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<book id="54149">
  <title><![CDATA[The Mystic Masseur]]></title>
  <isbn><![CDATA[0330487124]]></isbn>
  <isbn13><![CDATA[9780330487122]]></isbn13>
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  <original_publication_year type="integer">1957</original_publication_year>
  <original_title>The Mystic Masseur</original_title>
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  <average_rating><![CDATA[3.51]]></average_rating>
  <ratings_count><![CDATA[257]]></ratings_count>
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  <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur]]></url>
  <authors>
        <author id="3989">
      <name><![CDATA[V.S. Naipaul]]></name>
      <role><![CDATA[]]></role>
      <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3989.V_S_Naipaul]]></url>
      <average_rating><![CDATA[3.62]]></average_rating>
      <ratings_count><![CDATA[5913]]></ratings_count>
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    <review id="2969689">
    <user id="26511">
    <name><![CDATA[Montambo]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Portland, OR]]></location>        
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
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    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>1</votes>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Jul 12 00:34:28 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Thu Aug 16 15:07:40 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I don't know about this guy. His charicterization and dialogue are great and he's very funny.  I laughed out loud many times.  I love the dynamic of the main character and his wife.<br/><br/>What I hesistate over is the actual plot.  The last third of the book was dry and didn't feel like the firs...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2969689">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2969689]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="43215525">
    <user id="1918021">
    <name><![CDATA[Sht1397]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Madras, 25, India]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1918021-sht1397]]></url>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
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    <rating>4</rating>
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  <read_at>Mon Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Jan 16 00:10:14 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Jan 16 00:26:19 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Rating<br/>This is charming novel and the first work by V.S Naipaul who was awarded the Nobel Prize for this book. Moreover, the movies was filmed in Trinidad and was released in 2001. It will be interesting to watch the movie too. I was impressed by Ganesh's success later in the novel<br/><br/>R...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/43215525">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/43215525]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="41362241">
    <user id="764994">
    <name><![CDATA[Rick]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Brooklyn, NY]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/764994-rick]]></url>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
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    <rating>2</rating>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Tue Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Dec 30 20:29:06 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Dec 30 20:31:04 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This is Naipaul’s first novel, published in 1957, an amusing, if snarky, little satire on life in the Hindu community of Trinidad. The comedy in the novel is in the contrast between the island’s backwater reality and its pretensions to quality. The protagonist is one Ganesh Ramsumair, the best e...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41362241">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/41362241]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="61314270">
    <user id="2409628">
    <name><![CDATA[Aaron]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Iselin, NJ]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2409628-aaron-becker]]></url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
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    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Fri Jul 03 00:00:00 -0700 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Sat Jun 27 14:18:58 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Jul 04 12:39:34 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[The Mystic Masseur is more subtle in its social criticism than I had come to expect from Naipaul's semi-autobiographical works and collected essays. The author does not break narrative to make explicit commentary about Indian culture in Trinidad, but the characters that populate this novel represent...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/61314270">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/61314270]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="37272976">
    <user id="114833">
    <name><![CDATA[Ero]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[New York, NY]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/114833-ero]]></url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
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    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>1</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Nov 09 00:00:00 -0800 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Nov 09 15:17:05 -0800 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Nov 09 15:19:28 -0800 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Wonderfully written, with a dickensian flair for satire. At the end however I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth-- it's clear that the author didn't really like any of his characters very much. No hope for redemption. Understanding without empathy-- just exceedingly skilled mockery. Sort of a ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/37272976">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/37272976]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="2587565">
    <user id="128745">
    <name><![CDATA[Marie]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States Minor Outlying Islands]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/128745-marie-sweeney]]></url>
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    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>1</votes>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Jul 01 07:02:37 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sat Jul 07 07:04:25 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[The dialogue is so hilarious and the language so endearing that I kept finding myself reading it outloud or wishing someone was reading it to me. I wanted to know more about every character, couldn't wait to spy on them again and find out what they would say or do next. Did I mention I LOVED the cha...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2587565">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2587565]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="46554124">
