Horror novels aren't typically my first choice of genre.

However, this particular book has the potential to change my mind and make me more inclined to read others in this genre.

The story is set in the context of 1970s India, and it effectively uses the concept of the 'Other' as a means to evoke both fear and a sense of mysticism, which enhances the overall storytelling.

Nevertheless, the portrayal of India and its people as primitive in this book left a rather unpleasant impression on me.

Despite this drawback, the strength of the storytelling and the brilliant descriptions used cannot be ignored.

The author has managed to create a captivating and engaging narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, while the book has its flaws, it also has several redeeming qualities that make it worth considering for those interested in the horror genre.

Perhaps with a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of India and its people, this book could have been even better.

De Dan Simmons, until reaching "La canción de Kali", I had only read "Los vampiros de la mente" and "Hyperion", and never finished "La caída de Hyperion". All of them in the VIB pocket collection of Ediciones B. From VIB, I also cherish a couple more books: "Confesiones de un vampiro" by Anne Rice and "El dragón rojo" by Thomas Harris. I have always been attracted to the graphic and colorful covers of this collection with their embossed letters. When they came out in the 90s, they were quite a novelty in terms of design, and although now they may seem strident or outdated to me, they still maintain a special charm.

Once I read the novel, I can now assert that I am more drawn to the terrifying vein of Simmons than the science-fiction one. "Los vampiros de la mente" will remain number one in my preferences, but in second place, deservedly, is this "Cancón de Kali" (awaiting the reissue scheduled for April of "El horror"), which, as a typical commercial move of this type of publishers, Roca plans to publish in April coinciding with the TV series on the AMC channel. For once, I will not complain about the opportunism of the "majors".

"La canción de Kali" narrates, almost in an epic mode (a very appropriate treatment, considering all the cultural and literary display of the Hindu world in which the author immerses us), the journey of an American poet and literary critic to the city of Calcutta on assignment from a magazine to obtain the new poems of an author who disappeared some time ago under strange circumstances and who is defined as a worthy successor of Rabindranath Tagore. The journey itself will be a descent into hell, a punch in the face for the Westerner who will have to face the inefficient system, bribes, corruption, disease, and extreme poverty that nourish and devour the city and those who live, survive, or disappear in it. Legacies of the British Empire, but also a product of the division of the Hindus themselves for religious, ethnic, or caste reasons. In the middle of the book, there is an interesting (and long) conversation between the protagonist and a local writer in which the supposed moral superiority of the supposedly orderly Western social system is called into question for being as despotic or more than the local one.

The journey of the journalist seems to me to have something of what Captain Willard initiated in his search for Colonel Kurtz through the Cambodian border in "Apocalypse Now". In fact, Coppola's film was released in 1979 and Simmons' book was published in 1985, but both works are set in the late or mid-1970s.

Each chapter (in this edition) begins with a beautiful representation of the image of Kali and a small fragment of some poem dedicated by different authors to Calcutta (not with very good words) and introduces us into the increasingly intricate labyrinth that will lead an educated but incredulous middle-aged American to discover that there are cults, beliefs, and esoteric realities beyond what can be considered logical in the "civilized world".

I forgive Simmons the irony (or lack thereof) when describing Stephen King as "a suitable author when you go to the beach" or defining "Star Wars" as "that children's movie". These are details inserted, I believe, with a bit of cynicism. On the contrary, he names Joyce Carol Oates or quotes a fragment of "Plegaría por mi hija" by William Butler Yeats, for example.

In summary, a very good horror and mystery novel with good doses of suspense. I suspect that "La canción de Kalí", if it had been written and published nowadays, would have reached us censored and sanitized by the disgusting filter of "political correctness" that seems to have to prevail in order not to hurt sensitivities. But, be careful, let's not forget that we are facing a work of fiction that describes, yes, with brutality the chaos, violence, and degradation, that is: it details, correctly, one of the most important avatars of the same goddess.

