I picked up this novel at the British Council Library. I wanted to read something by Shashi Tharoor as I had heard a lot about his writing. After I finished this book, I became a fan.
This is one of the most unconventional and beautifully written books I’ve ever come across.
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*PLOT*
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I won’t reveal much of the plot as it would act as a spoiler.
The story is about a young social worker, Priscilla Hart, who comes to India to complete her PhD coursework on community development. But unfortunately, just a couple of months before her scheduled departure from this country, she falls victim to a communal riot.
The book explores her reasons of death. Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or was it a love affair gone wrong? Did her aggressive behaviour for women liberation go well with her detractors? The reason of death is quite complex.
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*CHARACTERS
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**Priscilla Hart* is a very sweet and idealistic girl. At first sight you are sure to fall in love with her. But she has her weaknesses. I won’t delve much into it as it would spoil your read
Lucky or Lakshman* is a bureaucrat in the Indian government. He is knowledgeable and charming. But he isn’t happy with his life.
Gurinder* is a police officer and a friend of Lucky. He plays an important role in the communal riots.
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*MY IMPRESSIONS ABOUT THIS BOOK
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The writing style was great. It was more of a journal. Quite an innovative style. Even if you don’t read the book, you should at least glance through it once.
The book has a lot of information about history and culture of India. Unlike other books which lean towards a particular side while explaining a bilateral situation, the book explores pros and cons of both the aggrieved parties and their common history.
The book has lots of eroticism in it, sometimes quite incongruous to a book like this. But overall, I think this was needed.
My overall impression of this book is that if you are a book-lover, read it!