"The Death of Vishnu" centers around an alcoholic man named Vishnu who lives on the landing of an apartment building and who, as he's slowly (please note, VERY slowly) dying, wonders if he is perhaps the god, Vishnu. How a man as pathetic as this one could wonder if he is really a god, let alone sustain a novel as it's protagonist is beyond my grasp.
Although it is an interesting, albeit not unusual, premise to tell a story from the point of view of a dying man as he reflects on his failed existence and his neighbors (whose lives are much more in-depth and intriguing), this novel falls short of what it was capable of. I believe it was perhaps a combination of the unstimulating writing and the irritating and unlovable protagonist that doomed this novel long before Vishnu finally kicked the bucket.
In writing this novel, the author, Suri, forgot a fundamental element in any piece of fiction - the main character must be lovable or endearing, or at least learn from his mistakes. In the flashbacks, Vishnu is shown as obsessed with a prostitute who won't give him the time of day and who is no more interesting than he is. Their love scenes, of which there are several, are nothing more than disturbing. When he's not reflecting on the prostitute that spurned his affections, he's lusting after the beautiful teenage girl who lives in the building and reflecting on what he would do with her if he wasn't a cripple (uh, pedophile anyone?).
I finished this novel sorry that I had ever bought it to begin with, but glad I only paid $2 for it in the discount section of a bookstore.
Although it is an interesting, albeit not unusual, premise to tell a story from the point of view of a dying man as he reflects on his failed existence and his neighbors (whose lives are much more in-depth and intriguing), this novel falls short of what it was capable of. I believe it was perhaps a combination of the unstimulating writing and the irritating and unlovable protagonist that doomed this novel long before Vishnu finally kicked the bucket.
In writing this novel, the author, Suri, forgot a fundamental element in any piece of fiction - the main character must be lovable or endearing, or at least learn from his mistakes. In the flashbacks, Vishnu is shown as obsessed with a prostitute who won't give him the time of day and who is no more interesting than he is. Their love scenes, of which there are several, are nothing more than disturbing. When he's not reflecting on the prostitute that spurned his affections, he's lusting after the beautiful teenage girl who lives in the building and reflecting on what he would do with her if he wasn't a cripple (uh, pedophile anyone?).
I finished this novel sorry that I had ever bought it to begin with, but glad I only paid $2 for it in the discount section of a bookstore.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