"La canción de Kali" anticipates, not the arrival, but the return to the greatness of what this deity means, although the author shows us, once the plot is tied up, that there are other options, that there are other songs, and that, ultimately, there is an opportunity for free will.

Not as expected.

I was completely fooled by the "the most horrific book ever" reviews.

I had high expectations, thinking it would be a truly terrifying and spine-chilling read.

However, when I finally got my hands on the book and started reading, I was rather disappointed.

The story didn't seem to live up to the hype.

The descriptions that were supposed to be so horrifying felt rather平淡 and unconvincing.

Maybe my standards were too high, but I just didn't find it as scary as I thought it would be.

It's a shame because I was really looking forward to a good scare.

Oh well, at least I can say I gave it a try.

Maybe next time I'll be more cautious when reading reviews that claim a book is the "most horrific ever."

I have most definitely crossed Calcutta off my short list of any possible future holiday destinations.

This decision was not made lightly. I recently came across a great book that vividly brings home the utter urban nightmare that is Calcutta.

The descriptions in the book painted a picture of a city filled with chaos, overcrowding, and poverty. The streets are clogged with traffic, the air is polluted, and the living conditions for many are abysmal.

While I understand that every city has its problems, the magnitude of the issues in Calcutta seems overwhelming. I cannot imagine spending my precious holiday time in a place that is so full of stress and turmoil.

There are so many other beautiful and peaceful destinations in the world that I would much rather visit. I want to go somewhere where I can relax, enjoy the scenery, and experience a different culture without the added burden of a chaotic and unpleasant urban environment.

Therefore, Calcutta will remain off my holiday list for the foreseeable future.

Song of Kali is the kind of work that Joseph Campbell might envision during a nightmarish acid trip, compounded by a severe case of food poisoning, after teaching Hindu mythology in Calcutta.

It is rather astonishing that this book isn't more frequently on the lips of horror fans. It is the genuine article.

The book has the sepia-toned atmosphere of a tense, well-paced 70's horror movie. I truly struggle to describe its beauty without drawing comparisons to other works with a similar flavor, such as Se7en, Rosemary's Baby, Don't Look Now, Jacob's Ladder, and Heart of Darkness.

It is intelligently written, far more fact-oriented (presumably through extensive travel and research) than the almost purely character-driven works of King or Koontz. The sense of threat and dread is profound and inescapable, leading to dire consequences. No punches are pulled.

If mature adult horror animation were more likely to attract a wider audience, this book would make an incredibly amazing animated feature. No other visual form could do it justice like the kinetic, stylized pans and zooms of traditional eastern-leaning hand-drawn animation.

Definitely my favorite Simmons book so far, and some of his other books, like A Winter Haunting, are also among my favorites. At times, it feels like a proto Carrion Comfort (published 4 years later), which I believe has a broader following.

Highly recommended!

The atmosphere is incredible!

The story is well constructed, with countless disturbing moments and a lot of pain, especially towards the end. In some places, the plot developed very confusingly for me, and that disappointed me.

Otherwise, Kolkata is described in a uniquely repulsive way.

If I ever had the slightest thoughts of visiting India, after reading this book, they suddenly disappeared.

It seems that the author has managed to create a vivid and somewhat terrifying image of Kolkata through this story.

The combination of a complex plot and a strong sense of atmosphere makes this book a memorable read.

However, the negative portrayal of Kolkata might make some readers hesitant to consider visiting the city.

Overall, it's a book that elicits strong emotions and leaves a lasting impression.

Someone else has said it quite beautifully in another review - this book is an attempt at Heart Of Darkness but set in India.

Just because something or somewhere is a different place to where you were raised, it doesn't mean it's a ~scary~ place. It just means you're a bit of a twat for making it appear as such.

I got nothing for you. This book would've gotten an absolutely incredible rating from me, if it hadn't been marred by the racism and the reasonably twattish main character.

With that said, this is a ballsy horror novel. The grotesque descriptions and storyline were punchy, I won't deny, and they left me squirming in my seat.

