Song of Kali by Dan Simmons

[susanreads]

I read this years ago but I still remember it, unfortunately. I'd already read the Hyperion Cantos, which I mostly enjoyed iirc. The nasty parts have a reason, not necessarily a human reason; there's a story, and embedded stories, some of which are fun. There might be problematic aspects that I didn't notice; I was mostly clueless back then. Then I read Song of Kali and it put me off reading any more of his work. I don't usually read horror; this must have been recommended somewhere. Problematic isn't a strong enough word; racist? I think that's the one I'm looking for.

It's not only that it's full of violence and fear and icky stuff, a hard slog without relief except for the occasional fake-out when it looks as if someone's going to escape. It's not only that our white hero expects his credentials as an American and an academic to protect him; I'm sure people do do that. It reads as though the author did just enough research on the Hindu pantheon to pick one to portray the worshippers of as an evil cult.

Slums should have people in them, helping one another or fighting to get to the top of the heap; being ground down or resisting; being humane or committing the sorts of brutality that people commit everywhere; getting on with life. Everyone here seems to be either part of the conspiracy or a mere victim. The final shock is effectively shocking, but horror fans, you can find better.

Dammit, I want things I read ages ago and remember vividly to be good, so I can rec them on littleknownbooks.