Not all authors are created equal...

To say that Ms. Roy's use of language as an exploration of the individual and social psyche is simply a weak substitute for a lack of fluidity in story-telling is narrow and weak criticism. Yes, there are some elements in her narration that could use more editing, and tightening. And not enough is done to maintain the suspense of the fiction or to make the revelation of events any kind of revelation at all.

But is the exquisite use of language - its control, manipulation, an understanding of the subtle powers that lie beneath the surface of words, is all this not an un-teachable art in itself? Ms. Roy's genius is apparent like a blinding flash of light throughout the novel, especially in scenes where she describes the methodical, cathargic torture of the small, innocent and un-important ones by those who have been oppressed themselves. Once her words leave the pages of the novel I believe they will take permanent residence in the eyes, ears, minds and hearts of the readers.

Fitzgerald had his Gatsby and Ms. Roy has her Estha and Rahel - all victims of their dreams and society's displaced anger and civilized, structured hatred.

a beautiful train wreck is still just a train wreck

Roy's prose is remarkably inventive, and although tiresome at times, packs a load of psychological insight into what at first glance may seem mere teenaged cleverness. The technical strength of her writing, the poetic lilt, alone merits three stars.

There are two glaring weaknesses with this book, however: plot and characters. As for the plot, well, without giving away any secrets (a concern not shared by the author), it may safely be said that one can see the same thing any afternoon on the Lifetime channel, or Jerry Springer. Violent death, sexual molestation, forbidden interracial love, even gratuitous incest tacked on to the denouement like a sticky funeral spray. It's all here, right down to the kicking and punching. You can dress the prose up all you want, but a train wreck is still a train wreck. Worse, this particular train wreck is telegraphed from page one, so you spend the next 350 pages waiting for it to happen.

As to the characters ... Hand-crafted caricatures painted in exquisite detail, but nonetheless lifeless. Stillborn. Norbllits, as Roy's children would say. Sadly, the unrelenting cleverness and ironic distance of her style makes it impossible to develop empathy with any of her characters (or hostility), so that even the worst sufferings of a mother and her children bounce off one's eyes like imprisoned cartoon-land characters trying in vain to break out of the (beautifully technicolored) television set.

this book will stay with you forever

This is the most beautifully written book ever. It is written with the senses. Buy a copy, read it and keep it. It's part of me now.