Wow.

Where do I even start?

As an Indian, I am truly appalled by the disgustingly racist nature of this book. It is disheartening to see that more people in these reviews aren't highlighting this blatant issue.

The plot of this book seems to be nothing more than a flimsy excuse to trash Calcutta. It constantly vilifies Indian culture and the goddess Kali, who is in fact a revered and powerful deity, not the so-called "evil bitch goddess" as described in the book.

Almost every chapter begins with a derogatory quote about how evil or terrible Calcutta is. The main character, a douchebag if there ever was one, refers to the city as a "stinking shithole of a city" and a "panorama of human hopelessness". At the end of the novel, he even goes as far as to call the city a "black hole in reality". Moreover, there are numerous incorrect and offensive references to Indian culture scattered throughout the novel, creating a general atmosphere of distaste towards India. It's as if the author is speaking from his own personal negative experiences, rather than presenting an objective view.

I have no idea why a white man would feel the need to write so negatively about another culture that is not his own. His intent seems to be to deter people from ever wanting to visit India.

And let's not forget that, even aside from the racism, this book is at best a mediocre horror novel. Maybe I'm just not scared by such an insulting and distasteful portrayal of a beautiful and powerful Hindu goddess.

I always feel a sense of unease when I dislike a novel that is as original as "Song of Kali." It is truly difficult to come across works like this, especially considering the era in which it was written - the mid-80s, when horror fiction was at its zenith of popularity. Horror novels were all the rage back then, but unfortunately, many of the books written in that genre were little more than pedantic imitations of Stephen King.

However, this novel is definitely not a Stephen King rip-off. As I mentioned earlier, it is original and unlike anything I've ever read before. Dan Simmons's first novel makes a powerful entrance into the literary scene and maintains its intensity throughout its 300 pages. I'm a huge fan of Dan Simmons, and "Summer of Night" is one of my all-time favorite novels. But this book, despite its originality, doesn't quite display the refined skills that Simmons would develop just a few years later. Then again, it is his first novel, so it's only natural that it has some flaws.

You might be wondering what my issue is with this novel. Well, to be honest, I only had a problem with a couple of things, but those things - namely, the protagonist/narrator and, to some extent, every other character - are rather significant. The book is told from a first-person perspective, so all of the events are seen through the eyes of our main character, Robert Luczak. He's an aspiring poet and a staffer for a magazine who has brought his wife and infant daughter with him on an assignment to Calcutta, India. This guy, for lack of a better term, is an arrogant, self-absorbed jerk. And for no good reason! His wife is calm and composed and tries to help him, but he constantly treats her like a child. He's the sole cause of all the horrible things that happen to this family of three in India because he repeatedly does stupid things that he knows are stupid... yet he does them anyway. I don't want to say too much more because I don't want to spoil anything.

Aside from Robert, all of the other characters are also rather annoying, but that's mainly because I don't know enough about them to have any other feelings. They're hastily sketched ciphers whose only purpose (in most cases) is to推动 the story forward. When they suffer, I don't really care because Simmons doesn't provide enough backstory or details about these characters he's introduced. I usually enjoy Simmons's characters because they're almost always written with such detail and given so much life... but I guess he hadn't quite learned how to create realistic people yet. I'm not sure.

I'm going to keep this review short because I'm a bit annoyed with this book - mostly because I wanted to like it. It won the World Fantasy Award in 1986 and is often regarded as one of the scariest novels ever by many horror fans online. It has such a large following... and I don't understand why. In my opinion, it wasn't even that scary. Sure, there were a few chilling moments, but in most cases, the author relied on gross-out factor rather than actual fright, which might work for some readers... but not for me. It was a quick read, and as I said, it's highly original. At least Simmons makes good use of the setting of Calcutta, extracting as much mileage as possible from the concept he's created. Additionally, the last couple of chapters are quite bittersweet, combining horror, fright, and suffering in a way that Simmons would often do in his later, more prominent novels. The final chapters are where the novel truly shines.

All in all, "Song of Kali" wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't particularly great either. It was a decent way to start my October reading, but I doubt I'll ever go back and read it again. Three stars.

**The Dark and Intriguing World of "Song of Kali"**

\\n  Evil. There is no evil. There is no violence. There is only power. Power is the single, great organizing principle in the universe, Mr. Luczak. Power is the only a priori reality. All violence is an exercise in power.\\n
This is one of the premises of the very dark story "Song of Kali." The main character, Robert Luczak, takes his family to India in search of a missing poet, M. Das. Luczak's wife, who is from India until the age of 7, comes along to translate for him, and their infant daughter, Victoria, also makes the journey.

