A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth

A reading goal I have had for a few years now has finally been accomplished. This afternoon I finished A Suitable Boy after 3 months of (not constant) reading.

The question I am now left with is - was it worth it?

The short answer to that question would have to be "yes" but I think this book is so huge - in both length and depth that I feel my reading has not done it justice in so many ways. By this afternoon I just wanted to get the book read - I am looking forward to giving the space in my head over to some other reading now!

So many people rave about this book - and it is an incredible piece of writing - but as a novel for pleasure and entertainment it certainly wasn't perfect for me. I was in love with the beginning and end sections (although I have to say I didn't "like" the ending I could appreciate it - if that makes sense?!) but the overly large middle section did drag for me. The book is incredibly detailed (as you can imagine) and I certainly feel more informed about Indian politics and social history of this time period but I just wanted to engage further with the characters and although a certain amount of contextual information is required in order for this to happen I could have survived quite happily with a lot less!

An amazing piece of literature and I think when I have had some time to get some distance from it I will look back and be glad that I have read it.

Progress

I have finally taken the plunge into A Suitable Boy - a book I have had on my shelf and my TBR list for the longest time. I think the size of the book has made me procrastinate in regards to starting it - my reading tastes tend to swerve and change according to my moods and what is going on in my life at the time so I have been hesitant to commit myself to such a long read (1474 pages!!) as I have wondered if I have the stamina to stay married to only one book for an extended period of time. But, so far, so good! I have found myself totally immersed in the story and the characters and I have not wanted to stray away - as yet!

The book is set in post colonial India and begins with the marriage of Pran and Savita. The author introduces us to the other main characters in the story through a review of the wedding guests and family members. The genograms at the start of the novel show the details of the four main families that the book will follow, the Mehra's, Kapoor's, Khan's and the Chatterji's.

I am realising as I read on that my knowledge of Indian politics and history is lacking - but my reading doesn't seem to be affected too much by that so far. I feel there has been just enough explanation and back story given to allow an ignorant reader such as myself to have enough knowledge to follow along.

I am finding the story to be totally engrossing - like a vivid soap opera with all the dramatics, sorrow and playfulness that go along with that genre. I am already discovering favourite characters (Lata, Savita's younger sister and the girl needing "a suitable boy" according to her mother, is already a firm favourite for her fiestiness).

I'm 345 pages in and enjoying the ride!