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Leela's Book
Bold and entertaining, Leela’s Book weaves a tale of contemporary Delhi that crosses religious and social boundaries. Leela—alluring, taciturn, haunted—is moving from New York back to Delhi, where her return will unsettle precariously balanced lives. Twenty-five years earlier, her sister was seduced by the egotistical Vyasa. Now an eminent Sanskrit scholar, Vyasa is preparing for his son’s marriage. But when Leela arrives, she disrupts the careful choreography of the wedding, with its myriad attendees and their conflicting desires.
Gleefully presiding over the drama is Ganesh—divine, elephant-headed scribe of the Mahabharata, India’s great epic. The family may think they have arranged the wedding for their own selfish ends, but according to Ganesh it is he who is directing events—in a bid to save Leela, his beloved heroine, from Vyasa.
Gleefully presiding over the drama is Ganesh—divine, elephant-headed scribe of the Mahabharata, India’s great epic. The family may think they have arranged the wedding for their own selfish ends, but according to Ganesh it is he who is directing events—in a bid to save Leela, his beloved heroine, from Vyasa.
422 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
57 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Alice Albinia
5 books128 followersAlice Albinia read English Literature at Cambridge University. After graduating, she moved to Delhi, where she worked for the next two a half years as a journalist and editor for the Centre for Science & Environment, Biblio: A Review of Books, Outlook Traveller, and several other Indian newspapers and magazines.
It was during this time, as she travelled around the country writing articles and features, that she had the idea to write a history of the River Indus.
In 2002, she moved back to London to take an MA in South Asian history at the School of Oriental and African Studies, where she researched the religious and political history of the Indus region.
It was during this time, as she travelled around the country writing articles and features, that she had the idea to write a history of the River Indus.
In 2002, she moved back to London to take an MA in South Asian history at the School of Oriental and African Studies, where she researched the religious and political history of the Indus region.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 4, 2019
**Note: Some spoilers are mixed in below, so if you don't like them, or are likely to read this in the near future, I suggest you don't read on.**
This was an interesting concept. This novel plays on the history of the Mahabarata, and the theory that the 'Gahesha as a scribe' content was a later addition to the original writing. Ganesha becomes a character/narrator, who plays a role explaining a second layer of background to the novel.
The primary story revolves around Leela, returning to Delhi after years in New York, to attend the wedding of her husband's niece, but is forced to face up to her past - including the death of her poet sister, her sister's husband Vyasa, and her niece & nephew. This plays out to a complex Indian family drama, with many characters, and some twists and turns. It addresses such themes as inter-religious relationships, same sex relationships, politics and academia, and the juxtaposition of ancient religious rites and internet chatrooms.
For me it was successful concept, but I found it led to far too much foreshadowing of the story - it made it fairly easy to predict some of the larger outcomes by halfway through the book.
Notwithstanding this, the characters were interesting and amusing, there were lots of them, but they played their role and then faded into the background (although were somewhat unresolved due to this).
Without the second layer of depth, I suspect the story would probably have been insufficient to carry interest. As it was, despite the early give-away - it was an enjoyable enough read for 4 stars. But then, I am a bit of a sucker for epic Indian novels!
This was an interesting concept. This novel plays on the history of the Mahabarata, and the theory that the 'Gahesha as a scribe' content was a later addition to the original writing. Ganesha becomes a character/narrator, who plays a role explaining a second layer of background to the novel.
The primary story revolves around Leela, returning to Delhi after years in New York, to attend the wedding of her husband's niece, but is forced to face up to her past - including the death of her poet sister, her sister's husband Vyasa, and her niece & nephew. This plays out to a complex Indian family drama, with many characters, and some twists and turns. It addresses such themes as inter-religious relationships, same sex relationships, politics and academia, and the juxtaposition of ancient religious rites and internet chatrooms.
For me it was successful concept, but I found it led to far too much foreshadowing of the story - it made it fairly easy to predict some of the larger outcomes by halfway through the book.
Notwithstanding this, the characters were interesting and amusing, there were lots of them, but they played their role and then faded into the background (although were somewhat unresolved due to this).
Without the second layer of depth, I suspect the story would probably have been insufficient to carry interest. As it was, despite the early give-away - it was an enjoyable enough read for 4 stars. But then, I am a bit of a sucker for epic Indian novels!
