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Suitable Boy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth's novel is, at its core, a love story: Lata and her mother, Mrs. Rupa Mehra, are both trying to find -- through love or through exacting maternal appraisal -- a suitable boy for Lata to marry. Set in the early 1950s, in an India newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis, A Suitable Boy takes us into the richly imagined world of four large extended families and spins a compulsively readable tale of their lives and loves. A sweeping panoramic portrait of a complex, multiethnic society in flux, A Suitable Boy remains the story of ordinary people caught up in a web of love and ambition, humor and sadness, prejudice and reconciliation, the most delicate social etiquette and the most appalling violence.
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reading.rainb0w
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Getting ready to do some "lite" reading.

#currentlyreading #timetotome

Dilara Perfect for commuting 😉 2mo
reading.rainb0w @Dilara haha 😄 2mo
12 likes2 comments
review
azulaco
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Pickpick

I FINALLY FINISHED! I was doing a group read of this book earlier this year, hosted by @Lindy , but life intervened and I got bogged down around part 16 of the book. But I kept plugging away and I did it! Well worth the time to read it, I learned so much about post-partition India. But…even though I pretty much knew who Lata would marry, I was unhappy with the choice. Girl deserved better. Too bad she couldn‘t stay single.

Amiable I read this book about 10 years ago —loved it! I want a sequel. 😀 3mo
Lindy Hooray Amy! Glad to hear you made it to the end. 3mo
17 likes2 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Mid-Year Checkin - Best book so far? Most disappointing? Most anticipated? I answer these questions and more in my latest booktube video:
https://youtu.be/_Mwek-22AY8

review
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Pickpick

1349 pages after starting this magnificent saga… and I am smiling with satisfaction. The curtain has closed but I feel like these characters live on, doing interesting things. An example of how much I cared about them: I was overcome with emotion when the jeweller presented the engineering medal to Rupa. Such unexpected kindness!
Thank you to my sisterhood of buddy readers for your thoughtful company over the past 5 months. It‘s been great! 😘

tpixie 👏🏻 Congrats! 5mo
Lindy @tpixie thanks Teri! 5mo
squirrelbrain Oh I loved that part too! Thank you so much for hosting. ❤️ 5mo
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bekakins Oh that bit with the medal was amazing! So happy mrs rupa mehra got that back ♥️ 5mo
KathyR Lindy, thanks so much for suggesting and leading this group read. 😊 Thanks to everybody who posted their thoughts and gave me lots to think about. 5mo
jlhammar Yes, the saved medal! So wonderful. I had to laugh at Mrs Rupa Mehra‘s reaction to Kalpana & Varun. Thanks all - this has been fantastic! 5mo
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review
bekakins
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Pickpick

Thanks so much Lindy for hosting this #buddyread - as others have said, slowing down really enriched this read for me, I read Les Mis last year by doing a chapter a day (pleasingly, it‘s 365 chapters) but I enjoyed even more doing this in step with other readers and getting to share thoughts and opinions!

I was disappointed not to get a last minute twist in the main storyline but nevertheless really enjoyed this one!

Lindy Beka, it‘s been a true pleasure reading this book together with lovely people like you. 🤗 5mo
squirrelbrain I did think it fizzled out slightly at the end, but maybe leaving it open for the sequel, that never happened? 5mo
11 likes2 comments
review
squirrelbrain
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Pickpick

Thank you so much to Lindy for hosting this Suitable Boy #buddyread, and I really appreciate everyone‘s insights and comments that truly enhance my reading of the book.

It‘s been on my shelf for years and years and was just too daunting. Even though, once I started, I loved it I still think that, without the #buddyread I‘d have been tempted to rush through in my usual manner and I wouldn‘t have had the same experience.

#suitableboy2024

Lindy Helen, it‘s been a great pleasure. 5mo
jlhammar I agree, reading it this way turned out to be so rewarding! 5mo
JuniperWilde It‘s a great book from my memory of the experience. 5mo
See All 6 Comments
bekakins It‘s been so great, and completely agree, this challenge has really forced me to show down which I think has enhanced the reading experience! I still have 2 chapters to go tomorrow morning! 5mo
BarbaraBB Loved this book so much when i read it ages ago! 5mo
squirrelbrain @bekakins - enjoy your last few pages! ❤️ 5mo
56 likes6 comments
review
jlhammar
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Pickpick

