Struggled with this one. Thought about giving up more than once. Once I got to the disappearance of the little boy, the main story picked up a bit and I was able to finish it. There were too many unconnected narratives, that didn't lead anywhere. Some new characters appeared in chapters well into the book, and then didn't appear again. I didn't care too much for the Lisa and Jaz characters of the main storyline either, they reminded me of Amy and Nick in 'Gone Girl' which I loathed. Wealthy middle class stereotypes who don't know when they're well off, with a fucked up sense of the real value of things, and and an irritating line in unrealistic dialogue. At one point the couple attend a diner party with Jaz's boss, and are joined by two further guests, a Hedge Fund Manager, and a Famous Artist, YAWN.I did enjoy the setting of the pinnacle rocks, and how they linked all the narratives together. The mysticism of the ancient desert rock formations gave the book a Sci-Fi undercurrent that worked well, and left me with a slight shiver whenever they were mentioned. Ultimately though this wasn't much fun to read, and there was no realpay-off after the slog to the end. I listened to this book, read extremely well by several readers, and I found it compelling and fascinating until about 3/4 of the way through, when it began to dawn on me that there might not be any sense to it all in the end. The links between people became more instead of less obscure, and once Laila and the war game came into the picture rather abruptly, I began to be disappointed. That said, the book has completely brilliant aspects, and the imagery and some of the characters will stay with me for a long time. As a participant in the flower children phenomenon, I can say that Kunzru hits it right on the head, though he does kind of continue to hit it - too hard. I too had the sense that I had wasted my time when this book was over, and that's rare for me. I wouldn't normally continue a book of this length if I didn't have faith in the author. I don't think I would trust him again.
Do You like book Gods Without Men (2011)?
Didn't grab me, but I had to finish it. Wish the end was even somewhat satisfying.
—jeffrey
I have to say, I have no real clue what happened in this book :|
—JillianJayy
Good writing, no plot. I guess I'm just a plot-lover.
—bertha
A dreadful bore. Spare yourself if you still can.
—Dustin
