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andiean 's review for:
A Suitable Boy
by Vikram Seth
Finally coming back and trying to gather my thoughts about this absolute gargantuan read. 1500 pages is certainly a record for me!
When describing this book to friends I loosely describe it as “Indian Pride and Prejudice” which isn’t fair to either work, but helps to summarise the complex and interwoven story lines and social commentary of this novel through the comparison.
Supposedly this book is about finding a “suitable boy” for Lata (for whom there are three suitors in the book). Not wanting to spoil anything, I was genuinely surprised by the ending.
However on the journey to understanding these suitors and Lata understanding herself, the novel dives into complex issues of religion, caste, sexuality, family, alcohol, politics, capitalism, and all of life. There were times I was heart broken, intrigued, afraid, and honestly bored.
I recommend it if you’re looking for a marathon and a deeper dive into cultural issues of this slice of Indian life described by Seth.
When describing this book to friends I loosely describe it as “Indian Pride and Prejudice” which isn’t fair to either work, but helps to summarise the complex and interwoven story lines and social commentary of this novel through the comparison.
Supposedly this book is about finding a “suitable boy” for Lata (for whom there are three suitors in the book). Not wanting to spoil anything, I was genuinely surprised by the ending.
However on the journey to understanding these suitors and Lata understanding herself, the novel dives into complex issues of religion, caste, sexuality, family, alcohol, politics, capitalism, and all of life. There were times I was heart broken, intrigued, afraid, and honestly bored.
I recommend it if you’re looking for a marathon and a deeper dive into cultural issues of this slice of Indian life described by Seth.