When I read this book, it had already become very famous. Since it was so acclaimed and it had won some prestigious awards, I had high expectations. Now, all I can say is-
Basically, whether you read it or not, it doesn’t make any difference.
Now, let me tell you about the book.
The good points first-
First of all, it is a novel. Secondly, it has a ‘HUGE’ canvass. There are so many characters, all with their own unique stories and problems, that it is not a story of anyone in particular. So, the title, ‘a suitable boy’ is kind of misleading. This boy and his bride are two characters in the novel, but they are not really ‘main’ characters. Basically, the story is not focused on any one in particular. The period is early 50s. It is the ‘post-independence’ era. It is a magnificent all-encompassing sketch of northern India from Punjab to Bengal.
The storyline has many facets- it covers everything from the aspirations of the first young generation of independent India, the communal harmony and tension, politics, north Indian culture, social problems, etc.
Obviously, the book is thick, and I took one week to read it. I was having vacations and so had a lot of free time to read lengthy books.I didn’t even purchase the book, I took it from my friend and returned it later. I don’t have any plans to buy it.It did make an interesting reading sometimes.I was basically impressed by the vastness. But, it got boring at some stages. Especially, the ‘masala’ bollywood style parts were over stretched. So, there was nothing ‘new’ or ‘special’! The ‘formula stuff ’ is nothing new for people like me who have seen bollywood films regularly.
Just see the plots in the novel- girl’s family opposing the marriage of girl and boy, a hindu and a muslim being best friends who misunderstand each other due to communal violence and later patch up, a woman who dislikes her daughter in law (This is actually similar to TV serials!).
So, basically it is a novel based on the social and political situation in north India in late 40s and early 50s.
I have heard that the novel is very popular outside India. That’s possible, I can’t comment on that.
But what is its significance in India?
Well, the problems those are present in the novel (communal tensions, the marital system, generation gap, etc) are still present in India, so one doesn’t get to read anything ‘new’ or ‘different’. Besides, it’s a novel, so it just states the problems, and it doesn’t provide any solutions.
There were some really ‘bad’ traditions and unhealthy social practices at that time. The author describes them in detail- but what I find disappointing is the fact that he doesn’t condemn this stuff.
He doesn’t criticize the wrong things. He makes this into an interesting package and ‘presents’ it for the people who are curious to know about ‘exotic India’. And packaging can be misleading.
There was an attempt to glorify wrong traditions, which was disappointing. Yes, it’s a great thing that Mr. Seth has written such a remarkable novel with interesting plot. I hope somebody writes about the good side of India someday….