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Jump to navigationJump to searchThe Pleasure Seekers by Tishani Doshi (view source)
Revision as of 09:55, 25 August 2020
, 09:55, 25 August 2020no edit summary
We discover that as firstborn, Babo is the apple of his parents' eye. He duly informs them of his romantic plans. It doesn't go down well at all. This is when the whole cultural thing kicks in, big time. Where will they marry? Where will they live? What will their children look like?
The novel gives plenty of opportunity opportunities to illustrate the vast cultural differences between the two countries. Personally I found it refreshing that Doshi did not choose the usual London girlfriend/boyfriend scenario. By choosing Wales it gives the opportunity to describe the small-town feel. So when finally Sian travels to India she is not prepared for the abject poverty she sees. ''She'd imagined tree-lined avenues and mint-green houses. Lizards and peacocks.'' She certainly hadn't bargained for the filth, the beggars, the stray animals.
When Sian and Babo marry Doshi gives us a thought-provoking line in ''A wedding of miniscule minuscule size but momentous proportions.'' And once again Doshi gives the reader an insight into Indian domestic life and culture. Illuminating. However, I really felt Sian's frustration due to lack of privacy. The poor girl's gone from calm and order in small-town Wales to the chaos and noise of India. She craves some peace and quiet. But does she get it?
The latter part of the book deals with the various generations of the Patel-Joneses and we stop at important social, economic and political moments, both in the UK and India. All of the chapter headings are relevant, quirky and witty in equal measure. This is a charming novel told with a refreshing voice. Recommended.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
If this book appeals then try [[The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan]] or [[East of Aden by Elisabeth McNeill]].
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