George Ilsley's Reviews > A Suitable Boy

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
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it was amazing
bookshelves: fiction, india, modern-classic

This is a fat volume, the sort of hefty tome French Canadians call a "brick."

I read this brick during a quiet period, while stuck in bed with a couple of broken ribs and too much pain-filled time on my hands. This incredible book was the ideal distraction. It had been sitting around, its intimidating heft discouraging any previous attempt to get into it. However, once I started, it was perfect. I totally fell in love with this novel!

It feels like a classic, because of its sweep and its massive bulk. Totally worthwhile and fascinating. I hope to read it again, this time preferably on a beach vacation, immobilized by sloth instead of pain.

Rarely does a novel feel this completely rich and satisfying.
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Reading Progress

January 1, 2011 – Started Reading
January 10, 2011 – Finished Reading
March 19, 2013 – Shelved as: modern-classic
March 19, 2013 – Shelved
March 19, 2013 – Shelved as: fiction
March 19, 2013 – Shelved as: india

Comments Showing 1-7 of 7 (7 new)

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Doug Absolutely! In my top 5 books of all time... you should catch the recent film miniseries, which truncates the book a lot, but is still worthwhile. It's a shame so many are intimidated by its heft - once you start, it really is quite the page turner and goes by swiftly.


message 2: by George (last edited Jul 19, 2021 02:34PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

George Ilsley Doug wrote: "Absolutely! In my top 5 books of all time... you should catch the recent film miniseries, which truncates the book a lot, but is still worthwhile. It's a shame so many are intimidated by its heft -..."
I'll look out for the miniseries. Thanks for the heads-up. And now I see there is a sequel! Or at least, the promise of a sequel.


message 3: by Kerry (new)

Kerry It's size has always made me shy away but maybe its time to get it off my shelf where it has gathered much dust.


George Ilsley Kerry wrote: "It's size has always made me shy away but maybe its time to get it off my shelf where it has gathered much dust."

I was intimidated too, but once you get into it you get swept along and it doesn't feel so long. Good luck!


message 5: by Levi (new)

Levi Huxton I read years ago in hospital, recovering from an operation. Not sure if it helped with the healing but it did lift my spirits and transport me to a different time and place.


George Ilsley Levi wrote: "I read years ago in hospital, recovering from an operation. Not sure if it helped with the healing but it did lift my spirits and transport me to a different time and place."

Well, eventually it transported you out of the hospital!


Jonathan There's been talk of a sequel, A Suitable Girl, for many years which would make my day. Glad you enjoyed it too.


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