Reviews and Comments

A brilliant and dark story of a fictional patriarchal society that envelops the fears of 1980s youth alongside the dangers of fundamentalism. Brilliantly written throughout, but let down by the last chapter, which really did not need to appear in the book and offers nothing.

This book is a series of narrative paintings, asking the reader to wait patiently and explore instead of guiding them (to the lighthouse). Unfortunately, I found the first half too stodgy to read (although I understand the perceived difficulties) - the second and third sections are brilliant.

An outstanding portrayal of control and adversity, and freedom of choice as it was perceived from one end of the 20th Century to the other.

Outstanding work by an author who can't put a foot wrong. Beautifully constructed, the novel meanders through ideas on ownership, gender, and the oversimplification of the east/west divide magnificently. A deep-thinking novel cleverly executed in the vein of Kafka.

My name is black. I am Red. I, Shekure. All things appear equal in the eyes of Allah.



A beautiful painting in a book. A medium transcribed, with the visions of the story from all angles portrayed through the individual perspectives of each chapter/painting. A subtle and intelligent murder mystery, a romantic tale, a classic, told through the eyes of portraits in a way that contorts the reader and makes them re-think everything they could know about art and perspective. Absolutely spectacular.

1) I like short stories to interweave with a common thread/theme a-la Le Fanu. This book does not do that, so I struggled a little.



2) Some of the stories are great, or have great sections (The Birds is chilling, Monte Verida has some wonderful descriptions of the joy of climbing a mountain) but most are pockmarked with poor sections.



So in summary: A flawed book this definitely is, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Marvellously written, and deeply moving. This story, a telling of a day of a gulag prisoner's life, will make you re-evaluate the idea of happiness and a good day. Brilliant throughout, with humour despite the dark content.

A poetic, musical masterpiece of a book. A slip-road of wonder and engrossment that manages to be poignant, funny and lyrical simultaneously. Must-read.

A journey in a novel, twisting and winding and ultimately trudging toward an inevitable conclusion. My brother describe it as "the only book I have ever read that requires two bookmarks", and this is pretty apt. Great fun.

A dark and haunting portrayal of the dust-bowl era in America, with strong character arcs and a thoroughly engaging story. A real classic.