Finished a bit early since I‘ve got a busy week ahead. I so enjoyed my time with this novel. Such a rich reading experience. Kind of sad to say goodbye to these characters after 1349 pages. Tackling one part each week was just perfect. Thanks so much to @Lindy for hosting and the rest of the #SuitableBoy2024 gang!

squirrelbrain I finished early too! (We go away later this week and I definitely didn‘t want to take it with me. 🤣) 5mo
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I was beginning to think it would never happen, that Lata would never choose and so be single for the rest of her life (and her mother‘s tears would never stop as a result.) But Seth is a master of reversals, so things may yet change. But we have only 25 pages yet before the end! 🎉 #SuitableBoy2024

jlhammar Here I was thinking it was looking good for Amit (my favorite)! Oh well. I‘m so eager to finish. 5mo
Lindy @jlhammar Amit was my favourite candidate too. I‘m really glad about Pran‘s promotion, and in regards to his father‘s electoral upset, it seems to be not such a bad thing. 5mo
jlhammar Haresh was well-casted in the adaptation. That‘s just how I pictured him! I‘m going to have to give it a watch sometime. 5mo
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squirrelbrain Haresh looks lovely doesn‘t he?! I‘m not going to comment too much as I finished early (I go away later this week) and I can‘t remember what was in the penultimate chapter and what remained in the last few pages. 🤐😜 5mo
KathyR @Lindy I think Mahesh's electoral defeat was a sad outcome, both for him and the political system. He was a dedicated & principled politician who had lots to give to a new India; he was defeated by yet another unprincipled corrupt candidate. Mahesh lost a calling and purpose and has only his regrets over his wife now. Truly sad. 5mo
Lindy @KathyR I was thinking that Mahesh‘s defeat wasn‘t such a bad thing for him personally, for his health; he won‘t be working so hard. I agree that it‘s sad for the people who would have been his constituents. 5mo
KathyR I was referring to him personally as well. He was a healthy fellow. Being busy and feeling useful would have been better for him mentally & physically than moping and regretting in his garden. 5mo
bekakins Eeek only one more week! I‘m kind of expecting a bit of a twist in the last part… it‘s not over till it‘s over!! 5mo
29 likes8 comments
quote
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“I‘ve always felt that the performance of a raag resembles a novel—or at least the kind of novel I‘m attempting to write. You know,” he continued, extemporizing as he went along, “first you take one note & explore it for a while, then another to discover its possibilities, then perhaps you get to the dominant & pause for a bit & it‘s only gradually that the phrases begin to form & the tabla joins in with the beat… & then the more brilliant 👇

Lindy improvisations & diversions begin, with the main theme returning from time to time, & finally it all speeds up & the excitement increases to a climax.” #SuitableBoy2024 5mo
Cuilin Well I have to read it now. That‘s beautiful. 5mo
Lindy @Cuilin It‘s an amazing novel. Our readalong is coming to an end: we are on the penultimate chapter. 5mo
KathyR Lindy, thanks for posting that quote from Amit from much earlier in the novel. It turns out that Seth was telling us what the structure of "A Suitable Boy" would be. 5mo
24 likes4 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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The jeep, which was meant to accommodate two passengers in front and at most four in the back, was often crammed with ten or a dozen people, food, megaphones, posters, and all sorts of paraphernalia besides. Its horn blew unceasingly and it trailed impressive clouds of dust and glory. Once, when the radiator began to leak, the driver scolded it and mixed some turmeric into the water. This sealed the leak miraculously. #SuitableBoy2024

