Customer Reviews

Cereus Blooms at Night

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree that this book follows the same theme and characters as the Color Purple; however, I think the interesting characters, (especially the narrator) as well as the well imagined island country make up for the lack of originality. I don't know about other people who've read this book, but I thought the Nurse was a great narrator. I haven't come across such a sensitive and observant character in a long time. Also, the issue of incest and sisterhood is so universal that if it does merge with other stories, I don't think that it automatically scuffs off of the Color Purple. If one analyzes literature, most every theme merges together and gets recycled. I enjoyed this book--especially the way it took me away to another time and place.

Item came one week later than expected - may be the fault of the postal service, who knows. Item came as described, used with signs of wear. Still usable nevertheless. Reasonably priced.

This book was one of the few out of the many that I've read that is truly charming and exquisite. Mootoo's bravery and unabashed honesty were among just a few of the admirable qualities of this book. I had trouble putting it down at night, even when I had to be up in a few short hours. The characters are crystal-clear and the environment she paints is inspiring to anyone who wishes to write a novel someday. While the book had its heart wrenching moments, it was also full of triumph. Mala Ramchandin (the main character)has a story so rich in detail that you will feel the struggle every step of the way. This novel shines light on every facet of human emotion and it comes highly recommended!

Well, if Puff Daddy and Will Smith can make millions and earn critical acclaim by reusing other artists' songs, then I guess writers should be able to make millions and earn critical acclaim by rewriting other writers' stories.

I read this book almost a year ago and don't have it with me, so forgive me if I can't make specific references. I began CEREUS with high hopes. But something began scratching me at the back of the neck about halfway through. And then I had it! Sisters, each protective of the other. One bolder and less inclined to just accept her lot in life. Abusive, rapist father. Hmmmm... Gay and lesbian themes. Runaway sister, lost to the other. Missing, then recovered letters. !

Alice Walker's THE COLOR PURPLE, anyone?

CEREUS was a decent story; its descriptions were lush and lovely; and it was worth reading, but come on. Give me a break. If you can't come up with an original idea for your book, at least don't plagiarize a Pulitzer Prize-winner.

i loved the book i couldn't let it dow

In this novel the characters are not what they appear at first glance, a male nurse has sexual issues to deal with, another character wills herself to be a man, and the main protagonist is sexually abused by her father. The novel is very intricate and yet simple in its ability to make us look within ourselves for the strenght to endure life's hardships and to also downplay the effect of other's criticisms of how we have chosen to live.

This story unfolds in many directions and at many levels and provides a creative challenge to the reader to maintain a clear understanding of the various themes. At times a love story, and other times a exploration of sexuality and pedophilia and violence, the book revolves around the history of one woman whom many around her believe mad. The story is set on a fictional tropical island and narrated by a gay male nurse who cares for the woman as an inmate in an alms house. The woman's story unfolds as do the beautiful and powerfully scented Cereus blooms which the author skillfully blends into the evocative and sensual backdrop of the story.