Author: Kavita Daswani
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 325
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8172235534
Description
This novel is spirited, elegant and fun, a very modern take on an ancient dilemma. A single Indian woman's tale in two cities.
“Who needs you to be happy? I want to see you married this year”. This is the view of Anju’s mother, in the time-honored tradition of all mothers, but particularly that of the fond parent.
Anju now works in New York, living the sophisticated American lifestyle – almost. But when she returns home to her parents in Bombay – usually for another five day family wedding – she finds herself reverting to the traditional daughter role. At each visit another prospective suitor is brought forward, other advice is sought. But what sort of man does the very modern Anju want? How important are her family, her country, her traditions?
You cheer for Anju, her mother and her aunt. You cross your fingers for each of the prospective husbands. From gay suitors to gurus, bagels to Bollywood and dating to Dynasty, Anju’s journey of self-discovery is as hilarious as it is poignant.
COMMENT:
Scathing but affectionate in its critique of Indian society's fixation on marriage and acute in its observations of the lives of the rich in New York and Mumbai, this work does bring home 'the message' without much pontification. …Though occasionally precious, the novel is a wonderful expose of 'the gelatinous structure of the global Sindhi network', a keenly observed, funny and sensitive book. 'A Bridget Jones Diary' for the desis. May be better.
= India Today