The Inheritance of Loss - Kiran Desai
From what I had heard of it, it sounded a brilliant work. And it had won the prestigious Booker Prize, of course. The media had heaped enormous praises on it (though I would like to know whether these commendations are given or after the announcement of the prize, in general). But I have come to the sad conclusion that these award winning compositions are not my cup of tea. I wasn't impressed with 'The God of Small Things', and found 'The Impressionist' quite trying.
'The Inheritance of Loss' was ok, but I did not particularly like it. I like stories that take a direction, and this one does not seem to move anywhere to me. It is a continuing tale of pathetic life, dysfunctional families, caricatures of ill-placed, ill-timed grandeur that belongs to the past. No single character is rational in his or her behavior. There is no spirit, no strength of character. The past is blemished, the present is chaotic, the future is bleak. Certainly not an uplifting story.
But this is my impression, or rather my preference (A little while ago a friend said I am a tough one to please ;-)]. It has been acknowledged as a remarkable example of contemporary literature, and I would not like to discourage anyone from reading this.
From what I had heard of it, it sounded a brilliant work. And it had won the prestigious Booker Prize, of course. The media had heaped enormous praises on it (though I would like to know whether these commendations are given or after the announcement of the prize, in general). But I have come to the sad conclusion that these award winning compositions are not my cup of tea. I wasn't impressed with 'The God of Small Things', and found 'The Impressionist' quite trying.
'The Inheritance of Loss' was ok, but I did not particularly like it. I like stories that take a direction, and this one does not seem to move anywhere to me. It is a continuing tale of pathetic life, dysfunctional families, caricatures of ill-placed, ill-timed grandeur that belongs to the past. No single character is rational in his or her behavior. There is no spirit, no strength of character. The past is blemished, the present is chaotic, the future is bleak. Certainly not an uplifting story.
But this is my impression, or rather my preference (A little while ago a friend said I am a tough one to please ;-)]. It has been acknowledged as a remarkable example of contemporary literature, and I would not like to discourage anyone from reading this.
6 comments:
I wait for a day and i get a review for a new book.great. But I loved the god of small things, I agree that story didnt have a direction either, but the way those words spell the magic on u is quite addictive, u cant help but wonder abt the new dimension of the meaning they show. well as u said may be it is a preference.
And answer to your question on my blog. Yes, I've moved my old wordpress.com blog to my own domain. The old blog wont be updated anymore.
nice work
You already discouraged one... ;) Anyhow, I was so inclined to engage on that reading; prefer to stick to Roth! Ageing... ;))
Loved to see your painting and, though I prefer blues, found the colours quite nice!
Have a great weekend!
Blogtrotter
will check this book out..am reading Bill Bryson - The Lost Continent..quite like his style
not so inclined...
I meant!
Everything OK?
Have a great weekend!
Blogtrotter
@Maverick: Hmmm ... may be. Well, with GoST, one of the problems I had was with style. But then, it was almost 10 years ago :-)
@Friendly Nextdoor Guy: Thanks for dropping by. Keep checking :-)
@GMG: I was sorry for a time, when I read your first comment :-) Havent come across Roth.
Ya, everything fine. Just been swamped under a lot of work :-(
@Backpakker: Thanks for coming, though I havent been visiting blogs I like to read, for a while now, due to so many reasons.
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