Genre: Fiction
Dan Brown's name is all over this book. The entire book is a 24-hour mystery/thriller, just like the earlier tales in this series. Robert Langdon wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how he got there, and as he begins to understand what is happening, he begins to learn more about the dangerous event that is about to occur. A series of events begin to unfold quickly right away on the opening page.
I enjoyed the book, just like Robert Langdon's earlier adventures. I initially found it a little frustrating when each and every particular of the many Italian tourist destinations was mentioned. Sometimes it felt like reading a brochure since some were so descriptive. It's possible that the descriptions of numerous historical locations could have been slightly condensed.
But the suspense never ends. The plot takes several unexpected turns as it continues, which keeps you turning the pages. As previously said, the tale moves quickly, and Dan Brown's storytelling is as superb as ever. Altogether an excellent read.
Purchased from: Amazon, Kindle
Genre: Fiction
A deserving recipient of the Booker Prize in 2021. A white South African farming family's life is followed in The Promise during the years before and during apartheid. Salome, a black maid who has worked for the family for many years, resides in the house on the family's property. The family's mother, Rachel, requests on her deathbed that Salome is given this house, and Manie, Rachel's husband, makes a commitment to do so but later breaks it.
The story revolves around the deaths of Anton, Astrid, and Amor, three of the family's children, and how they failed to recognize and keep their promise to their parents. Amor, the youngest of the daughters, however, exercises some conscience by alerting her parents and siblings of this transgression of Salome's rights and the mother's will.
But for me, the novel's greatest strength and distinguishing feature is the narrative perspective, which deftly switches registers among the various Swart family members. However, as readers, we become entangled and nearly imprisoned in this white South African perspective and voice, which eventually resembles a cross-generational, collective consciousness. This story brilliantly captures and conveys the expected everyday racism and white privilege. Because it is so commonplace and mundane, it becomes somewhat unnerving. Galgut brutally and occasionally amusingly exposes these folks and their narrow-minded worldviews. Galgut points here that, to me, goes beyond simply showcasing his mastery of narrative technique. Instead, he uses it to make significant socio-political observations and critiques without explicitly hammering home the argument or message. The privileged white South African perspective is wonderfully revealed by this narrative's fluid shifting of consciousness. This group's voice is absolutely damning.
A brilliant and subtle work.
Purchased from: Amazon, Kindle
Genre: Fiction
The stories in the book:
Though the reader is left wondering what happened to Ravi after he was brought to a temple for faith healing, RK Narayan's narration is masterful.
The first novel that R.K. Narayan wrote isn't autobiographical and is, thus, a good read. The story revolves around failings in the organized banking industry and the shady world of money lenders. The plot has many ups and downs and captivates your interest. You pause after the climax to consider where the protagonist belongs exactly. Overall, a compelling and interesting read.
This book was fun to read without being overly profound or iconoclastic, in my opinion. I'm unsure if it accurately depicts all of India (or just a portion of it). Still, I'll be curious to read other Indian writers' perspectives on their nation and civilization. If I had to sum up the author's voice and mannerisms. It is adorable!
Another outstanding work by R.K. Narayan. The plot departs significantly from his more well-known works. But what distinguishes this book from others is how sensitively the author examines various facets of civilization as seen through a tiger's eyes. Excellent reading.
Purchase from: Amazon
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