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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“…sudden and devastating events […] involved Maan; and as a result of them the family was never the same again.” Is this foreshadowing from 17.1 placed at the start of a slightly longer chapter in order to sharpen our interest in the saga that unfolds against the monumental undertaking of India‘s first general election? It worked for me.
#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain This chapter was certainly a page-turner! 5mo
jlhammar Worked for me as well! Gripping. Firoz received quite the revelation. Maan can be so charming, but his behavior in this section was inexcusable (and so disappointing). His poor mother. And I didn‘t like Saeeda Bai blaming herself and realizing her love for Maan after he had assaulted/injured her like that. Not okay. 5mo
Lindy @jlhammar Saaeda Bai isn‘t to blame for Maan‘s drunken obsession and anger, but her lack of communication—protecting her big secret—has contributed to major misunderstandings. 5mo
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Lindy @squirrelbrain Agreed! 5mo
jlhammar @Lindy For sure! 5mo
bekakins Loved this part! Maan‘s arc has been really interesting - all this secrecy is so sad that it‘s led to him attacking his friend… and poor Mrs Kapoor! Although I was worried it was going to be Firoz that perished 😬 5mo
Lindy @bekakins Even though Firoz has pulled through, I am very curious about what happens next for him, and what‘s next for Maan and the Kapoor family. This novel continues to draw me onward. (edited) 5mo
KathyR I am curious about whether Seth means the Kapoor family or the entire extended family when he tells us that "the family" would never be the same. Will the Maan scandal affect Lata's suitability as a wife? 5mo
KathyR Although most of the action centred on Maan & the election, I found Mrs Kapoor's death & funeral to be the emotional centre of this part. Although she was always in the novel, (without even a first name), most of her non-family activities and kindneses were absent until remembered at her funeral. 5mo
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“Calcutta lights festoon Park Street;
And at a cricket match three suitors meet.”

I felt a readerly thrill when Kabir, Amit and Haresh sat down together. Also pleased that Savita took Arun to task about his rudeness towards Haresh. Poor Haresh, though: his chances with Lata don‘t look good.

#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain Yes, they‘re all drawing closer together now, aren‘t they? I still can‘t call it though…. Who is it going to be?! 5mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain Seth maintains the suspense! 5mo
jlhammar It really was thrilling to have them all together. And I can‘t call it either @squirrelbrain ! At this point it seems like none of them are quite right. She obviously has a passion and yearning for Kabir, more of an intellectual (and brotherly?) sort of connection with Amit and Haresh more a safe and comfortable fondness (yet also annoyance). 🤔 5mo
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KathyR I thought that Seth managed to create a section, near the end of the novel, full of misunderstandings and chance encounters and missed opportunities (it reminded me of watching a classic comedic play) that ruled out all 3 suitors: Kabir from false info, Amit from a kiss that didn't feel romantic and Haresh from misunderstandings and a sense that they had nothing in common. 5mo
azulaco I got bogged down in part 14 and now I‘m so behind 😩 5mo
Lindy @azulaco Don‘t stress! Parts 15 and 16 are quicker reads. 5mo
Lindy @KathyR That sums this section up nicely 😊 5mo
KathyR @azulaco I agree with Lindy - Parts 15 and especially 16 are much quicker reads. Don't despair! 5mo
bekakins The scene at the cricket match was so funny! And totally agree with @KathyR - it was almost Shakespearean in its set up with no one having the full picture & lots of crossed wires. I‘m rooting for Kabir (as long as Melati‘s news is just a misunderstanding!) or Amit - I really don‘t want Lata to end up with Haresh, although I do feel sorry for him. Only 3 weeks to go! 5mo
24 likes9 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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So many different kinds of clashes in this section! The brutal murder of the 18-year-old Dalit when he returned to his village, the cricket match, the ideological clash & political manoeuvres within the Congress Party, the Hindu re-enactment of the battle over Sita‘s abduction, the Muslim observance of the battle of Karbala, the riots in the streets of Brahmpur, & the Raja of Marh‘s threat to Pran & the entire Kapoor family. 😳 #SuitableBoy2024

