2 STATES- THE STORY OF MY MARRIAGE by CHETAN BHAGAT

Though Chetan Bhagat became quite a rage after his Five Point Someone was adapted into a hit Hindi film, 3 Idiots, nevertheless, I must say that I failed to become quite a fan of his. You see, the only book of Bhagat which I had the oppurtunity to read was One Night @ The Call Centre and I certainly wasn't quite taken by it. I mean, the novel did have it's moments but the whole "God-calling-fiasco" at the climax dampened my whole spirit on re-reading the same. So I was pleasantly surprised to hear good reviews about his 2 States.

The book turned out to be nothing like I imagined. From the start til' the end, it was downright funny and I was left literally rolling on the floor laughing. Truly, after Susan E. Philips' novels, I've never laughed this much for any other novels.

Chetan Bhagat certainly does have a wonderful and addictive sense of humour. His take on the Tamilians' and Punjabis' varying mannerisms is not only funny but made in a good nature. There's hardly a time when he describes an incident without leaving a funny remark or analogue to it, nevertheless, the remarks while hits the right note, doesn't in any way seem offensive or abusive.

2 States is basically about a Punjabi boy and a Tamil girl, both of whom fall in love while doing their post-graduation degree in the same university. Hailing from two different states and from two very different culture, the couple has to fight all odds to convince their respective parents to accept their love and eventually agree to their marriage.

Bhagat might have based most, if not all the incidents stated in the book from his own life, as like Krish (the protagonist) Bhagat too hailed from a Punjabi family and married his Tamil wife after courting her during their post-graduate studies in IIM Ahmedabad (the same University where Krish meets Ananya). And the thought that this could have happened in his real life evokes more humour in one as the depictions are so clearly noted and brought to life.

Some of the rib-tickling descriptions arise when Krish is facing the dillema of watching the cultural clash forming in front of him. The extent of which Krish and Ananya went to bring their families closer during their graduation and how such a move only manages to prove that their families are vastly different from one another and further lenghten the gap between them. And how the couple partake in the other family's culture and belief from their point of view. The incidents are not funny but the descriptions definitely are. It just goes on to show how the author manage to lace every aspect of the protagonist's life with a good sense sense of humour. For instance, Krish's observation that Suprabatham* sounds akin to "a group of women marching towards the army". What made it funny was that I've been listening to Suprabatham all through my life but never had I thought someone would describe it in such a humorous yet profound manner! It hit the nail right to the coffin. And again, when Krish's masi comments to her sister "Your son is gone. This boy belongs to Jayalalitha now!" - how can you not take it in light-hearted manner?

From Delhi  to Madras, from chappatis to thosais and vadas, from Mr. Romeo to Devdas, from being the reluctant family tutor to the eager to please son-in-law, from flaunting designer clothes in Citybank to wearing Mickey Mouse underwear in the wedding, Krish's journey was full of life and joy! This amazingly funny novel will definitely make you roar with laughter, whether you wish for it or not. Go read it!

*Suprabatham is a Tamil devotional number sung for Lord Venkateswara. A famous version of the song is rendered by the carnatic singer, M.S. Subbulakshmi.

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!