FW
I should have read a little about it before diving in—I expected more overt linking between the three sections. Only afterwards did I realise they were indeed connected through different experiences of Americans in India. Duh!
I found it quite thought-provoking, especially the last story, which had an unexpected ending. I’d heard of the author but never read him before. I liked his style, even though I might have avoided the book if the blurb had revealed more about the content.
Rating: 6/10
SC
Started off okay and was well written, but I lost interest due to all the sordid affairs and exploitation of young indigenous girls. I read about 150 pages and scanned the rest—didn’t think it was worth my time.
Rating: Barely 5/10
Agreed with Dwight when he asks on p.167:
“How had he been corrupted so quickly... prey?”
And on p.244:
“Most things that people... with it.”
Did the three main characters link up? Must have missed that bit!
HB
I read the book while traveling to Amsterdam and Bruges. Got strangely hooked on it during the Eurostar journey two weeks ago. It was well-crafted, and I looked forward to reading it. I even paused occasionally to stare out the window and ponder how I’d react if something in the plot happened to me.
However... writing this two weeks later, I can’t remember anything about what I read. It was totally forgettable. I didn’t “get inside” any of the characters’ heads. The book didn’t linger in my brain afterwards. I read it, then moved on with my life.
Rating: 5/10
PM (Review from 2013)
Not finished. It was a depressing book made up of three stories about different Elephanta Suites. In all stories, Americans come to India.
In the first, Mr. & Mrs. each have a brief affair with an Indian. They are effectively thrown out and possibly killed.
In the second, a businessman becomes enthralled with a young girl. His partner leads him into eastern mysticism. Dwight gives up everything to pursue it, handing over the American business to Shah, who eagerly grabs it.
The third is about a young girl in an Ashram who tries to leave.
Rating: 1/10