jlhammar Not to mention Meenakshi having “the miscarriage of her dreams.” I guess that takes care of that problem. The riots were terrifying. Maan was quite brave. And that threatening call to Pran! Very worrisome. It seems like Lata‘s heart may still be with Kabir. 6mo
Lindy @jlhammar Oh yes! I forgot about the miscarriage. So much happened in this chapter. And we only have four more to go. 6mo
KathyR I didn't really see this section as series of clashes but as a continuation or culmination of conflicts that have been going on from the beginning of the novel: conservatives/Agarwal vs Mahesh/secularists conflict in which the latter have been outmanoevered by the former; ongoing Hindu/Muslim conflict culminating in riots, etc. I saw the cricket match as only a venue in which we could see what characters were thinking about. 6mo
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squirrelbrain @jlhammar - Meenakshi is so awful isn‘t she? 6mo
squirrelbrain Only 4 more chapters to go, Lindy, but we seem no nearer the ‘suitable boy‘. I‘m beginning to wonder if there will even be one…. 🤔 6mo
bekakins I struggled a bit with this section as I‘ve been poorly this week so concentrating has been a struggle! The riots were really scary, I loved the tension built when Maan & Firoz were trying to get to safety! And Meenakshi is terrible (although the sections with her in are some of my favourites) - I liked how the short, direct delivery of the miscarriage echoed her callousness rather than it been dwelled on. 6mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain I‘m hoping there will be a suitable boy arranged, and that the final chapter will bookend the first with another wedding. But maybe it won‘t be Lata‘s wedding. 🤔 6mo
Lindy @bekakins I hope you feel better soon 🌻 6mo
30 likes8 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Well, I learned waaaay more about India‘s early politics and governmental structure in Part 14 than I expected (coupled with internet research to supplement my big knowledge gaps). The will-he-or-won‘t-he aspects of Nehru, India‘s enigmatic first Prime Minister, added some welcome tension to this chapter. I cheered confirmation of my suspicion that Maan is bisexual; also pleased that his father has recognized his good qualities. #SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain I have to say I found the politics a bit much in this part - not my favourite chapter so far. But, yes, I loved that Maan was revealed as bi-sexual. 6mo
jlhammar Yes, such a politics-heavy section this week! I confess to feeling somewhat less invested. And we‘ve passed the 1000-page mark - wow! 6mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain I was reminded of a few earlier hints about Maan‘s sexual orientation, one in a conversation with Firoz when Maan had just returned from a month in the village, and the other when he gently rejected the rajkumar‘s advances. 6mo
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Lindy @jlhammar Only 320 more pages to go (in my edition)! 😊 6mo
KathyR I see this novel as much a social/political history of India's beginning as an independent country as I see it as the story of the search for a suitable boy so I think I enjoyed it more than others. The fight for independence was difficult but pales in the effort needed to build the united secular country that was envisioned. I think Seth does a good job of making the Hindu/Muslim divide real, both in political issues and at a personal level. 6mo
Lindy @KathyR Your comments have really helped me appreciate those aspects of the novel. 😘 6mo
bekakins Like @squirrelbrain I too struggled a bit with the politics in this part… I can‘t believe how far we‘ve come though! 6mo
squirrelbrain I know @bekakins - we‘re on the home straight now! 6mo
Lindy @bekakins @squirrelbrain 💪🎉 (edited) 6mo
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“A child is born; wise women come to look.” [Is Seth talking about Meenakshi & Kakoli? 😂]
“A cobbler writes. A poet mails his book.” — talk about understatement! Haresh & Amit seem to be the major players in Lata‘s love story so I was glad to see a lot of both in this chapter. Kabir is there too. Also glad we didn‘t have to wait to hear about Pran‘s health. In baby news, what will happen with Meenakshi‘s accidental pregnancy? #SuitableBoy2024

bekakins Drama drama with Meenakshi‘s pregnancy - she is awful but also one of my favourite characters! Also good to see the tension heating up with Kabir, Haresh & Amit - I wonder which one (if any!) Lata will end up with… 6mo
Lindy @bekakins “the tension heating up” — that‘s a good way to put it. I like the way that in this chapter we got more of a sense of competition for Lata‘s affection. And I also like that there continues to be new plot elements; Savita‘s desire to enter law; the robbery; and of course the drama surrounding Meenakshi‘s pregnancy. 6mo
jlhammar Substantial section this week. Welcome Lady Baby Uma! Love your wise women speculation 😂 That poor mother monkey 😢 I‘m not sure Haresh is the right match for Lata. I liked Kuku‘s argument for Amit “[He] has a lovely nature. Why, Cuddles bites him less often than anyone else.”😆 Glad Pran is okay for the time being and following doctor‘s orders. 6mo
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Lindy @jlhammar Lady Baby! Thanks for reminding me how funny I found that section. 😅 6mo
KathyR Can there be any doubt that the robbery is part of the story of Varun's mess of a life? Varun's drunk and blabs about the jewelry to his sketchy friends, and then turns pale when Arun tells him about the robbery, doesn't bother to talk back to him when he's yelled, just slinks into his bedroom. 6mo
squirrelbrain Oh yes, I agree @KathyR and there was a fair bit of ‘turning pale‘ in this section, with Billy hearing about Meenakshi‘s pregnancy too. 6mo
squirrelbrain @jlhammar I‘m not sure about Haresh either. He seems like a nice guy, but maybe not sophisticated or book-smart enough for her, as snobbish as that sounds. It does feel like Amit is re-entering the fray now. 6mo
Lindy @bekakins @jlhammar @KathyR @squirrelbrain Haresh seems like the safe pick (but boring for Lata); Kabir is the most dangerous pick in regards to Lata falling out with her family (but he‘s the most romantic pick); and Amit falls in the middle between them. An interesting field of candidates! 6mo
KathyR Are there actually 3 suitable candidates? Given how much Lata has changed her views on the importance of family and her new-found respect for her mother's matchmaking (section 13.12) are Kabir & Amit really in the running? I think not. Amit has sent Lata a poem and book but he doesn't plan to do anything else till Xmas - not exactly a keen suitor. And Menakshi & Kuku's visit probably sealed the family's view of Chatterji unsuitability. 6mo
Lindy @KathyR I‘m not ruling out Kabir, even though Rupa doesn‘t consider him suitable. She doesn‘t think Amit is suitable either, but this is fiction and Lata might end up with an unsuitable boy. 6mo
23 likes10 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Emotions run high & disparate narrative threads come together. Rupa‘s annoyance over being last to meet Haresh is overshadowed by everyone‘s concern for Pran‘s health. Are any of you reassured on his behalf by the words of Pran‘s masseur? Meanwhile, Kabir is near & Maan may have kissed Saeeda Bai goodbye by kissing someone else. (A good thing?) And what‘s the Nawab‘s secret in regards to Tasneem? I don‘t think Firoz will be found suitable for her.

