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Suswatibasu (1702 KP) rated A Brief History of Seven Killings in Books

Jan 3, 2018  
A Brief History of Seven Killings
A Brief History of Seven Killings
Marlon James | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Requires background context, interesting but slow
No doubt, Marlon James' epic novel is well-researched, capturing the mood of 1970's Jamaica, at the height of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley. However, at times it seemed laborious as there were many distinct voices, some of which appeared unwarranted.

Earlier sections set in Jamaica were stronger as there was more of a sense of purpose and structure. But James's emphasis on dragging out scenes and repeating dialogue ended up losing dynamism.

It's a complex tale, painstakingly detailed which is why it deserves such lavish praise. But it definitely is an acquired taste, and requires concentration.
  
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Suswatibasu (1702 KP) rated Swing Time in Books

Jul 24, 2017  
Swing Time
Swing Time
Zadie Smith | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Soul-moving realism
This is probably my favourite Zadie Smith novel, deeply touching with characters bursting to life out of the pages. Hitting on themes of racial identity and pop culture, it is a brilliant contemporary take on what young adults are currently experiencing. From cultural appropriation to the effects of globalisation all summed up in the relationship of one young woman and her peers.

Her relationship with her mother is one of generational divide while with her friend Tracy is one of class divide. The protagonist's character is the epitome of confusion and attempting to find a place in the world. Well worth the praise.
  
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Suswatibasu (1702 KP) rated My Brilliant Friend in Books

Jul 27, 2017  
My Brilliant Friend
My Brilliant Friend
Elena Ferrante | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
5
3.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well written but repetitive and boring
I heard a lot of high praise for this series but I have to admit I was quite disappointed. The lives of the two protagonists Lena and Lila just seemed so shallow and contrived based around the confines of poverty. While it started off remotely interesting, it was far too long to keep up. Their friendship is a constant battle between love and rivalry - which could have been summed up in half the time. And their constant need for male affection was rather aggravating. It has the same premise like Zadie Smith in terms of writing but that's it.