Rating: 
Summary: A Tribute to The Golden Gate
Review: "Imitation is," they say, "the best
Form of flattery." And so my
Short and humble poem does attest
To my having heaved a sad sigh
On the last page - No more Golden Gate!
Oh What a genius, that Vikram Seth!
He wrote of friendship, love, and life,
Betrayals, love affairs, and strife.
Sex, politics, and other issues-
Yet all the while maintaining rhyme.
So read this book, it's worth the time.
It's sad - you might just need some tissues.
If you liked my rhyme even a bit
Hear this: Compared to Vik's it's ****!
Rating: 
Summary: Can't rave enough.
Review: A novel in a succession of perfect sonnets? Contrary to all expectations, The Golden Gate is neither pedestrian nor esoteric. The characters are real, the story is current and the wit is astounding. This book, more than any other, will keep me company for a long time. I have given copies to some of my dearest friends, each of whom, without exception, have given copies to their friends. Read it. You'll laugh and cry and be amazed.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Novels AND Poems of the Century
Review: A book in witty English that is both a story that makes you laugh and cry and a poem so lovely that you want to read it out-loud to anyone you can get to sit still. It is also, with its mixture of an American setting, a Russian Form, elegant English, and multi-ethnic characters--all from an Indian author--an example of what "multiculturalism" should mean, but so rarely does.
Rating:
Summary: Love him or hate him... you can't ignore him!!
Review: After reading 'A Suitable Boy' (TWICE! and plan to a third time very soon) I compared Seth to a present day Tolstoy. After reading 'Golden Gate' I'm conviced he's even better. In 'Suitable Boy' Seth builds a vivid world of post Colonial India for his reader and in it, paints the life of various characters. His portrayal of India and Indians is so accurate that the only way another author could have done it better is by providing the reader with an airline ticket and a time machine. In 'Golden Gate' he accurately portrays the lives of Americans and the "yuppiness" of Frisco dwellers all tangled up in exquisite imagery and an absorbing storyline. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the entire novel is in verse but don't worry, you won't notice it. Who needs Tolstoy when you've got Seth? He makes me proud to be an Indian!
Rating:
Summary: don't be put off by the verse format
Review: Although this book is written entirely in verse, don't shy away from it as an aberration. It is as engaging and full-bodied as most other novels. Though it doesn't compare to Mr. Seth's novel "A Suitable Boy," it stands on its own as an interesting tale about San Francisco dwellers; their lives, loves and tragedies.
Rating:
Summary: Charming, witty, hilarious, sad -- a sheer delight!
Review: £7.99 for a book of poetry (and sonnets at that!)I thought I was mad but it's been worth every penny. This is a novel that I'll read again and again. I finished it today in a single sitting. If your only experience of Vikram Seth is the first page of A Suitable Boy then throw away those misconceptions. California should be proud to have adopted this author. Here is a writer who has carried on where Amistead Maupin left off. The post-AIDS sexual machinations will leave you delighted, bemused or furious, but through-out the sonnets (and, in particular, the rhyming couplets) assure you that this is just after all a nursery rhyme for adults. Born too late to understand the CND/Peace movements of the 80s, I relished the several stanza long tract given by Father O'Hare vilifying nuclear weapons. All warmongers should be forced to read those pages! Incidentally, I have just sent an e-mail to a friend, thanking him for recommending this novel and to tell him my news. (I wrote it in seven sonnets!) Poetry not for you, you think? Give this one a go. You'll not regret it.
Rating:
Summary: From a RABID fan
Review: Go buy this book and DEVOUR it. I have read it cover to cover several times, and loved every minute of it. Masterful in its technique and yet not at all stilted...a joy to read. The guy is a genius and I am proud to call him a fellow Indian.
Rating:
Summary: A LYRICAL AND RAPTUROUS TALE OF THE CITY
Review: I began reading this massive poem skeptically
(my disdain for poetry being quite unmatched)--
When to my surprise I reacted not dispeptically,
and to this small masterpiece have become forever attached
Rating:
Summary: A superb achievement!
Review: I cannot describe how much pleasure I got from reading (and re-reading and re-reading!) this wonderful tale spuns in brilliant verse.
My sole regret is that the author has not since written anything like this.
Deji Odetoyinbo
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorite books
Review: I find myself returning to savor both the complexity of Seth's concept, and the simplicity that emerges from it. Some of the topical references may be slightly dated now, but this is not enough to tarnish this gem!
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