Scan barcode
rebeccazh's review against another edition
read for school. it was really depressing to read this, for me at least... it's about the existential isolation/loneliness of being an immigrant (or a global citizen). it's about being rootless, or being uprooted and then subsequently becoming rootless. and it questions whether assimilating/adjusting into another culture can be done without losing yourself in the process
rhodaj's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fateleanor's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
A page turning, engaging story about an arranged marriage. A good story and an interesting insight into Indian culture
ashak's review against another edition
3.0
i am a big fan of jhumpa lahiri and loved her previous set of short stories and namesake too.
em_beddedinbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I am impressed with Manju Kapur's ability to write scintillating books. This story dealt with a couple - Nina and Ananda - who got into an arranged marriage. Nina is a 30 year old lady who is in poor circumstances with a widowed mother and a lectureship residing in a small house in Delhi. Her mother is constantly worried about getting her married, and they get a proposal which is too good to reject - an orphaned dentist from Canada who is just 2 years her senior and who doesnot expect any monetary contributions from her. The marriage takes place and we are exposed to the 'arranged marriage' set-up. This book has dealt minutely with the immigrant Indian life, the expectations, the worries, the unsatisfied desires. It has also dealt with the expectations and adjustments which go on in all marriages, let alone arranged ones. It actually deals with two worthy topics - arranged marriage and immigrant life. It slowly takes us to the point where the marriage slides downwards and to the final point. I loved this book. I loved the small details. I loved the slight monotony. This is one book which I will surely reread and savor. One word of caution - this is mainly meant for the mature readers. My personal opinion is that anyone under 30 may feel bored with the book unless he/she is of a mature outlook. There is extramarital sex, a tinge towards feminism (the real one, not the bra burning variety) and lots of conflicting, bold ideations.
extemporalli's review against another edition
3.0
Nina was a compelling enough character, actually, and if given the chance I'll probably read some more of Manj Kapur's works. But what prevented this from being an actual good novel, and as one reviewer claims 'A truly compelling portrait of a marriage', was that Ananda was an UNMITIGATED DICK. So a good half of the novel (the half that wasn't about Nina) was his internal monologue going 'Dick, dick, dick, dick dick.' How did it take the entire novel for her to realise that?!
suzanlemont's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Although I am an immigrant from one Western country to another this book/story struck so many deep chords in me, and gave added insight into someone who comes from "the global south" to a "Western" country - so poetically and insightfully! Loved it. I'll be looking for more of this author's books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Infertility, Rape, and Sexual content
booktwitcher23's review against another edition
3.0
It was an interesting read in regards to highlighting the plight of those left on the shelf in India. However, I did feel that Nina would not have become quite so wet when she arrived in Canada.
hardkaapi's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
More...