tpixie Great reading challenge! 6mo
jlhammar I‘m very worried about Pran. Seems like Maan may not have matured all that much in his time away. Though sabotaging that relationship might be for the best. Glad that Bhaskar is doing well. 6mo
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Lindy @tpixie It‘s been a great experience all along 😁 6mo
Lindy @jlhammar I‘m worried too. Pran is such a good guy. And speaking of Bhaskar, why can‘t his grandfather recognize the boy‘s mathematical genius? 6mo
tpixie @Lindy 🌸🌸🌸 6mo
KathyR @Lindy Mahesh does recognize Bhaskar's genius for numbers, but the question of which constituency to run in is not solely about stats. While Rasheed's hometown has the right demographics, it is also an area in which the zamandari will theoretically lose land as a result of Mahesh's legislation. Bhaskar understands numbers but not politics, which is why Mahesh ignores his advice. 6mo
bekakins I‘m really worried about Pran too 😬 especially with Savita about to give birth at any moment! The structure of this challenge is really helping to build the tension for me too as normally I would just fly through to find out what happens but have managed to restrain myself so far! 6mo
Lindy @KathyR Good point! I hadn‘t thought of that. 6mo
Lindy @bekakins It‘s okay to fly ahead now. I‘m eager to find out what happens with Pran too. 😊 Some momentum may help to get through the next section, which is 111 pages in my edition. 🐝 6mo
21 likes10 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Old landlords sue the state to keep their lands.
Crushed corpses rot upon the holy sands.

Holy smoke! Momentous moments in this chapter! I don‘t usually get on with courtroom drama but Vikram Seth managed to make even that compelling. But little Bhaskar is my main concern. I hope we don‘t have to wait to long for an update.
#SuitableBoy2024

jlhammar So tragic. “Within fifteen minutes more than a thousand people were dead.” 😭 I was so relieved when Bhaskar was found. Hoping he recovers. 7mo
Lindy @jlhammar Yes, so very tragic. @KathyR mentioned elsewhere that Seth based this incident on a real event in 1954 at the Kumbh Mela: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_Prayag_Kumbh_Mela_stampede 7mo
KathyR Even though Bhaskar is a minor character, I was impressed with the way that Seth made him stand out as a lovable & talented kid whose disal 7mo
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KathyR Oops. ...whose disappearance put me on edge, his possible death was a heartbreaking thought. Kabir is the hero of the day, in recognizing him, contacting Mahesh, and convincing his father to visit regularly, but nobody present know what Lata & her mother know about his feelings for Lata. 7mo
bekakins Poor Bhaskar - that chapter had me with my mouth hanging open, thank goodness he was found! 7mo
squirrelbrain Only just caught up today - #camplitsy spreadsheets mean no time for reading. Such a terrible episode, even more so that it is based on a true story. 7mo
Lindy @KathyR @bekakins Yes, Bhaskar is a good example of the way Seth describes and deploys his minor characters to maximum effect. These people seem real to me. 7mo
31 likes7 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I could feel the boredom, heat and elasticity of time that Maan experiences in village life, and yet there‘s so much drama in this chapter too, not least of which is the wolf hunt. If Maan can control his temper, perhaps politics would be a good career path. But I am most curious and concerned about Rasheed‘s future.

