Customer Reviews

Himalayan Dhaba

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

We read this book AND were fortunate enough to meet the author and his wife, who lived much of the story...this book is an amazing experience! There was so much to talk about. My favorite parts were the beautiful characters. I loved all of them by the book's end, even the creepy ones. They'll haunt you forever. Also loved the education on religious practices and Indian Gods...treat yourself to this book! Don't pass it by! If you've ever wanted to travel or immerse yourself in another culture, this is your chance.

Our book club read this book and then had a phone interview with the author, Craig Danner. Ravens are present throughout the book. After our own discussion about the deeper, sinister connotations of ravens, we asked the author his intent. He said the ravens are the Greek Chorus of the book, observing all that the characters experience and offering comment by their actions. I found this fascinating and it really added to my enjoyment of the book. Each character overcomes his/her own circumstances to find enlightenment. I really enjoyed reading about their journey. I loved learning about the culture and religion of the area also. I would recommend this book.

Let me say up front that I know Craig Danner and this book well--I'm his sister-in-law. But I'm also an avid reader, and this is an unforgettable book that demonstrates a rare understanding of women's experiences and a dazzling sense of place. The central character is Doctor Mary, who flees Baltimore after her husband's untimely death for a remote Indian village high in the Himalayas. As she struggles to make sense of her new life and her past experiences, Mary finds herself intertwined with a diverse cast of characters--the waiter in the local dhaba (cafe), a lonely and insecure British traveller, a desperate and aging addict, the unpredictable hospital nurses--and as they change her life, she influences theirs as well. The way Craig writes about Mary's emotions and experiences shows his deeply felt insight into women's lives, and is one of the strongest aspects of a compelling book. Craig knows from whence he writes. He spent more than a year working in India as a medical care provider, and his book resonates with the authenticity of a writer who has been there. His descriptions of the dynamics of village life, of the Himalayan tourist trade, and of the conflicts that occur when people of different cultures live and work together, all ring true. "Himalayan Dhaba"'s sense of place is lyrical and haunting, with gorgeous descriptions that make you feel like you're there as the story unfolds. "Himalayan Dhaba" is a story that will draw you in and stay with you long after you've put the book down. The characters are finely drawn and memorable--they're flawed, human, struggling and hopeful. The setting is exotic, yet the story sounds universal themes of human hope and triumph, and reminds us all of the beauty in everyday life. Don't miss this book!

Himalayan Dhaba was a treat for the mind. As I read, I was not distracted by clumsy sentence constructions or overly elaborate picture painting. I did feel that I was seeing each scene with my own eyes, I could feel the cold, smell the odors, and to some extent share the reactions of the characters. Craig's people were always a suprise though, and rather than knowing what to expect around the next corner, I was eager to read on and see what the next twist was. The plot itself was carefully woven, believable and yet fresh. I liked the realism of the characters and the medical information was both appropriately applied and accurate. I think the profanity was overused and actually distracted me from the realism of the characters. I am eagerly awaiting Craig's next work.

Mr.Danner asked me to read his novel, described as a novel about a woman doctor at a primitive hospital high in the Himalayas, based on the experience of the author and his wife one winter at a similar hospital. His hope was that I would share this find with my book group; I truthfully thought it would be 'Tom Dooley Goes to the Mountains.' Was I ever wrong! I read this slim novel in one day; I could not put it down! Every chapter brought a new surprising twist or emotion. This is true literary fiction, touching many genres: mystery, romance, travel, humor, social commentary, suspense. Suffice to say that this doctor wasn't a typical missionary and her little corner of these mystical mountains housed characters that will engender interest, empathy, disgust, and tenderness in many readers. This first time author takes his readers on an emotion packed ride with many curves and twists, just like the roads to the top of the Himalayas.

Did not enjoy the writing style, and found the story very contrived. Was not a favorite with the book club.

Craig Danner's Himalayan Dhaba interested me enough that I recommended it to my book club. Danner's description of a small mountain village is very vivid. His characters are equally well drawn. We are intially transported to the mountain via the voice of Dr. Mary, a recent widow. While she seeks solace and healing in a culture that is completely foreign to her we are drawn into a world of poverty, simplicity, religion and conflicting Western values. Mr. Danner's writing is poetic and thought provoking. I enjoyed the book very much, but do wish there were fewer primary characters. At times, it was difficult to distinguish all of them. I look forward to reading his next novel!

I learned alot about the world of small village life. The doctor's experience of having to follow a "guide book" and being thrust into a situation where she felt completely overwhelmed felt very familiar to me (student teaching) and I could relate to the madness of her everyday challenges. Although, in my situation, no one's life is at stake. I am a complete "Foodie" and got very interested in the type of foods that were being discussed in the book. I really liked the turns in the story and the characters were fun to root for (except the kidnapper). The faith that guided many of these characters can give all of us hope not matter what type of challenges come our way. Thank you to Craig Danner for this wonderful read.

I loved this book. I felt like I was in India working in that hospital. I usually don't like medical themes to books but this one had me hooked!

If you have not been up in the Himalaya, you will have the right details to sound like you have after reading this novel. The author uses compelling language to describe both the profound beauty, the disparities of wealth and culture, and the underlying religious beliefs of a village in the Himalaya. His story of the difficulties of delivering medical care under primitive conditions is based on his personal experience. I highly recommend this novel and look for more from this author.