July 16, 2023
Why denigrate Hinduism to support your storyline?
The book highlights the modern-day complexities of modern societies.
A few years back the naivety in me would have said that such things do not happen in India. But after living in metropolitan cities for some time I have seen a great deal of messed up relationships similar to the way they are portrayed in the book.
To spice up the storyline, the author decided to create a character and compare it with Rishi Vyasa. According to Wikipedia, the Mahabharata is the longest poem known. And the author of this novel made the author of this Epic, Rishi Vyasa a villain! She also includes Lord Ganesha and his wives to make it sound interesting, something that she fails to do with her writing.
What connection do Rishi Vyasa, Lord Ganesha and his wives have with things shown in this book? Did they preach to them?
Can the Author do the same for other religions, for example, Islam?
No, because then forget the book there are chances that she would too disappear!
But it is very easy to do that with Hinduism and if you are lucky then the Liberal Hindus would actually praise you for it.
In short, a relatable storyline that drags and drags for pages with the support of denigrating Hinduism.
The book highlights the modern-day complexities of modern societies.
A few years back the naivety in me would have said that such things do not happen in India. But after living in metropolitan cities for some time I have seen a great deal of messed up relationships similar to the way they are portrayed in the book.
To spice up the storyline, the author decided to create a character and compare it with Rishi Vyasa. According to Wikipedia, the Mahabharata is the longest poem known. And the author of this novel made the author of this Epic, Rishi Vyasa a villain! She also includes Lord Ganesha and his wives to make it sound interesting, something that she fails to do with her writing.
What connection do Rishi Vyasa, Lord Ganesha and his wives have with things shown in this book? Did they preach to them?
Can the Author do the same for other religions, for example, Islam?
No, because then forget the book there are chances that she would too disappear!
But it is very easy to do that with Hinduism and if you are lucky then the Liberal Hindus would actually praise you for it.
In short, a relatable storyline that drags and drags for pages with the support of denigrating Hinduism.
March 1, 2012
Leela's Book is a wonderful story of families which intertwines Indian mythology and the modern day complexities of life in Delhi. The tale of Leela and her sister Meera weaves through time until their final story is told. Throughout the novel, Albinia provides a detailed background of India, from the gritty slums and open sewers to the intoxicating smells of the gardens and family celebration of the upper class. She does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story of two sisters, one adopted, whose youthful indiscretion so impacts their lives and their families twenty years later. This is truly one of the best books I have read in a long time. I am so glad that I won it from Goodreads; I would hate to have overlooked it and not gotten the opportunity to read it. I highly recommend it.
February 26, 2015
The most accurate and candid depiction of the elite, the bourgeoisie, and the impoverished of India, through its labyrinthine and cavernous tales involving innumerable characters. (This is, The Grand Budapest Hotel times three, serious!)
What more, the use of colonial English, typical of the Indian stilted speech, sprinkled with words like learnt (instead of learned), and smelt (instead of smelled), gives an authentic air to the story.
What more, the use of colonial English, typical of the Indian stilted speech, sprinkled with words like learnt (instead of learned), and smelt (instead of smelled), gives an authentic air to the story.
August 28, 2013
I initially didn't like this book, but as the story developed it became much more interesting and entertaining. I'm not sure if I agree that the characters in the story were strong or had many attributes that were worth emulating, but the twists were somewhat surprising and I enjoyed it at the end. I do think the author managed to capture a few of the aspects of inter-religious conflict and interaction that seems to pervade South Asia, as well as the rest of the world.
January 27, 2018
This is novel about modern India and the force that the past exerts on it. The prose is beautiful and a joy to read. The plot, though far fetched (there is a god who narrates small portions of the book), is very entertaining. I found the ending perfectly crafted.
September 19, 2017
This is the story of two families who are about to be joined in marriage. It is a love match vs. an arranged marriage and the events are carefully planned and the guests chosen from the finest of their friends and colleagues. Leela left India for New York City years before never returning. It was her one request of her husband and he has honored it until this wedding. He tells Leela that it is time to return to Delhi for the festivities and reluctantly she agrees.
The story combines the story of the God, Ganesh with the modern day characters leading to a very surprising climax. The setting is an important part of the story and the descriptions of the neighborhoods, the smells, the foods, the birds - makes you feel as though you have been there yourself.