I love it when horror is gratuitous, and boy, does this deliver. The baby, the body, and the poet all stood out to me as incredibly horrific tales, and I got really into that.

I love a good gross tale, and this took me there.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great story, but the acrid tang of xenophobia it leaves is distasteful at best.

It's a real shame that such a well-written and engaging horror novel has such a major flaw. The author clearly has talent when it comes to creating a creepy and disturbing atmosphere, but the underlying racism detracts from the overall experience.

I found myself constantly having to overlook the offensive aspects in order to enjoy the horror elements.

Despite this, I can't deny that the book had its moments. The vivid descriptions and unique storylines were enough to keep me hooked until the end.

However, I can't recommend it without hesitation due to the blatant xenophobia. It's a complex and somewhat frustrating read that leaves a lot to be desired in terms of its message and portrayal of other cultures.

This was a truly haunting book by Simmons.

It stands out with a style and tone that is markedly different from his epic Cantos and Ilium series.

I found it to be extremely well-written, with a fast-paced narrative that vividly portrays the extreme situation of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Despite being a short book that can probably be finished in a few hours, I won't go into great detail about the plot points to avoid spoiling anything.

However, I must say that it is not for the faint of heart.

I have had the opportunity to visit several places in India, such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, and Mysore, but never got to Calcutta where this story is set.

I remember asking my hosts in those places about whether Calcutta was as bad as its reputation, and they confirmed that it pretty much was.

When I visited Haiti as a teenager, I witnessed something similar to the devastation described in Song of Kali.

The feelings that the book evoked in me took me back to my reaction to the more abject states of human poverty.

Definitely, it is worth a read after you have completed Olympos and/or The Rise of Endymion.

I have to admit, initially, penning this review proved to be a challenge. This was due to the controversial nature of the book and the conflicted emotions that surged within me upon its completion. I had previously heard whispers about the author making bigoted remarks in the past. However, to be frank, I don't possess in-depth knowledge of that aspect. Generally, I strive to separate art from the artist. That being said, I'm afraid the concerns or criticisms suggesting this book is xenophobic hold some truth. And I don't make this claim merely because the author mentions the caste system, poverty, or other such elements within its pages.

Let me start by highlighting what I liked. Setting aside the issues of racism, xenophobia, and stereotypes, it is indeed a well-written, disturbing, and visceral psychological horror novel. Throughout the entire story, one can sense a palpable dread that becomes almost suffocating. You can truly feel the protagonist's despair during crucial moments, and my heart nearly sank during a key moment towards the end. There were several excellent horror sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat, constantly wondering if everything was real or just a figment of the imagination.

Now, onto the things I didn't like or the reasons that led me to consider it xenophobic, aside from the obvious degrading descriptions of 'brown people'. Firstly, I found the entire setting of the story in India and the use of Kali as an evil power to be rather unnecessary. What I mean by this is that one could easily change the location to a countryside, substitute Kali with some cult lurking around and doing creepy things, and it would still be an excellent horror novel. The author does maintain a disturbing atmosphere very well, as I mentioned earlier. However, this was achieved through the reinforcement of stereotypes and the perversion of a Hindu goddess. The execution of the latter, I found to be rather distasteful, even as an atheist.

I also didn't like that there was no resolution regarding the cultists and their plans. But I can overlook this since it wasn't the main point of the story. Which brings me to my main criticism. For a story that concludes with a message of finding hope and ignoring the Song of Kali, focusing on other songs and doing good things, there seems to be simply no hope for the people of Calcutta at all. From start to finish, Calcutta is bashed as a city of evil with no possibility of redemption. So, the protagonist wants to think about hope, yet at the same time, consider nuking the city? Of course, I understand his feelings given what he has endured there. But you see, there was never any attempt from the author to humanize anything in the city from the very beginning. Yes, I'm aware that the character's view doesn't necessarily align with the author's, but the entire book just felt like a continuous tirade about how the city and its people are terrible throughout the entire reading experience. It felt as if the author went far beyond what was necessary, especially if it was just to set the atmosphere. Strangely enough, despite my rant thus far, I wasn't particularly offended by anything specific. But that doesn't mean it was acceptable, which is why I felt the need to mention all of this. Honestly, it's a shame because otherwise, he seems like a wonderful writer. If you're not a Hindu and have a thick skin, with a penchant for good psychological horror, you might just like this book.

Lomila sam se da li da joj dam 4 ili 5 zvezdica. However, when compared to other books of the same or similar genre, the decision is to round it up to five.

To be honest, I don't know what to say about the book itself, except that it left such a strong impression on me that I feel a bit queasy when I think about it. Throughout the entire novel, there is such a comprehensive atmosphere of some kind of haze and stuffiness as we follow the events. I even lost the little desire I had to visit India (additionally, I learned a new piece of information that over 50% of the people in the world who have contracted leprosy and been institutionalized are in this country, and then you can imagine what it's like for those who haven't been institutionalized as patients).

And that certain indescribable feeling of incompleteness, yet on the other hand, a perfect ending, forms a constant feeling that I would best describe as a mixture of fear and disgust.

The plot? Well, let's say the premise of this novel is the journey of an ordinary man, a poet and journalist, to Kolkata to pick up what is supposedly a new manuscript of the famous poet Dasa who disappeared about 7-8 years ago and has long been considered dead. Our protagonist takes with him his wife, who is also of Indian origin, and their one-year-old daughter. However, already upon arrival, they are overwhelmed by the power of the land they have landed in, the heavy and thick air, and the strange people who don't want to reveal all the information they have. And the ever-present feeling that the eyes of a goddess are always fixed on their every step.

I read the book several times, on planes, various means of transportation, in the desert, in hotels, and in my own home. And every time I would continue reading, I would feel as if I was falling back into that pit and turmoil, while it was always there, knocking in my subconscious during the days when I wasn't reading, waiting for me to finish it.

"Il canto di Kali", the narrative prologue of Dan Simmons, is a novel that combines psychological thriller, mystery, and the supernatural, set in an India笼罩着 an eerie and dangerous atmosphere. The protagonist, Robert Luczak, is a young writer who travels to Calcutta to interview a mysterious poet named M. Das. However, soon he finds himself immersed in a world of dark secrets, rituals, and mysterious forces related to the cult of the goddess Kali.

The writing of Simmons is evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions of the city, which becomes almost a character in its own right, with its decadent beauty and its shadows. The author plays with the universal fears of the unknown and the supernatural.

Nevertheless, Simmons' first novel is not without flaws. Some readers may find the pace of the novel a bit too slow, especially in the initial phases when the author builds the atmosphere and the mystery. Moreover, although the plot and the setting are fascinating, some characters, particularly the protagonist himself, may seem underdeveloped. His psychological evolution is not always convincing and his reactions can seem forced and unnatural in some situations.

The ending is deliberately ambiguous with several questions that remain unanswered.

Pleasant but still sharp.

For a long time, I watched the movie. I read the whole book, although in fact I listened to it (#Audiobook). And I can't understand why no one has yet made an intelligent horror or mystery suspense based on this excellent, atmospheric script. But it's also annoying. When the author draws a picture for you that he doesn't want to draw for you. Because we, books, pride ourselves on that compared to movies. That when reading GOT, we don't see Sean Bean in our minds. And when watching Dune, we see better sandworms than D. Lynch or D. Nolan. And #DanSimmons persisted. He painted so precisely that he left no room for fantasy. But without this annoying overdesign / overthink detail, everything is #Recom. #SongOfKali #LEBooks

This story seems to be a reflection on the differences between books and movies. The author emphasizes the unique charm of books, such as the ability to let readers use their imagination. However, it also points out that sometimes an overly detailed description in a book can limit the reader's creativity. The mention of specific works like GOT and Dune further illustrates these points. Overall, it's an interesting exploration of the two mediums.