Tropic of Orange Paperback – September 1, 1997

There are several storylines following the main characters, but I didn't find satisfaction in the endings provided, and especially those not provided. Chaos and riot in LA? Well, I live in the region and have seen it happen. But chaos and riot need context if they are in a literary format, and while there was a lot of dialogue describing what was going on, I found little understanding. The character Buzzworm reflects on what is happening, but then (spoiler) he goes home, takes a bath, and goes to bed. Washes himself clean. Allegories abound.

Strange. Culturally significant. Magical. Tropic of Orange was a bizarre ride I had to take for a criticism class but damn was it worth it. I wasn't a fan of the ending so that's the only reason I'm giving it four stars. Even after analyzing it with a class no one could give me something that made the end feel satisfying. But man was it a trip, and I mean that in more than one way. It can feel like an acid trip at times with its varied narratives, style, symbolism, and magical realism. If you love LA like I do then this book is a must. Few books make a setting feel just as important as its characters as Yamashita has done here.

Characters very well developed. Kept my interest. Ending a bit hard to follow and buy into. Well written, just fell a little short at end. Maybe my preference to understand conclusion. Reader has to unravel fantasy and consider possible post novel events. Could make one ponder, but I will move onto next book. More academic readers may find issues raised good for discussion.

Yamashita’s novel is an incredible insight into race and America, and not just from one point of view. The emphasis placed on damaging foreign policy created by the US (especially economically) is so strong, yet so naturally interwoven into the narrative that everything falls into its proper place when and how it should. This book is insightful, viewing American culture and its ills through the lens of minorities, while also providing a strangely-burgeoning hope that mounts as chapters (and tensions) continue. The characters are wonderful and carry their own import; it’s hard to think of one I don’t like. I’d definitely recommend this novel. Anyone unfamiliar with USA foreign economic policies and terms, keep Google at the ready!

Didn’t get any story to it! What was this all about? Glad Rafaela got Sol! Didn’t get anything else from this story!

Read this for a college English class and really enjoyed it - we even got to video conference with the author. This novel presents a diverse landscape of Los Angeles which is definitely so refreshing to read after seeing so many portrayals of LA that excludes people of color or focus only on the rich, aesthetic parts of it. This gets right into the parts that people overlook yet are so important to LA and its growth - the gritty, tough neighborhoods, the cultural enclaves, and so much more. Definitely worth a read.

Clever, funny, heartbreaking. Monumentally ambitious. Weird. Organized yet messy. Poetic. Gritty. Overflowing, magical, realistic. Its own thing. Maybe your kind of thing.

I adore this book. I had to read this book for a writing class I was taking and I absolutely loved it. The plot is absolutely engrossing and the way Yamashita has used magic realism to address issues of our modern world is brilliant. I am considering writing a research paper (or senior thesis) on this book because there is just so much to analyze here. And on the plus side, it doesn't feel like work to read this book. If you're not interested in reading an academic, "literary" book, I think this book will still provide a lot of enjoyment for the casual reader.

Ich habe dieses Buch für die Uni lesen müssen (Fachbereich Anglistik). Ich finde die Idee kreativ und die Umsetzung mit verschiedenen Schreibstilen für die verschiedenen Charaktere schön. Cool ist auch, wie am Ende alles zusammenhängt.Allerdings denke ich, dass man dieses Buch nur wirklich verstehen kann, wenn man schon einmal für eine Weile selbst in LA war. Das war weder bei mir noch bei irgendwem anders aus dem Uni-Seminar der Fall, was einfach die Leseerfahrung getrübt hat. Inhaltlich ist auch das Ende des Romans etwas abgedreht.

Again about the book great reading but u should do something about exorbitant delivery charges

Thanks

Great