I should add that I found the beginning of the book hard to read and enjoy. After the first 100 pages, I admit that I was ready to return the book to the library and end my pain. I was thinking that what I had read would receive a two star rating at the most. Luckily, the storyline began to change and the interest level rose. Albinia was able to hook me right before I was going to shut the book for the final time. Readers beware and if you have the same feeling in the opening chapters, use your best Evelyn Wood speed reading techniques for the first part and then take your time and enjoy the rich story that unfolds.
The story combines the story of the God, Ganesh with the modern day characters leading to a very surprising climax. The setting is an important part of the story and the descriptions of the neighborhoods, the smells, the foods, the birds - makes you feel as though you have been there yourself.
I should add that I found the beginning of the book hard to read and enjoy. After the first 100 pages, I admit that I was ready to return the book to the library and end my pain. I was thinking that what I had read would receive a two star rating at the most. Luckily, the storyline began to change and the interest level rose. Albinia was able to hook me right before I was going to shut the book for the final time. Readers beware and if you have the same feeling in the opening chapters, use your best Evelyn Wood speed reading techniques for the first part and then take your time and enjoy the rich story that unfolds.
April 8, 2020
Alice Albinia takes you through the streets, smells, feelings and emotions of India. I loved the book for the way it describes the characters, their surroundings and their thoughts. Alice has wonderfully captured the random, passing thoughts that each character might have when they walk into a room, meet a person or are just sitting by themselves.
A lot of characters and yet, Alice makes you live all those characters. She has taken her own time to lay the setup of who lives where, in what kind of home and neighborhood. By the time the story picks pace, you see yourself running down the streets along with the character perfectly visualizing the entire set of the book.
Alice manages to start multiple story lines and beautifully bring them all together towards the end. If you know Mahabharata, somewhere midway through the book you will guess how it might end. And yet, it is a beautiful read. The roller coaster of emotions, across typical Indian religious and social boundaries takes you by surprise.
Much like Ganesh, you feel like a spectator while reading the book. While the story is fine, it’s the description of the characters and their emotions that breathes life into the story.
A lot of characters and yet, Alice makes you live all those characters. She has taken her own time to lay the setup of who lives where, in what kind of home and neighborhood. By the time the story picks pace, you see yourself running down the streets along with the character perfectly visualizing the entire set of the book.
Alice manages to start multiple story lines and beautifully bring them all together towards the end. If you know Mahabharata, somewhere midway through the book you will guess how it might end. And yet, it is a beautiful read. The roller coaster of emotions, across typical Indian religious and social boundaries takes you by surprise.
Much like Ganesh, you feel like a spectator while reading the book. While the story is fine, it’s the description of the characters and their emotions that breathes life into the story.
July 28, 2016
I started Leela's Book unimpressed; having recently finished reading Tharoor's The Great Indian Novel and Seth's Unsuitable Boy, the familiarity of premise and theme failed to flatter what I was reading of Albinia's text. I surmised that she, too, must have read these two renown novels prior to writing this particular novel. Then she redeemed herself.
Leela's Book is an intelligent treatise juxtaposing epic, myth, religion and politics (as we come to expect with Indian-themed novels, I guess) however she tickles the reader in a very good way with her very personable characters. The many levels of narrative make for an immensely enjoyable read, and yet the language Albinia uses and ideas she weaves into the story make the whole novel come together quite lip-smacking satisfyingly. The last couple of chapters in fact make the whole endeavour of reading the novel more than worth it.
Leela's Book is an intelligent treatise juxtaposing epic, myth, religion and politics (as we come to expect with Indian-themed novels, I guess) however she tickles the reader in a very good way with her very personable characters. The many levels of narrative make for an immensely enjoyable read, and yet the language Albinia uses and ideas she weaves into the story make the whole novel come together quite lip-smacking satisfyingly. The last couple of chapters in fact make the whole endeavour of reading the novel more than worth it.
January 25, 2015
Интелигентна импровизация върху древния епос "Махабхарата", изпълнена с цветове и екзотика, но в същото време засяга сериозни проблеми на съвременното индийско общество. За мен лично препратките към "Махабхарата" бяха по-слабата част, но историите на героите бяха интересни, с точната доза тайнствени обрати и разкрития, без да изпадат в твърде евтини клишета.
Ревю в "Аз чета".
Ревю в "Аз чета".
