A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Did I tell you that I'm been inclined to Indian writers off late? Well, I am and Vikram Seth is one of them. It was by mere coincidence that I came across his "A Suitable Boy". I was at my favorite hang-out book store, "Skoob" one evening. Actually Skoob ("books" spelt backwards) is more of a book sanctuary than a book store. The place is so cozy, and with the tables and chairs arranged in a homely manner, you could just spend hours sitting there reading your books. Don't worry, you'll never be asked to move out. (More on Skoobs here :- http://thebookaholic.blogspot.com/2006/02/skoob-is-books-drawkcab.html )
Anyway, it was at Skoob that I first encountered "A Suitable Boy". At 1349 pages, this might have been one one the thickest novel that I've encountered. But my fondness for thick novels go way back to my teenage years- the thicker the novel is, the more I love it. Nevertheless, I was a little skeptical about purchasing it for one reason. Uncle Thor- the proprietor of Skoob had actually cautioned me about reading it. His exact words were "Good luck in reading them, my dear. I could hardly try to read this novel after a few chapters". Well, not sure if it was luck, but because of his convictions that I won't be enjoying the novel, he actually sold it for a small price.
I bought it of course but as usual, it was lying on my shelf for weeks before I actually read it. The book was anything but boring. It has an amazingly grand cast and it was even more amazing that each of the casts would be embedded in your mind at the end of the novel.
The novel was set in 1950's- a period leading to India first post-independence national election. The novel centers around Lata Mehra, a young bright woman whose mother is hell bent on finding her a suitable boy. And what Mrs. Rupa Mehra meant by suitable boy is someone who's from their own caste and religion, well-learned and working. In the quest of finding the suitable boy, Lata finds that her relationship with her mother and those around her to be on turmoil. And all of her sudden, she realizes that not only has the got to make vital decisions about the issues surrounding her life but she also has to decide between her three suitors, namely Kabir Durrani (her first love who is not approved by her mother due to the differences in their religion), Amit Chatterji (the law graduate who's decided that he'll be a better writer than a lawyer) and Haresh Khanna (the shoe businessman who is innocently sweet and truthful about his lifestyle).
Though the main theme is set around Lata, nevertheless, Seth has tastefully balanced the novel to portray the other characters and their lifestyles as well as the situation surrounding the political turmoil at the period. The racial riots, political debates, student protests, friends' betrayal, and the impending national elections together with the controversies surrounding it were detailed out and described amazingly well.
The supporting characters are not only likeable but managed to create an impact with their diverse characteristics. My favorite of the lots are the unpredictable Chatterji children, namely Amit, Meenakshi (who also happened to be Lata's sister-in-law), Dipankar, Kakoli and Tapan. I especially enjoyed their breakfast debates and the exchange of poetic quotes to one another.
Certain novels have their moments here and there. They tend to make you engrossed at one point while disappoint you in another. But Seth's "A Suitable Boy" is definitely one of a kind. What I thought as a mere bed-time novel turned out to be a true page-turner! But yes, if there's any grouses I have with regards to the novel, the it got to be the illicit relationship of Meenakshi and Billy Irani. I felt that the relationship was sordidly established and while all other characters seem to have a closure to them- (even Maan's affair with Saedda Bai was brought to an end) Meenakshi's affair on the other hand, was left to continue without any repercussions, leaving a boundless doubt to her character and relationship with the rest of the family.
Nevertheless, despite the flaw in the portion mentioned above, I truly found the rest of the novel to be wonderfully crafted and delightfully presented. This would definitely be listed as one of my favorites. Try it!
