Madhuri

I have grown to love Kazuo Ishiguro as an author but this one was the most underwhelming read so far. Though I've come to expect the unconventional pace and lack of resolution in Ishiguro's stories, this one was especially dull for a detective mystery. I got quite bored and drifted off while listening to some parts. So, to be fair, I haven't done justice to this book I suppose, and yet I don't see myself rereading it ever.

Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a captivating exploration of family, identity, and the intricate web of life's experiences. Through nine interconnected stories spanning generations, Divakaruni deftly crafts a novel that resonates quite deeply.

What impressed me the most about this novel was its exploration of womanhood and its complexities across diverse cultures and historical periods. From the challenges faced by women in traditional Indian society to the struggles of immigrants forging new lives in America, each story felt like a window into a richly textured world.

The characters are beautifully nuanced and relatable, each of them flawed in their own unique ways. I was drawn to their hopes, dreams, and struggles, particularly Bipin Bihari's selfless love and devotion. His story felt like something my mom would have told me about an old relative, such a simple yet wonderful life.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of family dynamics and how generational legacies shape our lives. The drive of each parent to prevent their children from repeating their mistakes is so universal, it was explored well in this novel.

Such a strange little book

This book had me hooked right from the start. The narrative gains depth by presenting the story from various perspectives, providing a glimpse into different lives. What I loved most was that it wasn't a typical whodunnit plot. Instead, it left me itching to know more, like layers were waiting to be uncovered. It kept me thrilled and engaged throughout — shoutout to the translator for nailing the original vibe.

I'm not sure if it was the translation that went wrong or the very short length of this novel that made the story feel incomplete and incoherent. However, I recognized the potential it had and the unique profession it explored, and I wished it had been done better.