September 18, 2012
Really enjoyed this and will be looking forward to reading more from this author. The only thing that I had a problem with while reading was keeping the characters and families straight!
September 10, 2018
I guess I liked it... but there was a little strangeness to it.
February 11, 2023
I enjoyed this, but not as much as the history/personal mix in "Empires of the Indus." I guess I have to fess up that I haven't read & know very little about the Mahabharata, so I undoubtedly missed the tieins / parallels / deviations that this book is based on. So the review has to be taken as being for that kind of reader.
I think the writing shows a depth of thinking about characters, their contradictions, and social situation. I enjoyed, a lot, for example, the story of Aisha (a maid to one of the other characters) and Humayun (the driver to another). Humayun is taken with her and they sleep together and he promises to marry her. It seems like this isn't exactly a long-standing feeling, though -- he isn't exactly sure. But she is raped and his mother doesn't support the marriage -- so they have to elope. Their marriage has a lot of stress as a result (he struggles to find work in Bombay, the marriage is rushed and requires a bribe because she's under 18). But they seem to grow into it in a moving way. The book also nicely avoids a lot of drama about pregnancy due to the rape.
Overall, though, I felt like a lot of characters were a bit set-piece-y. See my caveats in the first paragraph, but they're very constrained to play a role along a particular path. This led to fewer overall developments and dynamics across the characters. While Aisha and Humayun deal with a pretty complex navigation of love, class, and family, other characters primarily have one nexus of related struggles to process. For example, Bharati was always going to have to process the fact that her biological mother was her mother's adopted sister. There seems to be some implication she might go monogamous with Pablo vs. the book talking a lot about how she had a lot of boyfriends early on, but it ultimately didn't seem that important.
We also don't really see how most of the characters evolve after the central drama/revelations. That was a conscious choice by the author, but it means most of the book consists of exploring their initial reactions rather than longer-term growths.
I think the writing shows a depth of thinking about characters, their contradictions, and social situation. I enjoyed, a lot, for example, the story of Aisha (a maid to one of the other characters) and Humayun (the driver to another). Humayun is taken with her and they sleep together and he promises to marry her. It seems like this isn't exactly a long-standing feeling, though -- he isn't exactly sure. But she is raped and his mother doesn't support the marriage -- so they have to elope. Their marriage has a lot of stress as a result (he struggles to find work in Bombay, the marriage is rushed and requires a bribe because she's under 18). But they seem to grow into it in a moving way. The book also nicely avoids a lot of drama about pregnancy due to the rape.
Overall, though, I felt like a lot of characters were a bit set-piece-y. See my caveats in the first paragraph, but they're very constrained to play a role along a particular path. This led to fewer overall developments and dynamics across the characters. While Aisha and Humayun deal with a pretty complex navigation of love, class, and family, other characters primarily have one nexus of related struggles to process. For example, Bharati was always going to have to process the fact that her biological mother was her mother's adopted sister. There seems to be some implication she might go monogamous with Pablo vs. the book talking a lot about how she had a lot of boyfriends early on, but it ultimately didn't seem that important.
We also don't really see how most of the characters evolve after the central drama/revelations. That was a conscious choice by the author, but it means most of the book consists of exploring their initial reactions rather than longer-term growths.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2018
Cuando los dioses escriben el libro del destino es uno de esos libros con tantas pretensiones que se queda en un intento de muchas cosas sin llegar a ser un logro de ninguna de ellas. Todavía me estoy preguntando qué nos quería contar la autora.
La novela está escrita por una enamorada de la India que supongo pretende hacernos llegar una parte de su cultura y de su propia fascinación. Así entremezcla en la narración dioses de la épica india y algunas de sus leyendas pero lo hace en un batiburrillo tal que los occidentales, ajenos a esa cultura, no podemos encontrar tierra firme dónde asentarnos y acabamos perdidos en una narración embarullanda. El libro además está lleno de palabras en hindi o bengalí, imposible saberlo, que se supone debemos ir consultando en un glosario que se encuentra al final de la novela. Obligar al lector a semejante ejercicio hace la lectura aún más tediosa.
Junto a las referencias mitológicas, la obra narra la historia de dos familias que se verán unidas gracias a un matrimonio. Nos habla de los problemas y desavenencias de los diferentes personajes, de su pasado y como este se entrelaza con su presente actual. Pero la narradora no sabe cerrar la historia, deja todos los hilos sueltos dejando al lector con una sensación de inconsistencia.
