What do you think?
Eclipse of the sun
Rajesh Despande is a teacher of science and an exponent of rational thinking in a small Indian town. He is determined to prove that the forthcoming eclipse of the Sun is not a mystical religious miracle, but a scientific fact.
263 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 4, 2012
On the face of it, Eclipse of the Sun is the story of science teacher Rajesh Deshpande, his faithful wife and the arrival of a beautiful new teacher, a potential threat to the marriage. But it's so much more than that.
I've never been to India but when I recall reading this book I feel as if I have. The people, the heat, the way of life all come vividly to life and stay with the reader long after you reluctantly come to the last page and close the book.
I fell a little bit in love with all of the characters, despite (because of?) their very human flaws. Not only is the story itself a page-turner (I stayed up til 4 a.m. on the first reading) but each time I read it I appreciate another layer, more detail and enjoy it all over again.
I still find it hard to believe that this was Mr Whitaker's first novel. I've since gone on to read all of his excellent (and all so very different) books and am hoping that another is in the works (although his website hasn't been updated for a long time).
My only question now is why hasn't this wonderful story been made into a film!
I've never been to India but when I recall reading this book I feel as if I have. The people, the heat, the way of life all come vividly to life and stay with the reader long after you reluctantly come to the last page and close the book.
I fell a little bit in love with all of the characters, despite (because of?) their very human flaws. Not only is the story itself a page-turner (I stayed up til 4 a.m. on the first reading) but each time I read it I appreciate another layer, more detail and enjoy it all over again.
I still find it hard to believe that this was Mr Whitaker's first novel. I've since gone on to read all of his excellent (and all so very different) books and am hoping that another is in the works (although his website hasn't been updated for a long time).
My only question now is why hasn't this wonderful story been made into a film!
June 27, 2008
Eclipse of the Sun is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. Even now, quite a few years later, I can remember the characters and key details of the story (a rarity for someone who used to read a book a day!).
Hang on, I wrote a review on Amazon (I wanted to share the enjoyment):
If I could only own three books this would be one of them.
On the face of it, Eclipse of the Sun is the story of science teacher Rajesh Deshpande, his faithful wife and the arrival of a beautiful new teacher, a potential threat to the marriage. But it's so much more than that.
I've never been to India but when I recall reading this book I feel as if I have. The people, the heat, the way of life all come vividly to life and stay with the reader long after you reluctantly come to the last page and close the book.
I fell a little bit in love with all of the characters, despite (because of?) their very human flaws. Not only is the story itself a page-turner (I stayed up til 4 a.m. on the first reading) but each time I read it I appreciate another layer, more detail and enjoy it all over again.
I still find it hard to believe that this was Mr Whitaker's first novel. I've since gone on to read all of his excellent (and all so very different) books and am keenly awaiting the arrival of his latest (Freak of Nature).
My only question now is why hasn't this wonderful story been made into a film!
Hang on, I wrote a review on Amazon (I wanted to share the enjoyment):
If I could only own three books this would be one of them.
On the face of it, Eclipse of the Sun is the story of science teacher Rajesh Deshpande, his faithful wife and the arrival of a beautiful new teacher, a potential threat to the marriage. But it's so much more than that.
I've never been to India but when I recall reading this book I feel as if I have. The people, the heat, the way of life all come vividly to life and stay with the reader long after you reluctantly come to the last page and close the book.
I fell a little bit in love with all of the characters, despite (because of?) their very human flaws. Not only is the story itself a page-turner (I stayed up til 4 a.m. on the first reading) but each time I read it I appreciate another layer, more detail and enjoy it all over again.
I still find it hard to believe that this was Mr Whitaker's first novel. I've since gone on to read all of his excellent (and all so very different) books and am keenly awaiting the arrival of his latest (Freak of Nature).
My only question now is why hasn't this wonderful story been made into a film!
June 28, 2008
Excellent recommendation from Lisbeth - thoroughly enjoyed this.
May 3, 2018
I am not sure what this book was really about. And knowing that impacts how I rate it. I suspect the book is more about India itself than anything else. Or rather, I hope it is.
I didn't like any of the characters as such, as persons, individuals. But each and every one of them represented something about India that makes the country what it is now. With its naivety, superstitions, backwardness, complexes on the one hand, pride, ambition, laboriousness, faith and devotion on the other. And the world between, which is were Mr Whitaker's story is set.
It is unarguably the books' strong point; Mr Whitaker's insight into India's culture, traditions and every-day life struggles and habits, is remarkable! I understand he is an Englishman and I am not even certain whether he has ever set foot in India. Probably not as the descriptions of places and country as a whole is rather superficial, but we have no trouble imagining the Rajeh's little office/annex, with its wonky desk and stuffy air.
I am not a fan of over-told stories but in 'The eclipse...' it did not upset me too much while adding flavour to the places and events of the book. Having said that, for so little actually happening in the book, Mr Whitaker used a lot of words. Fortunately, rather beautifully.
That book landed on my lap rather accidentally. I am not sure I will reach for another one of his, though. Itmay just not be my cup of tea.
I didn't like any of the characters as such, as persons, individuals. But each and every one of them represented something about India that makes the country what it is now. With its naivety, superstitions, backwardness, complexes on the one hand, pride, ambition, laboriousness, faith and devotion on the other. And the world between, which is were Mr Whitaker's story is set.
It is unarguably the books' strong point; Mr Whitaker's insight into India's culture, traditions and every-day life struggles and habits, is remarkable! I understand he is an Englishman and I am not even certain whether he has ever set foot in India. Probably not as the descriptions of places and country as a whole is rather superficial, but we have no trouble imagining the Rajeh's little office/annex, with its wonky desk and stuffy air.
I am not a fan of over-told stories but in 'The eclipse...' it did not upset me too much while adding flavour to the places and events of the book. Having said that, for so little actually happening in the book, Mr Whitaker used a lot of words. Fortunately, rather beautifully.
That book landed on my lap rather accidentally. I am not sure I will reach for another one of his, though. Itmay just not be my cup of tea.
April 1, 2017
Rajesh teaches high school science and hopes to impress a new Western-educated English teacher with his presentation about an upcoming eclipse of the sun. The story is told from the points of view of Rajesh (who we soon realize has something of the narrator of "Remains of the Day" about him) and his wife Shumila.
The is the second Phil Whitaker novel I have read and I enjoyed it very much, although it was harder-going than "Sister Sebastian's Library". It evoked the city of Nandrapur clearly and aroused sympathy for both the deluded Rajesh and Shumila, who loves him more than he perhaps deserves. I also enjoyed the character of Dr Mukerjee: the fact that he sends Rajesh a bill at the end was a great touch. The suggestions that religion may have more of an influence than Rajesh is willing to allow were gently done.
The is the second Phil Whitaker novel I have read and I enjoyed it very much, although it was harder-going than "Sister Sebastian's Library". It evoked the city of Nandrapur clearly and aroused sympathy for both the deluded Rajesh and Shumila, who loves him more than he perhaps deserves. I also enjoyed the character of Dr Mukerjee: the fact that he sends Rajesh a bill at the end was a great touch. The suggestions that religion may have more of an influence than Rajesh is willing to allow were gently done.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews