This is a magnificent saga, which left me breathless and awaiting the next word, set in India at the beginning of the fifties.
"Suitable Boy" by VikramThis is a magnificent saga, which left me breathless and awaiting the next word, set in India at the beginning of the fifties.
"Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth's “epic love story set in India. Funny and tragic, with engaging, brilliantly observed characters, it is as close as you can get to Dickens for the twentieth century. The story unfolds through four middle class families - the Mehras, Kappoors, Khans and Chatterjis. Lata Mehra, a university student, is under pressure from her mother to get married. But not to just anyone she happens to fall in love with. There are standards to be met and finding a husband for Lata becomes a family affair in which all the members are to play a part.”
“The richness of this book is remarkable. What with marriage, religion, customs, etc. it has been a really fascinating read for me.”
India's caste system has four main classes (also called varnas) based originally on personality, profession and birth.
I’m eternally grateful to Fionnuala for suggesting that I may perhaps like this author. Do I like Vikram Seth? No, of course not. I just happen to adore him. I think that he’s absolutely splendid. I get the same pleasure reading this book as when I’m eating lobster or tasting a superb Burgundy wine or whatever sublime other pleasures that we have in life…My…
I must confess that I had never heard of Seth before and I wouldn’t if it hadn’t been for Goodreads. It’s one of those remarkable books that becomes a reference book that once read, you can open it at any page and still get that continual enjoyment. It’s a wonderful sensation to savour…
It’s always so difficult for me to write a review on a book that I “love to death” but that has been the case here. This is now my second favourite fiction book after “The Alexandria Quartet” and I could never do that justice. Bravo for the past for Durrell and for the present for Vikram Seth.
In conclusion, Fionnuala and Seth – thank you for giving me so much pleasure. What a serendipitous find. I love this book. ...more
Loading...