En conjunto el libro resulta mediocre, aburrido, lejano. Una novela en la que no merece la pena embarcarse a no ser que tú también ames la cultura india y conozcas mucho más que yo sobre el Mahabharata, Ganesh y los idiomas de ese país. Yo, sin embargo, me he aburrido muchísimo entre sus páginas.
La novela está escrita por una enamorada de la India que supongo pretende hacernos llegar una parte de su cultura y de su propia fascinación. Así entremezcla en la narración dioses de la épica india y algunas de sus leyendas pero lo hace en un batiburrillo tal que los occidentales, ajenos a esa cultura, no podemos encontrar tierra firme dónde asentarnos y acabamos perdidos en una narración embarullanda. El libro además está lleno de palabras en hindi o bengalí, imposible saberlo, que se supone debemos ir consultando en un glosario que se encuentra al final de la novela. Obligar al lector a semejante ejercicio hace la lectura aún más tediosa.
Junto a las referencias mitológicas, la obra narra la historia de dos familias que se verán unidas gracias a un matrimonio. Nos habla de los problemas y desavenencias de los diferentes personajes, de su pasado y como este se entrelaza con su presente actual. Pero la narradora no sabe cerrar la historia, deja todos los hilos sueltos dejando al lector con una sensación de inconsistencia.
En conjunto el libro resulta mediocre, aburrido, lejano. Una novela en la que no merece la pena embarcarse a no ser que tú también ames la cultura india y conozcas mucho más que yo sobre el Mahabharata, Ganesh y los idiomas de ese país. Yo, sin embargo, me he aburrido muchísimo entre sus páginas.
February 1, 2021
Al comienzo de este libro me costó un poco engancharme a la historia, pero conforme avanzaba me fui sumergiendo en esta historia tan interesante, la forma en la que está escrito este libro es diferente a los demás.
El destino es un enigma que pese a los avances de la humanidad es algo que no se puede anticipar, pero este libro nos muestra como en la India el destino está escrito por los dioses.
La historia está intercalada entre la perspectiva de varios miembros de una familia reconocida de la India y a su vez del Dios ganesh que se introducen en la historia para dar giros y lograr su propósito con cada ser humano y en especial con su favorita, qué es Lila.
Lila hace mucho tiempo que dejó atrás su vida y se mudó a Estados Unidos pero por azar del destino tiene que regresar, corriendo el riesgo de que sus secretos pueden salir a la luz y cambien su vida.
En este libro pude conocer otra cultura y darme cuenta como las creencias mueven a mucha gente a cometer ciertos actos inmorales, que a pesar del tiempo la confrontación entre el hinduismo y el musulmán sigue dándose, de igual manera el trato hacia la mujer es denigrante y nos muestra el poco cambio que ha habido en los últimos años.
El destino es un enigma que pese a los avances de la humanidad es algo que no se puede anticipar, pero este libro nos muestra como en la India el destino está escrito por los dioses.
La historia está intercalada entre la perspectiva de varios miembros de una familia reconocida de la India y a su vez del Dios ganesh que se introducen en la historia para dar giros y lograr su propósito con cada ser humano y en especial con su favorita, qué es Lila.
Lila hace mucho tiempo que dejó atrás su vida y se mudó a Estados Unidos pero por azar del destino tiene que regresar, corriendo el riesgo de que sus secretos pueden salir a la luz y cambien su vida.
En este libro pude conocer otra cultura y darme cuenta como las creencias mueven a mucha gente a cometer ciertos actos inmorales, que a pesar del tiempo la confrontación entre el hinduismo y el musulmán sigue dándose, de igual manera el trato hacia la mujer es denigrante y nos muestra el poco cambio que ha habido en los últimos años.
October 19, 2020
Leela's Book is unconventional and entertaining. It combines myth with reality. It crosses religious and social boundaries. The plot, which strongly emphasizes various aspects of Hinduism, including the concept of reincarnation, is bold. For one thing, it represents Vyasa, the creator of the great epic, as a villain. The author takes a dig at religious fanatics who meddle with history. Then, there is the question of same sex relationship and the dilemma of homosexuals. It makes us realise how difficult it is to come out of the closet in traditional Indian society. There is also the concept of interfaith marriage and the struggles endured by the girl. The book has several more shocking themes like rape and elopement and for something that is set in India, I have to say, it's a very bold book.