Simmons doesn't paint a positive picture of Calcutta in the 1970s. It's a bleak place, almost like a modern-day Gomorrah. He uses a quote from Tushar Roy to lead into chapter 12:
\\n  ... You bitch Calcutta
You piss yellow leprosy, like jaundiced urine,
Like a great artistic fresco...\\n
It's clear that Kolkata (the more traditional name since 2001) won't be asking Simmons to write a tourism blurb.

Luczak hopes to write an article about the missing poet. New works of Das have surfaced, and experts believe they are genuine. Luczak wants to find more such works and, if possible, locate and interview Das. He's an admirer of Das, so it makes sense for him to be the one on this quest rather than a random reporter.

The story is filled with cool elements like criminal gangs, cults, and dark magic. Groups such as the Thuggees, Goondas, and Kapalikas are mentioned. The Thuggees, connected to Kali, believed they were defending against Kali destroying mankind. The Goonda refers to various criminal elements in India, and the Kapalikas, who worshipped Shiva and carried a skull-topped trident and an empty human skull as a begging bowl, are also real. In the story, they worship Kali for some reason, perhaps because they make good bad guys.

The story is very dark, and a lot of it didn't make sense to me. The part with Victoria seemed senseless. I thought Simmons was going to have Luczak blackmailed by the Kapalikas to replace Das as Kali's poet, but instead, they killed her while trying to smuggle drugs and jewels out of the country. Maybe Simmons was trying to say that the Song of Kali was spreading worldwide to cause despair and death.

Overall, I did like the story, but it was kind of average for Simmons. He's such a talented writer that I might be grading him a bit harshly. If you're new to Simmons, I recommend starting with something like Carrion Comfort, Hyperion (books 1 & 2), or Summer of Night. You can always come back to this one later, but make sure to have your comfort animal nearby

Claustrophobic and Horrific!


Story 4.5/5

Narration 5/5

"Song of Kali" by Dan Simmons is an incredibly unique tragic horror book that truly captivated me. I absolutely loved it!

The story is masterfully written, effortlessly pulling me through its pages. I have never been to India, and I knew very little about the goddess Kali. So, I can't say for sure if what is described about Calcutta and the goddess is entirely accurate. However, the vivid descriptions by Dan Simmons make it all seem incredibly realistic. In my view, all the characters are well-developed, with their own distinct personalities and motives.

I was particularly impressed by the way Simmons described the claustrophobic, filthy, and sinister atmosphere of Calcutta. While reading, I could almost smell the city, feel its humidity, and sense the frenzy of both the unfortunate and fortunate people living there. It was as if I was right there in the heart of the chaos.

"Song of Kali" is a different kind of horror story. It is filled with numerous mysteries that kept me on the edge of my seat. Although I didn't fully understand everything, especially about the ending, I still found it to be highly engaging and enjoyable. The audiobook version is also very good, adding an extra layer of mystery and atmosphere to the story. I highly recommend "Song of Kali" to anyone who wants to take a virtual journey without leaving the comfort of their home and who enjoys being spooked.

Wow!

Just save me a seat on the next plane to Kolkata.

'Cos I really need to see that so-called "hell" with my own eyes.

I can't imagine what kind of place it could be that is described in such a way.

Maybe it's a place full of chaos and poverty, or maybe it has some unique and shocking features.

But no matter what, I'm determined to go there and experience it for myself.

I want to see the real Kolkata, not just hear about it from others.

I believe that this journey will be an unforgettable one, and it will give me a new perspective on life and the world.

So, hurry up and book that ticket for me!

Sometimes there is only pain. And acquiescence to pain. And, perhaps, defiance at the world which demands such pain." This profound quote by Dan Simmons in "Song of Kali" sets a tone that lingers throughout the story. Horror is not my typical domain, nor is it my alternative. When it comes to genre fiction, I might pick up a horror novel as often as a fantasy one. But this is Dan Simmons we're discussing. After reading "Hyperion" and "The Fall of Hyperion", I was curious. How could Simmons infuse horror with poetry and literacy?

I liked "Song of Kali". It was a good tale. However, I'm not certain if I'd classify it as great horror. It wasn't overly scary. It was more psychological and mental compared to most. It seemed like a curious blend of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King, with a generous dose of Calcutta madness and poetic mysticism.
In conclusion, I enjoyed it. I'll continue to read Simmons when I desire a break from the classics or an escape into literary genre fiction. But I don't think I'll need to fortify my nerves with any tonics or leave the lights on to sleep after closing the book at night. I might, though, reconsider vacation plans to Kolkata and West Bengal. Screw THAT!

A wonderfully visceral horror tale is set against the thronging, miasmic streets of Calcutta. The story has a Cthulu-like feel, which Simmons expertly reframes within Hindu belief and myth.

He also hints at an inherent primal darkness at the heart of every human soul, with only a thin veneer of civilization to constrain it. Simmons resists the urge to reveal too much in the denouement, leaving readers with lots of open ends and few answers.

