(Un)arranged Marriage is Bali Rai’s first ever novel (and the only one so far - as my knowledge goes). Bali Rai, for people unaware of the name, is a young author from Leicester (UK).
The major reason I bought this book - its got a cute attractive cover which catches your attention immediately. The story summary at the back is enticing enough too.
The Story:
Although the book has been shortlisted for quite a number of awards - very frankly speaking I think I can do a much better job at a novel. The plot is as such - a 14 year old guy resides with his Jatt family in - how creative - Leicester! He hates his family and even more so as they pressurize him to get married by the age of 17. His dreams and ambitions are all put at stake by their decision, and unlike the other members of the family, he doesn’t wish to give them up.
Its the story of a young boy finding his way out of the complexities of traditions and religions and emerging out on his own. He finds a phirang girlfriend and refuses to relate with Indians. In a nutshell - he is pretty much an American born confused desi.
The Drawbacks:
The novel is really a very novice attempt. The story revolves all around this particular character trying to go against the world and pretty much this issue is framed fine. Where Rai goes wrong is the ending. You’d detest yourself for reading the whole book when you’d find out the ending. I mean - how uncreative and desperate can you get to end the book. Perhaps I would’ve liked the novel much better if it would’ve had a sensible ending - however, it fails me so.
Rai uses too much slangish english when using dialogues - makes you irritated at times. He seems to be quite unsure and fogged up at various times and highly confused. The story also falls weak with his words - its elongated to a very large extent and tends to bore you soon, very soon.
The Highlights:
Whatever may have gone wrong with Rai while writing his tale of woe - it does bring out one thing - he can do a better job next time around. He’s got the knack of writing well - even if he tends to mess up much. The story is interesting when the fella tries to make an escape from his wedding - thats worth reading (I am considering anything worth reading a highlight!). A few incidents are nicely told and make you smile - if not laugh. Few comic instances are the saving grace of the novel.
Additional Details:
Published in Paperback (2001)
By Transworld Publishers
(A division of The Random House Group)
ISBN 0 552 54734 4
272 pages
Concluding Remarks:
Recommended Reading: 16 and above
Suitable Time: Travelling
Rating: 3/10 ()
Cover Design: 8/10 ()
Worth Reading: Only once, if you really have to