Even though the author isn't an Indian, she has understood the milieu of our country and it shows in her work. If you are familiar with Indian mythology, aware of the social, religious and political problems in India, I would recommend this book to you.
Even though the author isn't an Indian, she has understood the milieu of our country and it shows in her work. If you are familiar with Indian mythology, aware of the social, religious and political problems in India, I would recommend this book to you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
I liked many elements of this book very much - for instance, the author shows how religion in India is just as fraught with fundamentalists (& their adoration of holy writings) & atheists & their endless feuding as the US. Also I got a glimpse of how Hindu & Muslim cultures simultaneously blend together & fight constantly in Delhi (& I can assume other places).
However, the Leela of Leela's Book didn't really come across as the central character & sort of checked out of her own life for 20+ years. It's hard to see what the other archetypes found so compelling. Also men are bastards. Is the central message of this book is that men are bastards? Probably not, but retelling cultural mythology apparently demonstrates how, historically, men are complete bastards.
However, the Leela of Leela's Book didn't really come across as the central character & sort of checked out of her own life for 20+ years. It's hard to see what the other archetypes found so compelling. Also men are bastards. Is the central message of this book is that men are bastards? Probably not, but retelling cultural mythology apparently demonstrates how, historically, men are complete bastards.
June 22, 2021
4 ⭐️
Ah what a beautiful story.
The characters are all morally grey. You wouldn’t expect which one is the protagonist and which one is the villain. Every character has both sides inside of them. And there are so many characters with their own background, told in beautiful writing and the next thing you know is you are invested in each one of them.
I wish I could give this 5 stars but I could not because there are some important issues in this book that are not being resolved. I was disappointed when this book ended without giving light as to whether justice is truly upheld.
Anyway, aside from that, this book is really a breath of fresh air and everyone should pick up this book right now!
Ah what a beautiful story.
The characters are all morally grey. You wouldn’t expect which one is the protagonist and which one is the villain. Every character has both sides inside of them. And there are so many characters with their own background, told in beautiful writing and the next thing you know is you are invested in each one of them.
I wish I could give this 5 stars but I could not because there are some important issues in this book that are not being resolved. I was disappointed when this book ended without giving light as to whether justice is truly upheld.
Anyway, aside from that, this book is really a breath of fresh air and everyone should pick up this book right now!
June 28, 2017
In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book. After all, it's no mind-blowing fantasy or thrilling mystery. However, the characters and the story really grew on me, and I loved seeing so many aspects of Indian culture through the author's narrative. The story took me on a journey with many different characters and layers, and even threw in some fantastical elements just to keep it fun. I'd highly recommend giving this book a go. Even though its length might deter some, it was actually a fairly easy ready.
October 11, 2024
This book has been on my to-read list for years after it was promoted in the book section. The story starts off a mix of culture, religion and family drama and quickly becomes pure soap opera. All the frenzied action in the first half peters out and makes for a slow second half. About 1/3 in I checked the back cover to read up on the author - I was wondering about the author’s background and surprised that this rather unflattering story about Indian Muslim and Hindu families was written by a white woman.
January 1, 2025
Albinia writes a vivid and engaging saga that masterfully captures the essence of Delhi, Calcutta, and Shantiniketan through rich imagery and literary flair. The plot, a compelling tale of familial discord, delves into themes deeply tied to the subcontinent’s contemporary political and social issues. While the Mahabharata-inspired parallels add depth, their explicitness can feel overemphasized, leaving less room for the reader’s own interpretations. Despite this, the novel’s ambition and evocative storytelling make it a deeply rewarding read.
April 30, 2020
I really enjoyed the premise, the bringing of past and the present together. Learning about Hindu mythology. The idea that history repeats itself through many centuries and reincarnations. It was all fun to read.
August 25, 2017
A book with all the complexities of modern India, and Ganesh is the narrator. Love it!
October 17, 2019
About 150 pages too long. The story was there, it was just well hidden behind a lot of unneeded flowery language.
June 20, 2022
Книгата прилича малко на сапунена опера с всичките тези смесени идилии, неща и какви ли не случки. Доскуча ми малко към края и не я допрочетох. Хубава книга но не ме впечатли кой знае колко.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2022
Qué libro tan distinto, unas partes claras y enganchadoras, pero otras muy relacionadas con la religión y las diferentes reencarnaciones.
