This is a bland, flat tale from an otherwise brilliant novelist. Given Anita Desai's literary pedigree I even read the book THRICE lest I did injustice to its author.

And yet, the novel is like a silent movie. The images flicker & interact with each other, but without sound one cannot hear, sense of even feel involved. I refer these feelings in relation to the book of course. It does have the "grainy" and sepia tinted tone of yesteryear though.

Central to the storyline is Uma, the plain older daughter. Clumsy and unambitious she fails to outgrow her home & family. Aruna, her younger sister is more sharp-witted and brings about a successful arranged marriage. Arun, her brother is the youngest sibling. Born to his parents, late in their lives, he also fails to live up to his filial promise. A vegetarian at birth (!) he spends childhood progressing from one illness to the next, being nursed back to health by Uma.

The tale follows a typical path - reverence for the son, total disregard for the daughter. Uma has to give up her own early convent education to help her indolent mother bring up her younger brother.

Arun, as the only boy, is given the opportunity to study in America and a quarter of the book is devoted to observations about the culture clash between the shy, awkward Indian and the free-speaking but dysfunctional American family that he "summers" with.

The remainder of the book sees various characters traipsing in and out of the lives of Uma's family. Cousin Ambika, daughter of Bakul uncle and Lila aunty is an obedient, bright and attractive girl "unsuitably" married at an early age. This takes away the great promise shown by Ambika in her early life. Cousin Ramu, Ambika's brother is a dark, hunch-backed , club-footed rebel, a hermit. Mira masi is a devout Hindu who descends into their lives at periodic intervals, bringing joy to Uma and consternation and frustration for her parents.

Although each of the characters is sharply observed and there is almost a comic thread in conversation between Uma and the servants, overall I felt disassociated from the book.

The subject matter is dispiriting and humdrum. How many books does one have to read about prejudice and violence against Indian women, about poor education, bad marriages and tyrannical parents? In this book there is no respite. Contrarily the heroine, if you can call her as such, is devoid of ambition and spirit. Therein, it probably reflects reality better.

Whatever the reasons I was left unmoved. Read the book and judge for yourselves.

About the author

Anita Desai was born and educated in India. Her published works include several novels, children's books and short stories. 'Clear Light of day' and 'In Custody' were both shortlisted for the Booker Prize. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Letters, as well as a Fellow of Girton College, Cambridge. She teaches in the Writing Program at MIT, and divides her time between India, Massachusetts, and Cambridge. 'In Custody' was filmed by Merchant Ivory Productions.

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