Book Reviews – suhrid.net

December 21, 2024December 21, 2024

Book Review – The Vegetarian

A book that’s been very much in the news lately because it’s author Han Kang won the 2024 Nobel Prize for Literature. ‘The Vegetarian’ is a short immensely readable book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a powerful take on what society deems as normal and what it considers deviant. A story with women as central characters who deal with crushing expectations that fuel their growing rebellions. The setting in Korean society offers a glimpse into a cultural milieu that we are not often exposed to. Highly recommended.

December 19, 2020

The Things They Carried – Book Review

Tim O’Brien recounts his experience of the Vietnam war in this book. The focus of the book is on author’s personal journey through the war and how he remembers it. Not only is it a visceral tale of the raw experiences of war, but also a deep look back on his relationships with his fellow soldiers. O’Brien speaks to the power of stories – laying emphasis on how one remembers events somehow blurs the lines between the actual happening and the recollection of it. A powerful, sobering read – highly recommended.

September 24, 2020

The God of Small Things – Book Review

I’ve been wanting to read this for quite a while and I’m glad that I finally did. The plot in itself is not the stand-out element, but it’s all the other things that revolve around it. For one the angry, visceral rants are some of the best parts. These range from the petty mindedness of society and people to the crass effects of tourism. Beautiful descriptions of Kerala are almost lyrical. If you’ve ever been to Kerala this will be sure to resonate. The description of Kathakali is perhaps among the most powerful pieces of writing in the book. Strong characters, scything commentary and tight writing make this an easy recommendation. I, for the most part read along with the Audible version. The narration has got the pronunciations spot on and greatly enhances the reading experience.