A review by habiba_r
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth

challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An amazing epic saga. It was in turns, sentimental (in that very South Asian manner), funny, emotional, nail-biting and ponderous. I found myself caring for the characters in only the way one can when you read a saga and the people contained within stay with you so long (or perhaps it is you who are staying with them). It would be reductive to say that this is merely the story of finding 'a suitable boy', but that the search is a conduit through which the story weaves and touches many lives. It reminded me of Austen's wit at times and of her works, I would compare it with Pride and Prejudice most. And other times, I was reminded of the expanse and deftness that Tolstoy has with exploring human psychology, particularly in the face of a specific political and social climate (in this case newly independent India) as well as in the face of universal human experiences. 

Look, just take my word for it that even the side characters are worth reading about!