Fellow readers, we have only 9 parts left to go! #SuitableBoy2024

tpixie Oh! A big classic!! 7mo
Lindy @tpixie Yes indeed! Have you read it? 7mo
bekakins Rasheed is a really interesting character - also enjoyed Maan trying to control his rage - this was a good section! 7mo
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mcctrish A buddy read of this is brilliant 7mo
Lindy @bekakins I think we are witnessing Maan‘s maturation from boy to man (even though he‘s already in his 20s.) 7mo
Lindy @mcctrish Agreed! It‘s been a fantastic experience so far and we are only halfway through. 7mo
squirrelbrain Only 9 parts to go - wow! We‘re doing well, but it‘s such a fascinating read it‘s the opposite of a slog. Poor Rasheed - we feared for him when he changed the deeds and it seems we were right to do so. 7mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain It feels easy to keep motoring through because I haven‘t been bored yet. 😊 7mo
jlhammar Yes, very concerned for Rasheed! I liked getting more of his backstory. It does seem like we are seeing Maan mature and come into his own. I find the music snobbishness that surfaced again (from Sandeep Lahiri) really interesting. “Good music is good music.” Good=western classical. Can‘t believe we are so far through already! Reading one part a week has been fantastic. 7mo
Lindy @jlhammar I‘m glad you mentioned the music snobbery. I noticed the Western authors also (EM Forster, for example). 7mo
KathyR I thought that the preference for classical music over traditional Indian music was one of many examples of the trumpeting of English & Western superiority (in language, music, literature, food, etc) in the novel. Colonial administration has been replaced with an independent Government, but the attitude of English/Western superiority remains, now promulgated by the Indian upper classes and castes. 7mo
34 likes11 comments
blurb
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“A desperate mother ventures to deploy
Fair means or foul to net a suitable boy.”
The more I get to know Haresh, the better I like him. He remembered Bhaskar‘s question! He was smart to hold back on his impulse to immediately propose to Lata, however. She needs time to warm up to him… if he is indeed the right man. Meanwhile, I fear for Rupa‘s cousin‘s daughter Kiran. Her father is evil. Kiran needs to hop a train and get away from him.

squirrelbrain Just realised, when I saw your post, that I haven‘t read this week‘s instalment! 🤪 Been too busy with work - I shall try to read it this evening. It‘s a slippery slope if you fall behind! 7mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain ⏰🐇😁🍀 7mo
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jlhammar So evil! This part was quite distressing. Lata having to fend off Mr Sahgal and poor Kiran. I enjoyed seeing Mrs Rupa Mehra through other eyes—hadn‘t realized earlier just how good-looking she is! 7mo
Lindy @jlhammar Maybe Rupa will find a suitable man? 7mo
squirrelbrain Phew - I caught up last night! I agree @jlhammar - rather an upsetting section. Poor Kiran - I hope we hear the end of her story, as long as it‘s a positive ending for her. 7mo
bekakins I too was quite distressed by the chapters with Mr Sahel - what an awful man! Like @jlhammar I enjoyed the revelation that Mrs Rupa Mehra is very attractive - and a big fan of Haresh! 7mo
Lindy @jlhammar @squirrelbrain @bekakins Over on Voxer, in our concurrent discussion, @KathyR pointed out that Lata‘s bad experience with Mr Sahgal might colour her overall view of the trip, including her feelings about Haresh. It‘s entirely possible. 7mo
21 likes8 comments
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Leftcoastzen
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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#SpringSkies #BookClubRead #buddyread My book club reads that I am behind on !Twilight Sleep , I almost caught up for #WhartonBuddyRead but I‘m only on part 7 for #SuitableBoy2024 everyone else is on part 9 . between all the drop every thing and go errands & other diversions hard time keeping up ! I‘m even late with this post! 😁

Graywacke Can i send you free time to fritter away, between errands and commitments? I hope you‘re enjoying the reading. 7mo
Leftcoastzen @Graywacke oh, I wish! I would be requesting buckets of time!😂 7mo
Eggs I know the feeling😕 7mo
Lindy Hang in there Linda! Be gentle with yourself. 🥹 7mo
Leftcoastzen @Lindy THANKS! I hope to catch up soon, love the book, life stuff happens. 7mo
51 likes5 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“Beneath the neem the village children play.
Worn cattle churn the burning earth to clay.”

