very little

A disappointing read. Just when I thought it was going somewhere it ended. Not one of his better works

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An exciting listen!

Really enjoyed listening to this story, I particularly love the Private eye style narration from the protagonist.

Narration was brilliant, and the reason I wanted to keep on listening.

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Transported

Close to perfection. The prose and narration of this book transported me to the sticky claustrophobia felt by the story’s main protagonist.
The narrator was perfect, the Indian accents not being US sitcom parody. Although it would have been better to employ actual Indian actors and actresses to voice those characters.

Those getting agitated by the language have missed the setting of this book. It is set primarily in the 70s, where language and cultural sensitivity was lacking. As for the nature of the deity this is myth and mystique inside fiction, not reality. I would ask if they feel the same about the Indiana Jones and Golden Child movies.

As for the picture painted of Calcutta, again it is the personal experience of a fictional character inside a fictional book. Not a travel guide. No culture or country is a utopia and an equally hellish story could be based anywhere in the world. This is a story of human nature in all its darkness.

I’ve listened to the full Hyperion cantos and now a completely different type of fiction from Dan Simmons. I’m hooked!

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Couldn’t finish it. Sorry.

Since my daughter was born a couple of years ago I can’t read, listen to or watch anything that involves something similar to what happens at the end of this book. I won’t say what it is to avoid any spoilers.
Before the last hour of the book I was kind of enjoying it. The story isn’t great but it’s not terrible.

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Exotic and terrifying.

This is my first book by Simmons but I am now a big fan.

His discrimination of India is just what I remember from travelling and his mix of detective story, thriller and supernatural tail is addictive. Although the supernatural element may not be as much as you expect this is a truly terrifying story.

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Good Introduction to Dan Simmons' Work

A good excuse for describing fascinating indian's traditions and customs. The pacing is good, the writing is beautiful and the delivery is well done. All in all it's worth your money and time!

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1 person found this helpful

outstanding

amazing outstanding listen to the book 5 time everytime is better then the previous times

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An intriguing and gripping book

In general I listen to non-fiction or light fiction that I can pick up whenever I have a few minutes. This was one of those rare books that I really couldn’t stop listening to, an intriguing and disturbing tale. I also tend to find an American accent grating to listen after a time, although again this book was an exception.

While this I am sure will not be for everyone I thoroughly enjoyed it. Please

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Meh.

I found the story a bit flat and the fake Indian accents difficult to understand at times. I wouldn't listen to it again or recommend it to anyone, but overall it was okay.

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Simmons first and not his best

A brave journey into a scary Calcutta by the author as his first novel; culturally a stranger and Simmons makes that part of the underlying horror. Fear of the unknown is prominent here; my only reservation is it got somewhat unbelievably crazy and hence only three stars. Worth a listen but his Drood for me currently remains his best although unfortunately not yet available on audible in English.

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7 people found this helpful