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| Lamb |
Christopher Moore
Supposedly a comedic re-imagining of the gospels, but I'd argue that there's really not that much actually re-imagined. I was going to write a long ranting review of this book, but I just cannot muster the energy. Just for starters, there is an incredibly infuriating rape scene. Plus, your typical rank misogyny and racism. I am so over comedy that seeks to uphold and reinforce existing systems of privilege rather than help dismantle them.
The Good Muslim
Tahmima Anam
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| The Good Muslim |
There was nothing really terrible about this book, and I know a lot of people have really liked it, but it just wasn't for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and there wasn't really much going on plot-wise, until the rushed-feeling climax. It kind of reminded me of Thrity Umrigar - lots of internal dialogue, focus on female characters, South Asian setting. Unfortunately, I'm not really much of a fan of hers, either - but if you are, maybe this book is for you. I didn't realize that it is actually the second in a series, so perhaps reading A Golden Age before this one would have at least helped me appreciate the characters a bit more.
(On a side not, when Zaid goes to the madrasa, it reminded me of clients who think their driving on a suspended license charge is no big deal, until they get sent to jail. It's like, wow, this is NOT GOOD.)
The Sense of an Ending*
Julian Barnes
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| The Sense of an Ending |
*Sent to me by the publisher
Have you read any of these? Think I've got it all wrong about your favorite book? Feel free to tell me about it :-)
3 comments:
I had the same reaction to The Good Muslim. I just couldn't get into it and connect with the characters. Then I read A Golden Age and it all made much more sense. A Golden Age is a very good book, and I wish I'd read them in order.
The Christopher Moore book sounds seriously frustrating. Ugh.
I LOVED The Sense of an Ending. It seems to be one of those books that people either love or just don't care about, though. I was pretty taken by it.
The Good Muslim sounds like a book I'd enjoy, even though it didn't work for you and Heather. Is A Golden Age the prequel? Maybe I'll add that to my list instead.
I had to smile about your comment about clients who don't think driving while suspended is a big deal until they end up in jail. As a police officer's wife, I can relate. He finds people driving while suspended who've already been caught 5 or 6 times. Yet they always seem surprised that they get arrested. What's up with that?
@Heather: I probably should have read A Golden Age First, but I didn't even realize The Good Muslim wasn't a stand alone novel.
@Stephanie Ward: Yes, The Golden Age is a prequel. Oops.
And I have no idea why people don't think driving on a suspended is a big deal! It's a crime (at least where I am)! Don't do it!
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