cleoausten's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookmarkonthewall's review
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
mariasmusings's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Death of a Lesser God is the fourth book in the entertaining 'Malabar House' series by Vaseem Khan.
And, this book provides readers with the very welcome opportunity to return to Bombay in 1950.
Our protoganist is one Inspector Persis Wadia, and as India's first female detective, Persis encounters hostility on a regular basis and I love her strength and resistance in how she constantly strives to solve her cases and not succumb to the pressure of higher authorities.
This time around, the tagline posts an intriguing query, "Can a white man receive justice in post-colonial India?". For decades, a person of colour would have been highly unlikely to receive justice but now, in the post-Raj era, society in India has changed and James Whitby has been sentenced to death, for the murder of activist Fareed Mazumdar. Whitby's father is a
arch-colonialist, and uses his influence to force a review of the original investigation. Persis is assigned and inds herself in the middle of a high-profile, highly-charged case, where suspicions and enemies everywhere she turns.
With pressure building, Persis will find her judgement being questioned and ultimately her life is at risk as she fights for justice.
Death of a Lesser God is a complex story, where moralistic dilemmas and the intricate Indian politics create a unique environment that is a must-read.
Also, while it's not at all necessary to have read the previous three novels in the series, I would recommend that you do so, for the sheer joy of the storytelling.
I'm excited for the next adventure for Persis!
And, this book provides readers with the very welcome opportunity to return to Bombay in 1950.
Our protoganist is one Inspector Persis Wadia, and as India's first female detective, Persis encounters hostility on a regular basis and I love her strength and resistance in how she constantly strives to solve her cases and not succumb to the pressure of higher authorities.
This time around, the tagline posts an intriguing query, "Can a white man receive justice in post-colonial India?". For decades, a person of colour would have been highly unlikely to receive justice but now, in the post-Raj era, society in India has changed and James Whitby has been sentenced to death, for the murder of activist Fareed Mazumdar. Whitby's father is a
arch-colonialist, and uses his influence to force a review of the original investigation. Persis is assigned and inds herself in the middle of a high-profile, highly-charged case, where suspicions and enemies everywhere she turns.
With pressure building, Persis will find her judgement being questioned and ultimately her life is at risk as she fights for justice.
Death of a Lesser God is a complex story, where moralistic dilemmas and the intricate Indian politics create a unique environment that is a must-read.
Also, while it's not at all necessary to have read the previous three novels in the series, I would recommend that you do so, for the sheer joy of the storytelling.
I'm excited for the next adventure for Persis!
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