I found this quite intriguing to read. Some chapters hit harder than others, for example the one told from the perspective of the dead friend. Some chI found this quite intriguing to read. Some chapters hit harder than others, for example the one told from the perspective of the dead friend. Some chapters felt disjointed, like the factory worker. But then I kept getting confused between switching from second person narratives to others. I don’t necessarily mind second person but I’m not sure it worked here. However, it’s a fascinating book that looks at a very tumultuous time in history in a distinctive way, glad I read it. ...more
It was a good book, one that - I think - successfully created a world in which Hitler won. There are predictable twists and turns, but even so, the wrIt was a good book, one that - I think - successfully created a world in which Hitler won. There are predictable twists and turns, but even so, the writing is engaging and creates a chilling perspective on what it would be like if the war had ended differently. Even more chilling when read in today's world, tbh....more
Women need to read this. Men need to read this. Essentially, humans (both men and women and not the accepted 'male' as a standard for human) need to rWomen need to read this. Men need to read this. Essentially, humans (both men and women and not the accepted 'male' as a standard for human) need to read this. ...more
Grim, funny, real, gritty. It's all this and more. I didn't really know much about this period of India's history, just the headlines - but this book Grim, funny, real, gritty. It's all this and more. I didn't really know much about this period of India's history, just the headlines - but this book was an eye-opener. By the end of the book, you will care - care deeply - about every single character. You'll laugh with them and cry with them. Fabulous....more
I did get lost in a few places, trying to keep up with what was happening. However, this detective story is actually very clever, and the concept - twI did get lost in a few places, trying to keep up with what was happening. However, this detective story is actually very clever, and the concept - two cities co-existing without acknowledging each other - is quite brilliant. The descriptions are enough to let you imagine this state of being, and I frequently got lost in my imagination of what it would be like.
I had sworn off reading books by this author many years ago after a DNF book, but I'm glad I picked this up. ...more
Reading it again after 9 years, I definitely liked it more this time around. I liked the weaving in between Japan and Canada, and there were many poigReading it again after 9 years, I definitely liked it more this time around. I liked the weaving in between Japan and Canada, and there were many poignant moments facing the main characters. Glad I gave it another go! ...more
I couldn't put this book down, even when I was crying as I read it. The depiction of early onset Alzheimer's disease was done through the narrative ofI couldn't put this book down, even when I was crying as I read it. The depiction of early onset Alzheimer's disease was done through the narrative of the character going through it... so it's a blurred perspective, perhaps even an inaccurate one in terms of the incidents going on around her, but it's all the more stronger for it. ...more
2025: DEFINITELY enjoyed this on the re-read. I think I appreciated its ecological thriller aspect a lot more. The writing is creepy in parts, and I r2025: DEFINITELY enjoyed this on the re-read. I think I appreciated its ecological thriller aspect a lot more. The writing is creepy in parts, and I read a particularly climactic scene at night with just a little reading light, and it affected me even more! I am definitely curious on this read to continue to explore the remaining books.
2014 review: Creepy book, which I suppose was its aim, but mired in riddles which don't have much of a conclusion. I was fairly frustrated by the end....more
It was great to read a book where something happens outside of the usual American or British settings. Bringing in Nigerian culture and language togetIt was great to read a book where something happens outside of the usual American or British settings. Bringing in Nigerian culture and language together with aliens, great to see it. While the writing picks up towards the end, there is something almost jarring or stilted about the writing, which made it hard to get into at first. The characters' development seemed...random, and just not explained enough IMO. Having said that, it was an interesting read....more
Loading...
