This month’s top read is a thought provoking debut novel: A Breath of Fresh Air by Amulya Malladi, an accomplished novelist with 9 published novels to her credit.
The trigger event is the historic Bopal gas leak of 1984, which killed nearly 4 000 people and permanently disabled thousands more, including her fictional heroine Anjali, and her sickly son Amar.
21 year old Anjali is married off by her parents in an arranged marriage to Prakash, an officer in the Indian Army. The marriage is unhappy from the start, due to Anjali’s immaturity and romantic fantasies, and Prakash’s womanizing. Then Anjali does the unthinkable. She divorces Prakash. So what? you might be thinking. From a 21st Western perspective, why not?
From a traditional, conservative Indian perspective this was beyond shocking: the wife must always make a marriage work, no matter what the circumstances. And if there are problems within the marriage, it is automatically and unquestionably the woman’s fault. India may have entered the space race and the future, but social mores remain stubbornly traditional.
Anjali ultimately re-marries Sandeep, a calm, quiet professor. But: re-enter Prakash. Throw in her family, her ailing son Amar, Sandeep’s unpleasant sister and Prakash’s family, and trouble ignites.
The novel is a psychological and social exploration of the three main characters, and raised all sorts of questions in my mind en route. To describe it as a thought provoking read is an understatement.
The title is skillfully chosen, and the finale of the story is poignant. Memorable, and recommended.
FICTION
A Breath of Fresh Air by Amulya Malladi. E-bk. See above. Not a very long novel, but the content is heavy weight. Those interested in women’s issues will thrive on the book; other readers will find it a memorable read. Recommended.
Serving Crazy with Curry – Amulya Malladi. E-bk. Mother / daughter conflict through the decades, through the Indian diaspora; and then an unsuccessful suicide attempt by the daughter … which is the catalyst. I enjoy modern Indian novels, and Amulya Malladi is not scared of tackling difficult subjects. A good read.
Celebrity Shopper – Carmen Reid. E-bk. Annie Valentine, together with the fabulous Svetlana, conquer Paris Fashion Week, and a 10mile Charity Hill Walk in their Ladies Who Lunch outfits, including high heels – it Fun, Fashion, Family, Froth and Drama every feel-good page of the way. Carmen Reid gets rom-com 110% right every time. My fave Rom-com writer.
Understanding the British – Adam Fletcher. E-bk. Blurb says: A hilarious guide from Apologising to Wimbledon .Fletcher is a funny man, no doubt about it. I’m not sure all hi sfellow Brits would agree! But: If you need a super light and funny read, buy this one.
The Charity Shop Detective Agency – Peter Boland. E-bk. Well written, with quite a twisty plot. A charming fox terrier called Simon le Bon, and three older ladies who tackle the crimes. I’m looking forward to the next book. An enjoyable cozy crime.
The Lost Bookshop- Evie Woods. E-bk. If you’re in the mood for a bookish Fantasy read, laced with incredible magic, a historical background, and Gothic undertones, you will adore the book. If you tackle the book with a critical eye, then you will not enjoy the book. An enchanting (literally) Fantasy read.
NON- FICTION
The Crinkle Crankle Wall – Sabina Ostrowska. E-bk See my review, posted on 21 Sept 23. A candid, humorous account of moving to Andalusia, Spain, in search of the perfect rustic life. Reality clashes with dreams and inexperience. An engaging, authentic read. Very enjoyable.
A hoopoe on the Nispero Tree – Sabina Ostrowska. E-bk. Book 2 in the ongoing saga of Sabina and Robert, in their new Andalusian life on their olive farm. Ditto above.
Don’t Come Back – Weird Travel series #2 – Adam Fletcher. E-bk. Winner of the Writer’s Digest Memoir Award. Fletcher tells us about his forays into South Africa, Cuba and Indonesia. Fairly lighthearted, somewhat stereotypical, but overall it was entertaining. I was going to quibble about the South African section, but in view of the author’s plea to promote his books, decided to err on the side of generosity. Enjoyable armchair travel.
THE BOOKSMITH 