March 15, 2025
Beautiful story. I enjoyed the weaving of mythology into a more traditional story of a woman’s life journey from India to America and back again.
March 19, 2012
When I won this on Goodreads I was pretty thrilled. It sounds like a story I would love – epic tales, love, deception, and secrets kept over generations. I really, really wanted to love it and I tried very hard to do just that. About halfway through I decided that I wanted to like it (giving up on loving it) but when I finished the last page it was not meant to be.
Part of my issues with the story is how it was narrated. The story starts normal enough but then a few chapters in suddenly the narrator is revealed to be one of the gods in the legends/myths at play within the story. This could have been a really creative narration, but as a reader I felt lost when this wasn’t setup from the beginning. Or maybe it was but I just missed it because I wasn’t connected with the story/characters. I’m not sure.
The characters were interesting but with so many storylines the individual characters were sometimes lost on the page which partially kept me from connecting with them. One of the aspects of the story is that the characters’ lives are intertwined in ways they didn’t know. This added a lot of suspense to the story, but also added a lot of confusion. At times it was hard to keep straight their names and which dad or mom a character was referencing.
The ending was perfect for the story. I enjoyed the way the characters and plot all came crashing together in godlike proportion. I just wish the ending would have been a bit more detailed. There were 400 pages of the story but the conclusion was only 20-30 pages. I am generally not a fan of these quick endings so this is probably a specific issue with me.
Part of my issues with the story is how it was narrated. The story starts normal enough but then a few chapters in suddenly the narrator is revealed to be one of the gods in the legends/myths at play within the story. This could have been a really creative narration, but as a reader I felt lost when this wasn’t setup from the beginning. Or maybe it was but I just missed it because I wasn’t connected with the story/characters. I’m not sure.
The characters were interesting but with so many storylines the individual characters were sometimes lost on the page which partially kept me from connecting with them. One of the aspects of the story is that the characters’ lives are intertwined in ways they didn’t know. This added a lot of suspense to the story, but also added a lot of confusion. At times it was hard to keep straight their names and which dad or mom a character was referencing.
The ending was perfect for the story. I enjoyed the way the characters and plot all came crashing together in godlike proportion. I just wish the ending would have been a bit more detailed. There were 400 pages of the story but the conclusion was only 20-30 pages. I am generally not a fan of these quick endings so this is probably a specific issue with me.
March 2, 2012
This book is an intricately woven tale that spans continents, cultures, and lifetimes. The characters are so enmeshed in each others' lives that not even reincarnation can separate them for long. Leela Sharma finds that out when she finds herself returning to India after decades away, decades of avoiding the memories of Meera, her dead poet sister; Vyasa, her arrogant manipulator of a brother-in-law; or twins Bharati and Ash, the niece and nephew she hasn’t seen since they were babies.
But just because Leela is drawn back by Vyasa for a family wedding (between his son and Leela's husband's niece), it doesn't mean that the past is going to repeat itself. Ganesh, blue elephant-headed god and scribe of the Mahabharata, isn't going to let Vyasa have things all his own way. Ganesh acts as more than a scribe; he writes his own stories as well, and he's writing one for Leela and those who surround her. Families intertwine in unexpected ways, and whether noted professor, impoverished servant girl, or newlywed liar, everyone feels the effects of what's happening.
Alice Albinia has created a book of rich texture and experience. Literature, history, religion, and fascinating characters are put together so well that Leela's Book is a book I didn't want to put down. It shows great depth and the plot has a sophisticated complexity full of lush detail and the human experience.
But just because Leela is drawn back by Vyasa for a family wedding (between his son and Leela's husband's niece), it doesn't mean that the past is going to repeat itself. Ganesh, blue elephant-headed god and scribe of the Mahabharata, isn't going to let Vyasa have things all his own way. Ganesh acts as more than a scribe; he writes his own stories as well, and he's writing one for Leela and those who surround her. Families intertwine in unexpected ways, and whether noted professor, impoverished servant girl, or newlywed liar, everyone feels the effects of what's happening.
Alice Albinia has created a book of rich texture and experience. Literature, history, religion, and fascinating characters are put together so well that Leela's Book is a book I didn't want to put down. It shows great depth and the plot has a sophisticated complexity full of lush detail and the human experience.
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