    <user id="1635374">
    <name><![CDATA[Chris]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[60631-435]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1635374-chris]]></url>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
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    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Feb 16 14:37:24 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Mar 04 10:57:37 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I needed a book to read on the el as i rode down to the Metra board meeting the other day, and <em>Gravity's Rainbow</em> would not, under any circumstances, fit in my pocket, so i brought this book, recently purchased at Half Price Books (Niles) along with me.<br/><br/>My sister is a dedicated detractor o...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/46554124">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/46554124]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="33923029">
    <user id="413412">
    <name><![CDATA[Jared]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Pittsburgh, PA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/413412-jared]]></url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
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</book>

    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008</read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Sep 26 15:18:19 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Sep 26 15:18:19 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This is one of those quirky little books that is in its own category.  This isn't to say that it is a masterpeice, but as a first novel, it definitely makes me want to read more from the author.<br/><br/>I loved the attempt at regional dialect, but it does conflict at times with the authors sense ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/33923029">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/33923029]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="18446472">
    <user id="1016363">
    <name><![CDATA[Sherri]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Jersey City, NJ]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1016363-sherri]]></url>
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  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
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    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Mar 23 12:00:27 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Mar 24 13:28:39 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I wanted to get a sense of life in Trinidad before our upcoming vacation in May 2008, and VS Naipul is one of Trinidad's famed author's. This tale follows the life and times of Ganesh Ramsumair from  his humble beginnings, to schoolteacher, to masseur - and well, I'm that far. He takes a wife, loses...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18446472">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/18446472]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="67744095">
    <user id="1297419">
    <name><![CDATA[Ted]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Canada]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1297419-ted-dettweiler]]></url>
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  <id type="integer">54150</id>
  <isbn>0140021566</isbn>
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  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174972262m/54150.jpg</image_url>
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</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Aug 17 00:00:00 -0700 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Aug 17 09:47:17 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Aug 17 09:52:58 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count>1</read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I love Naipaul's tragicomic style and all the satire.  As other reviewers have mentioned the first 2/3 of the book is the best part.  Weak ending.  Definitely read <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5849.A_House_for_Mr_Biswas" title="A House for Mr. Biswas by V.S. Naipaul">A House for Mr. Biswas</a> by same author.<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/67744095">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/67744095]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="43868503">
    <user id="1361282">
    <name><![CDATA[Laura]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1361282-laura]]></url>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
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      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Jan 21 17:37:37 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Jan 21 17:37:37 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[This book was a great read, and rather funny. Naipaul balances between humor and sincerity..between mysticism and reality. The book leaves you wondering and questioning the true nature of the main character.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/43868503]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="62198508">
    <user id="2195567">
    <name><![CDATA[Maria]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Cork, 07, Ireland]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2195567-maria]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1246751216p3/2195567.jpg]]></image>
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  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Sun Jul 05 07:34:54 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Sun Jul 05 10:03:55 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[It was rather enjoyable, easy to read once you get into reading the creole Nothing too taxing or revelatory. Funny and moves along quite nicely]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/62198508]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="75359440">
    <user id="2239289">
    <name><![CDATA[Scott]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Oklahoma City, OK]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2239289-scott]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1240252054p3/2239289.jpg]]></image>
  </user>
    <book>
  <id type="integer">2193607</id>
  <isbn>037570714X</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780375707148</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">10</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">2</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2193607.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Wed Nov 04 19:04:04 -0800 2009</read_at>
  <date_added>Thu Oct 22 07:00:26 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Nov 04 19:04:04 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[I've read two Naipaul books (one novel, one non-fiction) and his critically acclaimed 2008 biography by Patrick French.  Reading the latter made me want to read the Naipaul oeuvre in order.  That begins with this, his first book.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75359440]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="43087876">
    <user id="1912124">
    <name><![CDATA[Tasha]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Toronto, ON, Canada]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1912124-tasha]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto-F-111x148.jpg]]></image>
