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Thursday, November 9, 2023

659. The Siege of Krishnapur

The Siege of Krishnapur
J.G. Farrell
1973
Around 345 pages




















I've just realized it's been awhile since we've had a new author on the List. I'm hungry for fresh blood. Unfortunately, we get J.G. Farrell again, who has yet to make a strong impression on me.

As the title so astutely describes, the novel details the siege of fictional Indian town of Krishnapur, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Needless to say, the siege takes a toll on the British garrison, even as they remain decidedly English during the stand off. 

I'm not sure why this novel failed to engage me, as it took place during an undeniably excited time. But just like with Troubles, Farrell took an interesting premise and never really got off the ground with it. No one behaved naturally as you would imagine in this situation, which I think was part of the comedy, that even in sieges, English people will still adhere strictly to their class systems and daily routines. 

Another skippable novel, but Farrell has one more chance to impress us. 

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1973.

UP NEXT: A Question of Power by Bessie Head

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