The Read Around The World Book Club discussion
May 2017 Malaysia
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Chapter 1 - 3
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Melanie
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Apr 26, 2017 08:45AM
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Started tonight and already know this will be a great read for me. So interesting even from just the first chapter and funny in parts too! I'll answer when I finish 3rd chapter. Great pick!!!
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What happened the the grandmother and why did Uma have to leave? And what is the unspeakable thing the maidservant did?
I am totally pulled in.
So sad for the maidservant to be outcast like that! The description of her putting all on her clothes on and then banging her empty suitcase around before leaving - the reader feels her unwantedness. Her character seems older than just 18. I love the writing - really pulls the reader in. It is unique in telling the future in parts whilst in the present ... and then the grandmother, yes, that is wild how they 'see' her?!
Finished ch 3 now .. perhaps Aasha connects with grandmother more after she passed than clearly she did when alive. I read her seeing her more of a missing her and actively engaging with her as if she were still sitting in the chair. I really like Aasha's character. Feel sorry for Uma - a mystery at her melancholy after described as a different self before.
I adore Aasha and seems to dance an air of freshness and newness on the pages so far. I enjoy the descriptive writing and the telling of everything to me - as if playing catchup with what has already transpired, thus the going back a few months than the start of book.
I went into this book with few expectations but found myself immediately drawn in. The author is quite a tease, really--revealing tantalizing bits of the past, present and future while leaving much shrouded in mystery. The descriptions of the physical landscapes are beautiful and evoke the sounds, smells, and 'atmosphere' of tropical life But the real strength for me so far is the character development.This is definitely a family with a history and undoubtedly some serious past sins. While I am certainly anxious to find out more about Appa and Amma and how their personalities and prejudices developed and influenced their family, I am most curious about Uma, Aasha, Paati and Chellam. How are they entagled? There seems to be some suggestion that Chellam's ouster has something to do with Paati's death. The metaphor of the suitcase is employed with both Chellam and Uma (what is the baggage they are carrying with them?) And Uma feels so guilty about something that she has completely alienated herself from poor little Aasha until a door left ajar signals an apology. For what?
Looking forward to the next 3 chapters!
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I asked my Malay friend and she said that Indians and Tamils like to put the function of a person behind their name. So, Chellam is actually just her name. So you could refer to Raju as Rajulawyer... e.g.
Melanie wrote: "Ilka wrote: "I'm really loving this so far. From Chellam being kicked out (btw, is that her name or not, because from my German translation it looks like its her name, but then Melanie explained th..."When Appa referrs to Amma's mother as Aunti and her family as Uncle.... this was a form of famliarity or affection you think?
Mod
My friend says it is a show of respect.
Oh lovely bookclubbers, I am struggling to see all the goodness you can see. I'm not connecting and am struggling to find out why. Perhaps it is because I am so very unfamiliar with this part of the world - it doesn't speak naturally to my curiosity.
I know a part of it is that elements, certain images, are too crass or blunt for my tastes- a totally personal thing.
It may also be because of how generally negatively women are seen by the men in these opening chapters- from the manic Amma, to old before her time, utterly worn out Chellam, to Raju's three 'inconsequential' sisters. True to the times it may well be but I feel distant from the female characters, like I can't fight their corner because they are types rather than individuals.I hope that makes some sense!!! I hope this changes.
I do however love the character of Aasha. I love her sensitivity, her connection with the dead, her vulnerability and willingness to stand out. I am hoping she is the heart of this book. And I must be connecting a little because I feel really sorry for the children left behind with their troubled mother and distant father. The moment when Amma finds Aasha's drawing and dismisses it, using it for a shopping list, was really powerful for me.
As always, I am glad of the opportunity to learn more about world history; I know next to nothing about Malaysia and look forward to learning more.
Melanie wrote: "Tanya wrote: "Melanie wrote: "Ilka wrote: "I'm really loving this so far. From Chellam being kicked out (btw, is that her name or not, because from my German translation it looks like its her name,..."ok thx
Milena wrote: "Oh lovely bookclubbers, I am struggling to see all the goodness you can see. I'm not connecting and am struggling to find out why. Perhaps it is because I am so very unfamiliar with this part of ..."
I don't know much about this part of the world either - another reason I'm so glad to be opened to these type books in this group! Aasha is the only likeable character for me so far. Feeling sympathy for characters in this family runs how and cold.
Just read the first three chapters and I'm really enjoying it so far. The first chapter made me feel sad. It highlighted the differences between rich and poor in a backdrop of political changes and beautifully described surroundings. Some of thoughts are very witty and made me smile. Hope it continues to be as good as this
Jayne Catherine pinkett wrote: "Just read the first three chapters and I'm really enjoying it so far. The first chapter made me feel sad. It highlighted the differences between rich and poor in a backdrop of political changes and..."I liked the humourous bits here and there and the slang gave it a connection to the younger characters which I thought well placed in story.
I seem to be in the minority with this book. I am having a hard time being pulled in. Except for the children, the characters are so unlikable. I can't seem to connect with any of them. I am not rooting for anyone. I did find the first chapter somewhat intriguing and I am curious to know what she did to be thrown out like that. I also was intrigued at first by the ghost of Paati. The descriptions of this are strange and I can't picture it.
I hope to like this more as the book goes on.
Agreed, I'm finding it difficult for me be engaged. Highlights were Paati and Aasha. So much I have to let go although I don't know what it means. Wondering who the unnamed man Uma sheds a tear is for...
Ok I've had such a weird relationship for this book, after chapter 2 I decided I would DNF because it was to slow for me and wasn't getting into it, on the bus home from work I read chapter 3 as had nothing else with me and loved that chapter, Patti's chair burning made me so sad and Uma is a bit of a mystery to me! Hope there are more chapters like that one 😀
Mod
Well, now I am certainly curious how this is going to go with you and the book :)
Mod
I think it's not a book were you will feel a connection with any of the characters potentially...
Keriann wrote: "Ok I've had such a weird relationship for this book, after chapter 2 I decided I would DNF because it was to slow for me and wasn't getting into it, on the bus home from work I read chapter 3 as ha..."Did you give up or still reading??!
Tanya no I've carried on and enjoying it now 😂
Keriann wrote: "Tanya no I've carried on and enjoying it now 😂"wonderful!!!
