📓 BOOK REVIEW: The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella
Author: Shastri Akella
Length: 13 hrs 21 min
Genre: Literary LGBTQIA+
Publication: July 2023
TW: ​Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
I received an advanced copy of this book (ARC) from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio (my thanks!) in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been reposted as part of the integration from Spongebobbiii Books to Literary Pawspectives.
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The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that follows the life of Shagun, a young man growing up in India during the 90s, who struggles with his sexuality in a society where same-sex attraction is illegal. The author's dedication to the story is evident, as it took eight long years to complete, and during this time, Akella had his own personal awakening, coming out as gay.
The narrative follows Shagun's journey from his early years into his 30s, and the challenges he faces due to his sexual orientation. Akella portrays Shagun's experiences with determination, bravery, and a strong ethical nature, making him a compelling protagonist.
As a fellow queer reader, I found The Sea Elephants to be a poignant and touching read.However, I must acknowledge that some parts of the book were triggering, which affected my overall enjoyment. Despite this, the triggering elements were essential to the story, and I recognize that others might not have the same reaction.
The plot is brilliantly constructed and without any noticeable plot holes. It engages readers throughout, keeping them emotionally invested in Shagun's journey. The characters are well-developed, each provoking a distinct reaction from the reader. Shagun and Mark, in particular, are written with such depth that their love and struggles are palpable.
One of the novel's strongest aspects is how thought-provoking it is. The story goes beyond the reading sessions, prompting readers to contemplate the experiences of queer individuals in the 90s, especially in a cultural context outside of the United States.
The narration by Vikas Adam is commendable, effectively portraying the linguistic differences between Shagun and Mark, giving the impression of multiple narrators.
The world-building in The Sea Elephants is exceptional, immersing readers in the story's setting and atmosphere. Akella's writing is poignant, allowing readers to grow up alongside Shagun and understand the complexities of his life.
The ending of the book is satisfying, tying up the narrative threads in a way that leaves readers content.
Overall, The Sea Elephants is a remarkable novel that deserves high praise for its compelling plot, well-crafted characters, thought-provoking themes, immersive world-building, and skillful writing. Though some aspects may be triggering for certain readers, the emotional impact of the story is undeniably powerful. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeply moving and enlightening reading experience.
Happy reading!
Bobbi
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