed thinking about the mental abuse of telling a boy he can save the world, actually save it! I knew going in there would be no completely happy ending to this book. It just made me hold on stronger and hope for the young boy as the story follows him growing up and confronting the lie he was living. Surprisingly, though, the story is still uplifting and there are spots of joy and happiness. Rare to find a book that can devastate you and still leave you feeling better after reading them!
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
ktxx22's review against another edition
3.0
I thought for sure this book would be one I adore, but really it’s just alright. It’s mostly an exploration of religion, gurus, nationality, race, etc. this had also a really far fetched connection to the blue skinned folks of Appalachia and I was not a fan of that at all. I did enjoy the family dynamics and religious lore.
leotrina's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
alittlebithopeful's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
puglord's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
heidifuglevand's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was really interested in the concept of this book, however I found it boring. I wish I would have quit and not finished. Two flash forwards intrigued me which made me finish. The book is sad and very little hope or happiness for any of the characters.
chaotic17's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0