The Mission House

I read with a a growing sense of disappointment. Reviews had hailed what I’m afraid I came to see as an increasingly boring piece of work.The author writes well enough, for at least most of the time. (But she does have to learn how to spell the surname of the author of “The Little Mermaid”.) That said, a moderately talented pen is overworked to deal with a tale of grotesques. “Ooty” had its place in tales of the Raj. This pale substitute will soon be ( deservedly) forgotten. Nothing about this hyperventiating tale is believeable - not the characters; not their behaviour (17 weeks being driven around the same half-dozen sights?); not the motivation (if any).The author would do well to try to hone her craft on short stories before attempting another novel. This time round, I fear that her ambition runs too far ahead of her talent.

I read the review in the Sunday Times and as a frequent visitor to India who has been to Ooty on several occasions I bought it. The description of the town itself and the blue train are excellent. I did however have a little difficulty following the narrative which moves between time zones and places a little too frequently for an old brain such as mine (81 years) to follow, but still an enjoyable read.

I enjoyed this book but will now be happy to move onto something with more 'bite'. Set in Ooty, the situational awareness of the town is strong and enjoyable including the railway up to it.The main characters do not do much but introspect leading to misunderstandings and falsely perceived obligations.The minor characters are where the action lies, between Jamshed and his nephew who needs a horse to complete his persona as a wannabee country and western singer. The young, disabled girl around whom they gather eventually goes off with... Read it.

I was enjoying reading this book until I got to page 90, when I was mystified by the context until I realised that pages 91 to 122 are missing.I emailed the publishers (Granta) but they seem disinclined to respond.Update July 8th. Yesterday I spoke by phone to Granta. Within 3 minutes of resending my original email, a replacement book was on its way. This time round - excellent service. And I like to book too.

I started by loving this novel, but ended up extremely disappointed. It kept my interest throughout but I hated the improbable conclusion and found the overall characterisation unconvincing. Another reviewer mentioned lack of substance and I concur. There was a great story to be told but this wasn’t it.

The novel carried you forward with a compelling narrative. If you know India you will recognise the different facets of this multi- faceted place.The cast of characters is sufficiently small for you not to become overwhelmed. I'm glad to have read it, and to have known his characters.

Three times i have downloaded the Kindle version of The Mission House. And three times i have been unable to read this recently published book which has been very well reviewed. Why? Each time I buy it, it starts 45% through the book. This evening i hoped it would be third time lucky - I had let at least a week elapse since the last two abortive attempts. But no - the same problem again. Five minutes after downloading it i had to return it for a refund. Someone should tell the publishers - and the author is missing out on royalties. Alison

I loved the gentle approach of the author. Every word counted and added to the nuanced picture gradually built up of the troubled, but never pitied or humiliated by the writer, main character and his tragic story. Could easily be read in one go.