A book I enjoyed much more when also listening to the audio version as well as reading David Collard's reading guide. A book I enjoyed much more when also listening to the audio version as well as reading David Collard's reading guide. ...more
The effect of the novel is strange. The prose style is distinctive but hard to pin down – both sparse (with most action taking place off stage, short The effect of the novel is strange. The prose style is distinctive but hard to pin down – both sparse (with most action taking place off stage, short sentences, dialogue without speech marks or attribution, rapid listings of historical or political developments) and descriptive (almost overwroughtly lyrical and at times close to clichéd).
The novel has a strong start which seems to take the book into Rushdie territory (two twins with different outlooks on life seemingly as a metaphor for India’s decision whether to turn East or West/Left or Right) but then largely drops this after Udayan’ death.
Similarly we feel that we only really get to know the characters (especially Guari and Bella) and their motivations, and hear Udayan’s voice in the closing section of the book.
The main part of the book is much more of a typical arty American book set in Academia with little happening other than the usual dramas. The overall effect though is much greater than the sum of the parts....more
Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer
>
Books:
2014-baileys-shortlist
(3)
Loading...
