Questions About Song of Kali

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Answered Questions (5)

Does anyone else think Mr. Simmons demonstrates a streak of racism in this book? The uniformly vile description of India and all the people he encounters there in contrast to the idyllic visions of Vermont, Colorado and his lovable, New Yorker friend Abe leaves a sour, xenophobic taste in my mouth.

J. Mill No. His vision was specific to Calcutta as one of the places on earth that are "black holes in reality." He didn't talk about the rest of India. He po…moreNo. His vision was specific to Calcutta as one of the places on earth that are "black holes in reality." He didn't talk about the rest of India. He posited the entire city as a place where evil things were very close to this plane of existence, thus the plethora of bad actors. His character was caught in a web of deceit and evil. Why would you find it shocking that most of the people he came into contact with had bad intentions? His description of Calcutta is dead on the money for the 70's (and may still be today, for all I know). If you want "balance" in your fiction then what you really want to read are travelogues, not fantasy/horror. Don't look for racism in every story, because you find it in anything if you look hard enough.(less)

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Is the cult a main part of the story?

Matt Reardon

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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My edition is listed as having 311 pages, but only has 280 pages and ends with Chapter 16. There isn't any defaced pages but it feels like I am missing a chapter or two. Can anyone confirm that the Tor paperback is correct?

Andrew I can confirm my Tor edition has 311 pages. Chapter 16 begins on page 280 and there are two chapters after that.

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I see many reviews complaining about the depiction of Calcutta can anyone tell me; is Simmons telling a story about the real place, as-it-exists-in-reality, Calcutta or is it a reality-inspired, mirror world, fictive Calcutta? Kind of like London is depicted in the Constantine comics? Thanks!

Judy Lindow I was in india 4 years ago and going to Calcutta in the fall. I'll let you know. but yes. It's 3rd world. the poverty, disease, garbage, air pollution…moreI was in india 4 years ago and going to Calcutta in the fall. I'll let you know. but yes. It's 3rd world. the poverty, disease, garbage, air pollution, smells, lack of efficiency, treatment of women etc. exist and are rampant - it's true. it's also colorful, has delicious food and smells, fabric, beaches, wonderful music, dance, and wonderful people -- I think some consider it the spiritual capital of the world. I don't understand why people need to be critical of how an author chooses to describe a place. it's not like he was hired to write a lonely planet travel guide.(less)

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Are there any instances of graphic sexual assault in this book?

Steven and Elizabeth No there are none

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