A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif
A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif ( Booker Longlist 2008 )
This is the fourth book in my self-appointed “Bookerthon”. I have to wonder if trying to read though a list of books in this way has somehow impeded my enjoyment of these novels. I like to saviour my books and nothing ruins the pleasure of reading more than feeling I need to meet a deadline.. It is unfortunate for the Hanif book that reading it may have coincided ( or caused ) my Booker Longlist slump…
In all probability this is not the kind of book I would have chosen to read if not for the longlist. I had hoped for a light-hearted “comedy of errors” type novel, something that would keep me amused in between more serious reads. However, I found myself to be supremely bored by this novel and struggled to put the effort in to finish it. I am now struggling to find something to write about it. It does not inspire in me passion of any kind but rather a sort of bland disinterest.
Oh, Booker judges what are you doing to me, I know there are more deserving books out there.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot of this novel better than I can, but in brief, the setting is Pakistan, 1988, under the rule of dictator General Zia. The narrative is split between General Zia and Ali Shigri an officer in the Pakistan air force. The story weaves a tale around the mysterious death of General Zia in a plane crash in August 1988. Hanif has based his story on historical events and I always seem to have some trouble with this type of flippant writing in relation to recent history. I would prefer to read a straight non-fictional account of the affair rather than this satirical, loosely plotted fiction. As I progressed through the novel I found parts that seemed to echo the movie “Charlie Wilsons War“. I enjoyed this movie even without a great deal of knowledge about the political history of Afghanistan and Pakistan. However as the basis for this fictional novel I really struggled.
Oh well, onwards with the list…
I usually like to find reviews that both support and refute my ideas but so far I have only read relatively positive reviews. This does tend to suggest I may have been unfairly dismissive of this novel, perhaps due to my reading “depression”.
Other Lit blog reviews here :
2 / 5
Next up : Netherland (It certainly looks promising, but will it live up to the hype…)
Trevor Berrett said,
August 25, 2008 at 3:50 pm
It’s a sad thing, isn’t it? I think I enjoyed this book on some level, but it’s receeded quickly in my memory. Hopefully Netherland is a better book for you! I am anxious to see!
CB James said,
August 26, 2008 at 3:38 am
Well, I hope you enjoy Netherland. I’ve entered a Booker slump myself. I may never recover.
Next year, I’m waiting for the short list. My general rule for the Booker is to read the books that made the short list but didn’t win. (There are a few exceptions to this rule.)
redheadrambles said,
August 26, 2008 at 9:21 am
Trevor – it is early days but I am really enjoying Netherland. I am ashamed to admit my Booker slump having only read 4, I don’t know how you have managed the 9 you have reviewed so far.
C.B – My strategy for next year is to wait until bloggers start reviewing and then I will read the top 6 suggested. I don’t trust the judges to pick the best shortlist.
mangomissives said,
August 30, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I have this book on my TBR list. It initially made it on my list ’cause I have a thing for mangoes and how could I resist a book with mango in its title??!? I am sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy it.
Bloggers take on the Booker longlist said,
September 3, 2008 at 8:53 pm
[...] Redhead Ramble [...]
bookcrazy said,
September 8, 2008 at 9:31 am
I simply had to finish it. That’s all I was thinking after half the book, reading the first half in the failed anticipation of the latter.
There is something seriously fishy about this year’s Booker List. Check this author’s background. I am sure from ‘lots about literature and a little about book business’ this award has come a full circle with just book business.
The Man Booker official site even has a media report sighting increase in sales of the long list titles in a self-congratulatory way. Manipulations anyone!