Rating: 
Summary: Read "Funny Boy" first
Review: I was very pleased to see this book on the shelf, as _Funny Boy_ is one of my favorite books. _Cinnamon Gardens_ is definitely a pleasure, but not in the same league. In fact, a good part of my enjoyment of this later book is probably derived from remembering how much I enjoyed the earlier book--from the feeling, you might say, of having another chance to spend virtual time with the author, whom one can't help liking. I was disappointed by occasionally stilted prose, and characters whose actions sometimes seem contrived. _Funny Boy_ was smaller in scope--a delightful, fascinating and careful study of a smaller group over a shorter time period--and I felt that in contrast, the author had taken on a bit more than he could deftly handle with _Cinnamon Gardens._ It hopes to be a sweeping multigenerational epic, but I felt that some stories got short shrift; some aspects were rushed through, and some characters seemed undeservedly underdeveloped--a smaller canvas seems better suited to the author's undeniably tremendous talent. This doesn't mean that the book is not enjoyable--on the contrary I found it pleasant and interesting/informative. But to really see why Selvadurai is so worthy of admiration, and why his many fans will wait for his next book with the greatest anticipation, it's probably a good idea to read this....after you read _Funny Boy_ first.
Rating: 
Summary: Read This Book
Review: This book was given to me while I was in the hospital. Even though I was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything for more than 5 minutes I could not put this book down. Everything about the book was fascinating to me, the culture, the characters and the politics. I was transported from my drab hospital room into a warm flower scented country. I was struck by the relevance of this book; the conflict and misunderstanding between ethnic peoples who share a country is happening all over the world, atrocities continue and innocent people are caught in the crossfire. This story could be set in Rwanda, Serbia or the middle east. I have since read Funny Boy and I eagerly await Mr. Slavaduri's next book.
Rating:
Summary: Purely Excellent for all one may learn & retain
Review: This novel did overly use one of my all-time favorite words: VERANDAH. However, it's still worth taking the time to get lost in the authors' world. It took me to a new culture and another part of a dramatic world. It's interesting how a world apart is really so much the same in any world. There were two storylines about an uncle & his niece that merged into one as if a masterpiece. Each chapter began with a profound verse from the Tirukkarul. I am utterly excited about finding his first award-winning first novel called Funny Boy. The research done is apparent. There were so many wonderful lines in this book. Here are a few of my favorites:
The different stages of a man's life are often reflected in the guests he invites to his annual dinner.
...choices are never easy.
But what life is without its regrets.
They're, you know...inverts. 'Friends of Oscar', as Aunty Ethel used to say.
You disappoint me to the very core.
...I always knew that man was a snake in the grass. The last part of a novel was always her favorite.
As you well know, when people act according to their opinions they can end up ruining other lives.
I refuse to let our friendship end as it stands...In silence.
Yet, simultaneous with this love, he felt a burning shame.
I, too, have things in my life that I keep hidden from others.
Certain wrongs must be righted.
...we might, through our letters, stegnthen the bond between us...AND MANY MORE!
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