And now this was the Anita Desai book I have been looking for. The book screams middle class life in India – something I very well relate to. It also deals with the American Dream – middle class and lets the readers draw their own conclusions on similarities and differences.

Uma – the daughter, the sister, the unlucky, the unmarried daughter who stays at home. Neither attractive nor academic, Uma’s future prospects are few. Attempts to arrange her marriage failed more than once and she stayed at home being the dutiful daughter. Mama and Papa – are typical middle class Indian parents – different as day and night but they were an entity. They made decisions together and wanted to fit inside the frame. Aruna and Arun – Uma’s siblings. Aruna – beautiful and academic gets married and moves to Bombay. Her life changes and her visits back home are few and far inbetween. Arun – the surprise baby – the son the father always wanted. He moves to the US for his studies.

During holidays when the dorm is closed Arun finds himself living with the Pattons. He witnesses the average American life – dad happy with his grill and beer. Mom trying to feed the family. A bulimic daughter and an in training son. He sees how the mom tries to do it all and expect appreciation but instead she is just another unpaid help.

The book winds down – the message Desai wants to send is clear – women around the world are in quite similar situations.

The copy I picked up had “Do not read this book unless you are required to” or something similar written. I can understand how the book might seem unconnected for many but to me it made sense.

A good read