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A review by fidoe
Brothers: A Novel by Manju Kapur
3.0
Week 51 Book 90
Brothers: A Novel by Manju Kapur
Rating: 3/5
I've been a fan of Manju Kapur's novels, which usually revolve around female protagonists in a variety of settings. It was obvious I'd pick this one up (don't know how I missed it all these years), and though her writing style, characters, or plotline didn't disappoint me, the ending was kinda anti-climactic.
Brothers is a saga of the Gaina family over a period of 70 odd years. It starts around partition and describes the ups and downs of two sets of brothers and their families.
The novel describes how the Gaina men look for their purpose in life, in the village or in the city. In business or in politics. How they succeed,sometimes by hook and sometimes by crook. And how they fail, not just in front of others, but most importantly, in their own eyes. And how they treat their women, from mothers to wives, to sisters-in-law, to daughters.
Even though the novel is titled brothers, it actually is a lot about the female protagonist Tapti Gaina. A woman who comes from a simple background, however is anything but. She takes active interest in business and politics, determines to study and become an IAS officer, takes charge of her body and reproductive rights, isn't afraid to express her sexuality/desires, and isn't bogged down by gender stereotypes - she is the master of her life, her home, her family and she is proud of it.
As always, I loved the way the author described each character and setting and the events - her prose is beautiful yet simple to understand. She depicted convoluted familial relationships with panache, and builds the story and the mystery behind the opening chapter twist.
The only reason why I rated it low was the ending... The last few chapters seemed hurried and while the ending was as expected, it seemed too simplified and sudden. It left me unsatisfied, and longing for more. I wish the final events leading to the opening chapter were more nuanced and some epilogue was given, for closure.
Nevertheless, I'd recommend this book for those looking for an engaging indian novel, and all Manju Kapur fans.
Brothers: A Novel by Manju Kapur
Rating: 3/5
I've been a fan of Manju Kapur's novels, which usually revolve around female protagonists in a variety of settings. It was obvious I'd pick this one up (don't know how I missed it all these years), and though her writing style, characters, or plotline didn't disappoint me, the ending was kinda anti-climactic.
Brothers is a saga of the Gaina family over a period of 70 odd years. It starts around partition and describes the ups and downs of two sets of brothers and their families.
The novel describes how the Gaina men look for their purpose in life, in the village or in the city. In business or in politics. How they succeed,sometimes by hook and sometimes by crook. And how they fail, not just in front of others, but most importantly, in their own eyes. And how they treat their women, from mothers to wives, to sisters-in-law, to daughters.
Even though the novel is titled brothers, it actually is a lot about the female protagonist Tapti Gaina. A woman who comes from a simple background, however is anything but. She takes active interest in business and politics, determines to study and become an IAS officer, takes charge of her body and reproductive rights, isn't afraid to express her sexuality/desires, and isn't bogged down by gender stereotypes - she is the master of her life, her home, her family and she is proud of it.
As always, I loved the way the author described each character and setting and the events - her prose is beautiful yet simple to understand. She depicted convoluted familial relationships with panache, and builds the story and the mystery behind the opening chapter twist.
The only reason why I rated it low was the ending... The last few chapters seemed hurried and while the ending was as expected, it seemed too simplified and sudden. It left me unsatisfied, and longing for more. I wish the final events leading to the opening chapter were more nuanced and some epilogue was given, for closure.
Nevertheless, I'd recommend this book for those looking for an engaging indian novel, and all Manju Kapur fans.