Loved it

I nearly didn't buy this because of the negative reviews and because listening to the brief sample the narrator did sound a bit flat. I'm so glad I did though as after a short time listening I was mesmerised. The narrator's style just takes a little time to get used to but is actually very appropriate and effective once you settle into it.
I loved this story and will definitely read more by this author.

2 people found this helpful

High quality writing, low emotions

The writing was excellent, but I would really like to ask the author if she could please just let some of her characters have a few moments of happiness, just once! All the major and minor characters seem to move between states of loneliness, grief and guilt with barely a glimpse of joy in between. It makes it difficult to enjoy the story, despite the quality narration by Sunil Malhotra.

starts off slow but give it time.....

diverse and moving the story expands and unfolds as it introduces new characters and new perspectives.

Flat and depressing

Any additional comments?

I should start by saying that i listened to the audiobook version of this book and add that i don't normally listen to this genre; i bought this in a half-price sale.I have to say that i found this book quite tedious, as well as depressing. The story and characters were quite flat and much of it was done in 3rd person, which detracted from the story in my opinion.It picked-up a bit towards the end and there was opportunity for the interest level to go up, but the author simply skipped the plot with a few throw-away lines.I have never stopped listening to a book part-way through, as there is always the hope that thinga will improve later-on. I came quite close with this one though.

An interesting story, irritatingly read.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I enjoyed the story and found the cultural backdrop fascinating. I did not like the American narrator and hoped rather for a more Indian or English voice. I found his pronunciation difficult at times to follow and irritating too.

What did you like best about this story?

The history of recent times in India was fascinating set against the traditions that were in such as state of flux.

Would you be willing to try another one of Sunil Malhotra’s performances?

No

Any additional comments?

The characters were on the whole rather unsympathetic, an d so it is difficult to love a book where you find it hard to care what happens to the main characters.

A big disappointment

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

Maybe would appeal to people who have not read any literature set in India

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I think I am going to give up on this book

What didn’t you like about Sunil Malhotra’s performance?

Very wooden and mechanical

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

I cannot understand why this book was nominated for a Booker