A Suitable Boy
4 journalers for this copy...
This mighty tome, a paperback 1,474 pages long was bought from a secondhand book stall. It will soon be off on its travels. I haven't actually read it but someone else's need is greater than mine. The cover on this copy is different from the one illustrated on this page.
From the back cover:- " Vikram Seth's novel is, at its core, a love story: the tale of Lata's and her mother's- attempts to find a suitable boy, through love or through exacting maternal appraisal. At the same time, it is the story of India, newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis as a sixth of the world's population faces its first great General Election and the chance to map its own destiny."
From the back cover:- " Vikram Seth's novel is, at its core, a love story: the tale of Lata's and her mother's- attempts to find a suitable boy, through love or through exacting maternal appraisal. At the same time, it is the story of India, newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis as a sixth of the world's population faces its first great General Election and the chance to map its own destiny."
Released 10 yrs ago (12/9/2013 UTC) at North Walsham, Norfolk United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book was sent on its way by post today-off to another bookcrosser as a surprise RABCK. I hope they enjoy it. Wishing a safe journey to this very large book.
To the finder:-
Welcome to bookcrossing -you have found a travelling book. Please make a journal entry now to say where you found the book in case it has been moved. Then, when you have read it, please come back and make a further entry saying whether or not you enjoyed the book and why. It is now yours to do as you like with it, pass it to a friend or just leave it somewhere different for someone else to find and help it with its' journey. Of course if you can't bear to part with it at the moment then keep it, but please let me know that you have found it. If you join bookcrossing, which is free and spam-free, you can follow the book on its' travels as you will get an email each time it changes hands, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, that's fine too. Please also say what you intend to do with the book next. Thanks for coming onto the site to let me know you have found the book.
I already have books travelling in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the USA, Brazil, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Turkey, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Holland, France, the Channel Islands, Wales, Scotland and all over England.
To the finder:-
Welcome to bookcrossing -you have found a travelling book. Please make a journal entry now to say where you found the book in case it has been moved. Then, when you have read it, please come back and make a further entry saying whether or not you enjoyed the book and why. It is now yours to do as you like with it, pass it to a friend or just leave it somewhere different for someone else to find and help it with its' journey. Of course if you can't bear to part with it at the moment then keep it, but please let me know that you have found it. If you join bookcrossing, which is free and spam-free, you can follow the book on its' travels as you will get an email each time it changes hands, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, that's fine too. Please also say what you intend to do with the book next. Thanks for coming onto the site to let me know you have found the book.
I already have books travelling in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, the USA, Brazil, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Turkey, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Holland, France, the Channel Islands, Wales, Scotland and all over England.
Journal Entry 3 by Apocalypticpeer at Glasgow, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, December 26, 2013
I got this as a secret Santa! It was very exciting to have this big pink parcel under the tree. Thank you so much daffodil 2. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! All the best for 2014. I will journal when I have read the book :)
This was on my wish list because I have been trying to read a little more widely than my normal scifi/historical fantasy type books. I have been targeting book prize winners.
It really didn't disappoint! This book was more than a story - it was a window into another culture. When reading it I felt I was in India, I could hear the noises and smell the air. Often the decisions of the characters were incomprehensible because of the unknown cultural norms but Vikram Seth gave you such a good context it all felt natural.
You fall in love with Lata and her family. I especially loved her mother. But the best thing was exploring the perspectives of all the other characters at the same time.
It is a very long book - not for the faint hearted. But it keeps interest because there is an interwoven feeling of suspense.
Thank you again Daffodil2 for the lovely gift. I will send the book to a good home!
It really didn't disappoint! This book was more than a story - it was a window into another culture. When reading it I felt I was in India, I could hear the noises and smell the air. Often the decisions of the characters were incomprehensible because of the unknown cultural norms but Vikram Seth gave you such a good context it all felt natural.
You fall in love with Lata and her family. I especially loved her mother. But the best thing was exploring the perspectives of all the other characters at the same time.
It is a very long book - not for the faint hearted. But it keeps interest because there is an interwoven feeling of suspense.
Thank you again Daffodil2 for the lovely gift. I will send the book to a good home!
Sending this to Kingfan30 in Lincolnshire because it was on her wishlist.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy reading!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Happy reading!
Journal Entry 6 by kingfan30 at Corby Glen, Lincolnshire United Kingdom on Saturday, February 22, 2014
Wow I did'nt realise this was such a big book - thank you for sharing :-)
11 April 17 - I've always found India fascinating, it always looks so vibrant on the TV and in magazines. We went a few years ago and it is a bit of a culture shock, some areas are very smelly and dirty and yet there are some beautiful areas too, and this book actually shows both these sides as well as delving into the culture. I suppose the main plot is trying to find a Suitable Boy for Lata and at one point she has three lined up, but which one will she choose? I can understand the reasoning behind the arranged marriage concept but not sure I entirely agree with it. There are lots of other sub plots, I especially enjoyed the story behind Mann, he's certainly a character that stood out for me. There is some politics covered in this book, which I have to say I did find a bit tedious. But overall I felt it was worth the effort to read this insight into family life in India.
11 April 17 - I've always found India fascinating, it always looks so vibrant on the TV and in magazines. We went a few years ago and it is a bit of a culture shock, some areas are very smelly and dirty and yet there are some beautiful areas too, and this book actually shows both these sides as well as delving into the culture. I suppose the main plot is trying to find a Suitable Boy for Lata and at one point she has three lined up, but which one will she choose? I can understand the reasoning behind the arranged marriage concept but not sure I entirely agree with it. There are lots of other sub plots, I especially enjoyed the story behind Mann, he's certainly a character that stood out for me. There is some politics covered in this book, which I have to say I did find a bit tedious. But overall I felt it was worth the effort to read this insight into family life in India.
Sending on as part of the Wish list tag forum :-)
Thanks for the tag - arrived safe and sound today. What a massive read! 😊