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The Death of Vishnu: A Novel Paperback – January 8, 2002

by Manil Suri (Author)

132 customer reviews

Book 1 of 3 in the Hindu Gods Series

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Editorial Reviews

The Death of Vishnu: A Novel

Paperback: 301 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial; 1st edition (January 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006000438X
ISBN-13: 978-0060004385
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.7 x 8 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 132 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,117,500 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #147599 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Literary
- #247845 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States

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TheraP

July 16, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I read this years ago. Gave away my hard copy when we moved to a retirement community. Wanted to reread, so got the digital edition.

Fascinating view of Indian society. Very well written. Compassionate understanding of all levels of society. How rich help the poor in a caste society. And the reverse.

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Mrs D. AwesomePants

Wonderful - even for people unfamiliar with Indian culture.

December 10, 2002

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

"Death of Vishnu" is a multi-faceted, beautiful story that can be read on so many different levels.
THE CHARACTERS:
There is Vishnu, and bum sort of handy-man that sleeps on a landing in the apartment building. He is dying, and some of the scenes are his dreams/afterlife visions - whichever way you want to look at it. It flashes back, and you get to see some of Vishnu's life as a young boy & man in order to further understand his situation.
There are three married couples in the building - each of them with different marital problems, issues with their children, and religious standpoints. Two of the wives are always bickering, which makes for some comical scenes.
There is one widower in the building, who we don't learn much about until later, but his story reflects a lot upon the way Indians are married and how some deal with it.
All of the characters are wonderfully developed, and the narration is done by several of them, so the reader gets a glimpse into each of their thoughts.
THE SETTING:
It is set in an apartment building. The neighbors are all fighting over whose responsibility it is to care for the dying Vishnu or who needs to remove his body when he dparts.
THE RELIGIOUS UNDERTONES:
Vishnu is a Hindu god, and in his death, the character Vishnu begins to wonder if he himself is a reincarnation of the god. There are many references to Hindu folklore and mythology in the story - but even if one is unfamiliar with these tales, it is explained well.
One of the families in the building is Muslim and the rest are Hindu. One gets a glimpse of the ongoing rivalry and hatred between the two groups on a small scale as well as some of the differences and similarities between the personal lives of the two religions. The author does a good job of not making the reader prefer either of the two religions, especially by plotting for the son and daughter of the two families to maybe elope - and Romeo and Juliet type plot.
INDIAN CULTURE:
Indian culture and flavor can be sensed from this novel - even for one who is unfamiliar. The foods, the cafes, the movies, the churches, the city, etc. are all touched upon. And bless the author for putting a comprehensive GLOSSARY at the back, for all of the Indian terms that he uses. It makes it informative and a pleasure to read.
OVERALL:
This book was very enjoyable for both it's cultural knowledge as well as the family aspects that everyone can appreciate (well, everyone that HAS a family!)

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william harris

A satisfying fable

June 30, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

A surrealistic fable with interesting characters and a running commentary on the foibles of modern and traditional society. Vishnu is a pathetic figure who nonetheless affects all who come into contact with him. The author writes about modern Indian society with knowledge and wit. His light touch carries the story forward and envelopes you in the lives of the novel's characters.

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A Quiet Flash of Brilliance!

February 4, 2001

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Difficult to believe - that this is a first novel! Manil Suri has chosen a theme both timeless and extraordinarily unique as he sculpts the life of a dying man (the proces is not morbid, just a fine substrate for weaving a tale) through the overheard conversations of the folk living in the boarding house on whose steps he lies. In many ways this short novel is like extending that flash of light when all of our life appears before us just at the moment of death - extending it long enough to relish the myriad aspects of living. This is a last gasp...but filled with so much treasure that you'll find yourself hoping it never ends. Suri's writing style is unfettered, concise, colorful, and always maintains a simplicity of style that begs for revisiting. An auspicious debut. Highly recommended.

Comment 29 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

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Douglas Ferguson

An Indian Stairway to Heaven

December 29, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Very visual and sensorial story about ascension to a heavenly state through a novel approach in modern India. I enjoyed this a great deal, although I missed many of the cultural / religious references. But, I suppose I learned something in the process. This was a good thing. I will follow up with Suri's other books as well.

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S. Fournier

Compelling read

October 6, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Loving all Indian literature, always looking for interesting novels, this book by author Manil Suri captures the reader from the very first page. The characters are well developed, you as the reader can comprehend the human frailties, their fears, the love & some intense dislike & anger. One can feel,through the authors use of descriptive language, the very atmosphere of life in a lower/middle class families home, the trials & tribulations of marrying your daughter well, of educating your child. The author shows us compassion for Vishnu, his awful degrading life, living between the stair well, the ; there for the grace of the divine go I. The tenants use of his services, the forced charity they offer him, in the hope that they are seen doing " good"

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Skyy Sutton

This book is excellent. Buy it if you enjoy fiction that focuses ...

October 7, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This book is excellent. Buy it if you enjoy fiction that focuses on the Indian culture.

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elle'n

Brilliant!

December 1, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

What a brilliant story! Beautifully written. Captivating. Deserves all the accolades, adjectives and adverbs you would want to attribute to a great book.

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Yes