“This is a story about India. My India.It is a very personal story. You see, I’m exactly as old as India is.”, writes Shobhaa De in the beginning of what is a run of the mill account of her view of today’s India.
I have never read any of De’s books before; only read her column in TOI sporadically. This is her first book that I decided to give a perusal, and I must say, I’m disappointed. The book hops from one topic to another without making a point.
The economic miracle, Indian cultural values, grand Indian weddings, poverty, sex, male chauvinism, Mumbai’ amazing spirit, the author writes on it all, without staying on a topic longenough or articulately enough to create an impression. There is nothing new shehas to tell. We have read it all so many times – problems concerning India: the growing divide between the affluent and the underprivileged and similar stuff.
However, in the author’s defense, I would say that it’s all fun. The writing style is easy and smooth. Read it only if you have nothing better to do.