Patchy historical detail and questionable vocab

Would you try another book written by Abir Mukherjee or narrated by Simon Bubb?

Yes I am sure Abir has learnt from his mistakes and Simon Bubb is first rate.

Has A Rising Man put you off other books in this genre?

No, but what genre is it?

What about Simon Bubb’s performance did you like?

The general air of world weariness he brings to the character with subtle intonation and inflexion. He sounds exactly as you would expect a Public School educated policeman who had been through the First World War to sound.

Do you think A Rising Man needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

It is left as though the main character will remain in Calcutta.

Any additional comments?

I was very put off by the Northern English idioms. The main character is a Public School educated man from the South of England. He would never use such phrases as ''he was sat''. The word ''sat'' is used so often at one point I almost switched off. Also 'sat' is used to express a temporary situation; a building or a tree would stand in a position.

Books set in India at the same time never use words like Peon (a South American peasant) or morgue (an American word that has only found its way into the English vocabulary in the last 30 years).

Why has his quest house got an electric fan? Punka Wallahs were more usual. In 1919 hardly anywhere in London had electricity, only gas, so how come Calcutta is so privileged?

I wonder if Abir has ever lived in a place as hot as Calcutta? The Detective has only one uniform? I don't think so. I know from my own experience that you need to change your clothes and shower at least 3-4 times a day. Also, your relationship with your laundry features highly on the daily agenda! Also he refer to 'jackets'. The uniform would have been a short sleeved cotton buttoned TUNIC and shorts; usually starched so much that they stand up on their own. The level of starching forms the basis of your relationship with your laundry. I suggest he looks on utube for authentic pix of the time.

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2 people found this helpful

New

Really enjoyed listening to this. Unknown author for me, but found the blending of detective novel and Imperial India very compelling

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An original story that was narrated brilliantly

This first book by Abir Mukherjee was really enjoyable. An original storyline with great characters, the timeline and setting adding to the overall enjoyment. The brilliant narration by Simon Bubb really elevated the book for me. I'll definitely be listening to more.

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wonderful

this is like discovering Val McDermid or Peter Robinson for the first time. absolutely fascinating, beautifully atmospheric, reading could not be better. an interesting time to be writing about and confronts the problems of the time well. the only complaint is that the book comes to an end, can't wait to listen to the others.

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A good story, well written and we'll read

I really enjoyed this story, well written and very well read,looking forward to the sequel

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A fantastic book and great narration

Could not stop listening once I started. Looking into more Abir Mukherjee books now. Brings old India to life.

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Loved it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation for the performance and the story. I really enjoyed being pulled into the historical aspects of Kolkata as well as the investigation. Well done Mr M.

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It’s ok

Nothing great but it passes the time, the story isn’t that gripping but if you want something that you don’t need to concentrate this will do. The narrator is good though.

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Good story. Held my interest throughout.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I always recommend audiobooks with the subject matter of the British in India to friends and family. I found this book especially entertaining with murder, mystery, false leads and credible characters highly entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Rising Man?

The attitudes of the British towards the Indians and those of mixed birth.

What does Simon Bubb bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I liked his style, pace and delivery. For me the narrator is everything and if they don't pass the "sample" test then I won't buy a book no matter how good the reviews. I even forgave Simon Bubb his little muddle of " Banajees burrowed frows". I had to wind back 30 seconds to check what I had heard.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was a bit long for one sitting but sure, I didn't want to put it down.

Any additional comments?

Dear Author, please stop writing "he was sat ", or any form of that strange combination of To Be and To Sit. It is creeping in at all levels in every form of media. It is so wrong. Please, it is either "he was sitting" or "he sat". Not your fault, it's a bad common practice but one that annoys me, otherwise it would have been a 5* read.

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Fabulous story and dreadful grammar

I loved this story and the gentle, civilised narrative - the setting in the Raj is beautifully evoked. If you can stand the bad grammar (I did, gritting my teeth) you'll find yourself listening addictively

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