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  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>0</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Wed Jan 14 20:53:42 -0800 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Wed Jan 14 20:54:59 -0800 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Interesting title. Had good reviews. I may try it.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/43087876]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="540783">
    <user id="36773">
    <name><![CDATA[Aaron]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Atlanta, GA]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/36773-aaron]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1175868065p3/36773.jpg]]></image>
  </user>
    <book>
  <id type="integer">54150</id>
  <isbn>0140021566</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780140021561</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">29</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">7</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174972262m/54150.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54150.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2004</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Apr 02 20:00:28 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Apr 02 20:04:32 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[An excellent first novel by Trinidad's nation treasure, you can see him exploring the tragicomic writing style and thematic elements that would be more fully fleshed out in his later novels in this slim book. It's a good introduction to his work, but pales in comparison to a book like &quot;A House ...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/540783">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/540783]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="54145620">
    <user id="254731">
    <name><![CDATA[Fatima]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[The United States]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/254731-fatima]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1241359323p3/254731.jpg]]></image>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>2</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
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      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Apr 27 12:39:28 -0700 2009</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Apr 27 12:39:28 -0700 2009</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Not my fave.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/54145620]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="11182124">
    <user id="363113">
    <name><![CDATA[Greg]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Littleton, CO]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/363113-greg]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1191469018p3/363113.jpg]]></image>
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    <book>
  <id type="integer">2193607</id>
  <isbn>037570714X</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780375707148</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">10</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">2</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2193607.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Fri Dec 28 16:24:34 -0800 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Fri Dec 28 16:24:40 -0800 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Good writer, developed great characters.  The story of Ganesh Ramsumair in Trinidad which is at times very humorous and colorful but there is a lot more.  I got the impression that V.S. Naipaul hates his own people (Indians/Hindus) or that he holds them in some sort of contempt.  The book is a criti...<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/11182124">more...</a>]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/11182124]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="8149640">
    <user id="145110">
    <name><![CDATA[Ginni]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[Flagstaff, AZ]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/145110-ginni]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1194405442p3/145110.jpg]]></image>
  </user>
    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>3</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Oct 23 16:28:16 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Oct 23 16:28:16 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Sometimes I wish something would happen in VS Naipal books.  In Half a Life and a Bend in the River there were a few great moments to go with his great writing style.  This book had great dialogue and style, too but nothing ever really happened.  Maybe I'm just too &quot;western&quot; to get it.  ]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8149640]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="33594341">
    <user id="1556282">
    <name><![CDATA[Amit]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[India]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1556282-amit]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto-U-111x148.jpg]]></image>
  </user>
    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at></read_at>
  <date_added>Tue Sep 23 04:54:31 -0700 2008</date_added>
  <date_updated>Tue Sep 23 04:55:25 -0700 2008</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Another good novel from Naipaul after 'A house for Mr.Biswas'. Very funny...specially the way characters 'speak' the English language.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/33594341]]></url>
</review>
    <review id="6725713">
    <user id="140580">
    <name><![CDATA[Marianita]]></name>
    <location><![CDATA[DF, Mexico]]></location>        
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/140580-marianita]]></url>
    <image><![CDATA[http://photo.goodreads.com/users/1195368208p3/140580.jpg]]></image>
  </user>
    <book>
  <id type="integer">54149</id>
  <isbn>0330487124</isbn>
  <isbn13>9780330487122</isbn13>
  <ratings_count type="integer">257</ratings_count>
  <text_reviews_count type="integer">20</text_reviews_count>
  <title>The Mystic Masseur</title>
  <average_rating>3.51</average_rating>
  <image_url>http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170436985m/54149.jpg</image_url>
  <link>http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54149.The_Mystic_Masseur</link>
</book>

    <rating>4</rating>
  <votes>0</votes>
  <spoiler_flag>false</spoiler_flag>
  <shelves>
      </shelves>
  <recommended_for><![CDATA[]]></recommended_for>
  <recommended_by><![CDATA[]]></recommended_by>
  <read_at>Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2007</read_at>
  <date_added>Mon Sep 24 15:28:22 -0700 2007</date_added>
  <date_updated>Mon Sep 24 15:31:29 -0700 2007</date_updated>
  <read_count></read_count>
    <body><![CDATA[Me pareció un gran libro. Esas partecitas donde la mujer cocina el arroz o el chico que ve la nube son gratas. No podía dejarlo.]]></body>
    <url><![CDATA[http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6725713]]></url>
</review>
    </reviews>
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