But like pornography, with horror it can be a lot more scintillating (or more appropriately terrifying in this case) to conceal rather than reveal, leaving many of the good bits to the imagination.

As Simmons himself says, "I think that there are black holes in reality. Black holes in the human spirit. And actual places where, because of density or misery or sheer human perversity, the fabric of things just comes apart and that black core in us swallows all the rest."

This story takes us on a journey through the dark and mysterious underbelly of Calcutta, where the line between reality and nightmare is blurred. It forces us to confront the darkness within ourselves and question the true nature of our humanity.

With its vivid descriptions and expertly crafted plot, this horror tale is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. It is a must-read for fans of the genre who are looking for something new and exciting to sink their teeth into.

In Jones & Newman's "Horror: 100 Best Books," Edward Bryant writes about Dan Simmons' "Song of Kali." Simmons spent only 2 1/2 days in Calcutta before writing this book, yet the city is vividly depicted. He filled "voluminous notebooks" with impressions. The novel won the 1985 World Fantasy Award.

The story follows Robert Luczak, an American poet, who travels to Calcutta with his family. They have a harrowing experience in the city, which is filled with Kali, her followers, reincarnation, and more. Simmons presents two especially horrific sequences. Despite the downbeat nature, there is a glimmer of hope at the end.

Today, Simmons is a big name in fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. His first novel shows remarkable control. However, a close reading reveals some inconsistencies, like incorrect dates and a changing number of oil paintings. But these are minor quibbles. "Song of Kali" is a great horror novel that leaves many questions unanswered, adding to its mystery. It's so effective that I wouldn't go near Calcutta now.

A worthy winner of the World Fantasy Award!

Before delving into this novel, I was rather astonished to learn that it had won the World Fantasy award, especially considering it was Dan Simmons' first novel. However, after reading it, I completely grasped the reason behind this accolade.

It is an absolutely fantastic read! The author's vivid descriptions make it feel as though you are actually transported to the bustling city of Calcutta. This is an incredible achievement for Simmons.

My favorite aspect of "Song of Kali" was undoubtedly the characters. Bobby, in particular, is a brilliant and witty individual who is just a normal guy working for a magazine. He isn't a traditional hero, but rather a relatable, ordinary person, which makes him all the more interesting.

One of my most cherished moments in the story is when someone reads a description of Calcutta and asks if it aligns with Bobby's perception of the city. He agrees, only to be told that it was actually a description of London during the Industrial Revolution. I understand that this might seem trivial, but it is these little details that contribute to making a great story.

The only minor drawback that I could identify is that one of the more crucial parts of the narrative was presented in the form of a poem. Personally, I struggle with analyzing and understanding poetry, so this section went a bit over my head. Nevertheless, I was able to gain a basic understanding, and it did not significantly impact the overall story.

Overall, as a debut novel, it is truly brilliant! If I had been informed that this was his seventh novel, I would not have been the least bit surprised. I would rate it a strong 4 stars and wholeheartedly recommend it to others!

This is a hard book to rate.

On one hand, it was a thoroughly unpleasant read. The characters were all unlikable, which made it difficult to form any sort of emotional connection with them.

The story itself seemed to lack substance, with little actually happening for long stretches of the book.

However, despite all of these flaws, I found the book strangely captivating. There was something about the writing style or the overall atmosphere of the book that kept me turning the pages.

Perhaps it was the author's ability to create a sense of mystery and unease that drew me in.

Or maybe it was the fact that, even though the characters were unlikable, they were still interesting in their own way.

Whatever the reason, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book, despite its many shortcomings.

It goes to show that sometimes, a book can have a certain charm or appeal that is difficult to put into words.

My first experience with a Dan Simmons book has left me rather disappointed.

I picked up the book with high hopes of delving into a world of horror, but alas, it was not what I expected.

The story seemed to lack the intensity and spine-chilling elements that I had anticipated.

Perhaps it was my own expectations that were too high, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of letdown.

The characters didn't quite draw me in, and the plot didn't have the twists and turns that would have kept me on the edge of my seat.

Sorry, but this particular Dan Simmons book just didn't do it for me. I'm still willing to give his other works a try, but for now, I'm left with a somewhat sour taste in my mouth.

I guess you can't win them all, and this was just one of those cases where my expectations weren't met.

Oh well, on to the next book in search of that perfect horror read!

The original article was rather brief. However, with some expansion and elaboration, we can create a more detailed piece.

For instance, let's say the original article was about a historical event. We could start by providing some background information on the event, such as when and where it took place, and what led up to it.

Then, we could describe the event itself in more detail, including the actions and decisions of the key players involved.

We could also discuss the impact of the event, both in the short-term and the long-term. How did it change the course of history? What lessons can we learn from it today?

*insert edward said rolling over in his grave*

By adding these elements, we can expand the article to 300 words and provide a more comprehensive and engaging account of the historical event.