Reviews of Bollywood Extras: A Novel From Mumbai
by Dr D. Bruno Starrs
"Bollywood Extras" is like "Lolita" meets "The Day of the Locust", but set in contemporary India (not America) and staged against a backdrop of rabid religious terrorism. Written with the uniquely black comedic, literary flair Dr Starrs is renown for, this, his 3rd novel, boldly captures the feel of Mumbai and the small-time players in its big-time film industry, with style, humor and originality.
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Reviews of Bollywood Extras: A Novel From Mumbai by Dr D. Bruno Starrs
Rory Sinclair
reviewed
on Feb. 1, 2013
Very timely expose of Bollywood's less than innocent players.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Gavin MacIntyre
reviewed
on Jan. 28, 2013
Excellent writing.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Sarah Mitra
reviewed
on Jan. 26, 2013
I know I've already reviewed this but I think its important this novel be publicized, given the sentencing of American David Headly to 35 yrs imprisonment this week for his involvement in the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks. He should have been extradited to India and sentenced to death! Instaead he will die in gaol and the families in Mumbai torn apart from his actions will probably never get to celebrate his passing... Pakistan too should hang its heads in shame!
(reviewed 23 days after purchase)
Garrawi
reviewed
on Jan. 24, 2013
This is a uniquely told and original story about a unique and unappealing culture.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Axel Rows
reviewed
on Jan. 23, 2013
A fascinating read.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Helga
reviewed
on Jan. 21, 2013
More than a post-modern homage to "Day of the Locust", this novel is a great work of literature in its own right. I thoroughly recommend it.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Jocelyn Maxwell
reviewed
on Jan. 19, 2013
I read this novel electronic cover to electronic cover with no stops. It's an awesome piece of literature.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Aaron Eastwelling
reviewed
on Jan. 19, 2013
A very timely publication, given the front page news in India regarding the cowardly gang rape and murder of a young woman in new Delhi.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Bill Huntingdale
reviewed
on Jan. 19, 2013
This is what literature is all about. Well written and relevant to contemporary India. Reveals the horror of underage sexual assault in the sub-continent and the horror of Islamic fundamentalism. Confronting, raw and divisive, I recommend it thoroughly.
(reviewed 2 days after purchase)
Sarah Mitra
reviewed
on Jan. 6, 2013
(no rating)
“Bollywood Extras” is not an easy novel to read, but it is well worth effort. As the blurb states, it is a cross between two classic works of literature: “Day of the Locust” and “Lolita” (but set in our own tinseltown, Mumbai). If you have read these two novels already, then you will be in better position to appreciate Dr. Starrs’s literary endeavor. But be warned, he addresses some quite dark and unpleasant themes. The theme of sexual assault being ‘acceptable’ in India is especially hot right now, what with the controversy over the fatal pack rape of a young female university student on a Delhi bus and all the big protests in the streets. Add to this the subject of the 2008 Mumbai Islamic terrorist attacks and you have a novel with some very serious themes indeed. Surprisingly, Dr. Starrs has engaged in some amusing comedy at times and it is obvious he has spent so much time in Mumbai researching the film industry. In summary, do read this book if you are after some creative exposition of Bollywood and our frequently hypocritical attitudes to child sexual assault and don’t be surprised if you find his style amusing!
“Bollywood Extras” is not an easy novel to read, but it is well worth effort. As the blurb states, it is a cross between two classic works of literature: “Day of the Locust” and “Lolita” (but set in our own tinseltown, Mumbai). If you have read these two novels already, then you will be in better position to appreciate Dr. Starrs’s literary endeavor. But be warned, he addresses some quite dark and unpleasant themes. The theme of sexual assault being ‘acceptable’ in India is especially hot right now, what with the controversy over the fatal pack rape of a young female university student on a Delhi bus and all the big protests in the streets. Add to this the subject of the 2008 Mumbai Islamic terrorist attacks and you have a novel with some very serious themes indeed. Surprisingly, Dr. Starrs has engaged in some amusing comedy at times and it is obvious he has spent so much time in Mumbai researching the film industry. In summary, do read this book if you are after some creative exposition of Bollywood and our frequently hypocritical attitudes to child sexual assault and don’t be surprised if you find his style amusing!
(reviewed 3 days after purchase)