Latitudes of Longing - Islands (spoilers welcome)

[Hugh]

This thread covers the first part of the story, mostly set on the Andaman Islands and centring on Girija Prasad and Chanda Devi. Spoilers to events in this part are fine, but please do not discuss the events of the later parts of the book.

[Pamela]

I’ve just finished this section and am finding the book very readable so far. As others have mentioned, it has a Salman Rushdie feel, but for me it’s lighter and more accessible. The mixture of science and the spiritual works well.

I’m not usually a fan of magical realism, I often find it takes something away from the emotional impact of a story, but here it seemed to fit well, especially with the character of Chanda Devi. I liked the way the natural world surrounds Girija Prasad and Chanda Devi, so that they become part of it. And of course in the end the natural world literally carries Girija Prasad away.

[Mark]

Well, I don't know what book Stuart (in The Scotsman) was reading. The first section was wonderful. Ms Swarup applied her magic with delicacy. Partly, of course, being placed in the Andaman Islands fitted this; foot-long centipedes and elephants, along with jungle rot, are just a small step from ghosts and talking trees. And then shock: the "Checkov's gun" of the centipede moves on without harm, but another often noted feature rises up and DOES end the story.

[Hugh]

I can see some of what Stuart dislikes, particularly some of the lazy caricaturing of the British characters (Lord Goodenough in particular), but for the most part I enjoyed the writing.

[Pamela]

I would agree the Lord Goodenough part is a caricature, but I didn’t find it lazy. In fact, it was quite humorous with the naming of Breakfast Bay, Marmaladeganj and Baconabad, but with a serious point behind it. The naming of places is a key issue in colonialism, after all.

[Mark]

The flippant colonialist naming of the islands seems part of the realistic feel of the setting. Looking at a chart, one sees Smith, Flat, Long, etc. (and Parrot).