Vikram Seth is an author I can only marvel at. This book- my first of Seth’s- is a gigantic work- over a 1000 pages. It chronicles the search for a ’suitable boy’ for the main protagonist. The canvas is India post independence, the first flush of euphoria beginning to wear off. The cast is large and superbly characterised- from the extremely anglicised (’choota peg’ and ’tiffin!’) to the totally rural.
The scenes are so reminiscent of the India I grew up in the early 70’s as to be uncanny! Some of the descriptions- such as that of a winter wedding scene- will stay with you long after the book is read and done with.
Suffice to say, India has an author who can handle huge canvases with great aplomb- and write superbly in simple english! Move over Naipaul- we have a new king!
The size of the book is a bit daunting, but once you get into it (took me nearly 50 pages), it is seriously addictive. After the first read, you will find yourself mentally regurgitating and re-digesting bits and pieces of the book for days!
Seth’s other books are equally impressive- they demonstrate a mastery of his craft. This title still remains my favourite simply for sentimental reasons.
All in all, a really good read. Very interesting. The one book I would pack for an 18 hour flight that would make Economy class travel enjoyable!