This chapter makes it clear why land reform is important. I admire and applaud Rasheed‘s passion for justice. I fear for the trouble it will cause him and others.

#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain I found this chapter fascinating too - both for the land reform politics and for the look at a different social strata. 7mo
bekakins Loved Rasheed‘s bold move at the end of this part… but worried about the consequences to come. Interesting section of the book! 7mo
KathyR I thought Seth built up to the last scene in the chapter so well. By then, we had seen Rasheed's compassion in interactions with the labourers & the poorest in the village, we had heard about his vision for a more productive village, we had seen how hard Kecheru worked, and had heard his arguments with his father. So you're not surprised that his father is having the records falsified, or that Rasheed undermines his fraud to help out Kecheru. 7mo
jlhammar Really interesting section. I enjoyed getting to know Rasheed a bit more. 7mo
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blurb
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Part 7 by the numbers:
-1 grouchy dog
-2 new suitors for Lata
-2 main suitors for Kakoli
-2 lovers for Meenakshi
-2 faces of Arun (affable vs tyrant)
-9 eccentric characters in 1 major family (Chatterji) explored
-63 flagged passages in 127 pages
-and the fundamental construct of Indian civilization is 4… no, it‘s 3… no, it‘s 2… no, it‘s 1… no, it‘s 0…
-Uncounted chuckles

I loved this section! #SuitableBoy2024

Leftcoastzen So much going on! Of course on the surface one should be glad that colonialism ended , but it‘s easy to forget there are winners & losers in any reorganization.I know I‘m reacting from a different world view yet it infuriates me a bit that with Purdha , I would have to cover myself & hide away in my own home if the patriarch brought someone home with him. 😔 8mo
batsy Love your summary 😁 8mo
bekakins Really fun section - the Chatterjis are my new favourites love the dynamic between the different siblings and the rhyming couplets they throw around 😆 also Patricia Cox properly made me chuckle! 8mo
See All 17 Comments
jlhammar Awesome breakdown!😆 Probably my favorite part so far. @bekakins I also loved the Chatterjis and got a kick out of the Patricia bits 😂 I especially liked when Meenakshi declined a mango and Mrs Rupa Mehra “was confirmed in her opinion that [she] was extremely odd. To steel yourself against mangoes showed a degree of iciness that was almost inhuman.”🥭 8mo
Lindy @jlhammar That part gave me a craving for mangoes 🥭😊 8mo
Lindy @batsy 😘 8mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen Yes! So much activity, one social event after another. I love it. The pro-British and anti-British sentiments are nicely contrasted in this section. In the novel so far, it‘s clear that colonialism has had a devastating effect on the country. 8mo
Lindy @bekakins The Chatterji family is a hoot! And so is Patricia Cox. I wonder if we will see her have the opportunity to drink shamshu. 🍶 8mo
kassandrik My maths and statistics heart is beating fast ❤️ 8mo
bekakins @jlhammar so funny 🤣 and @Lindy I would LOVE it if we get to see Patricia cox trying shamshu! 8mo
squirrelbrain Great summary! I agree @jlhammar - my favourite part so far too. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain 😘👍 8mo
azulaco Oh my goodness, that Meenakshi. She is nothing but trouble! 7mo
KathyR I was not very enthuastic about this part but the comments of other readers has encouraged me to re-read it. (I'm retired ;) ) One of the great benefits of a readalong. 7mo
Lindy @azulaco Meenakshi is playing with fire 💃 7mo
Lindy @KathyR One of the many things I enjoyed about this chapter is the way characters are given depth via snippets of conversation. Also the humour; I was smiling all the way through this part. 7mo
34 likes17 comments
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squirrelbrain
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Went out last week to an Indian street-food restaurant. (Not in India - we were on holiday in the English Lake District!).

The food was fabulous (the owner / chef had spent some time in India), dogs were welcome and, best of all, I got to try nimbu pani!

Their version was a mix of lemon and lime juice, with a hint of spice. I could definitely taste cumin in there - delicious!

kassandrik *writing myself a note to make Nimbu Pani once I am back to Finland 😀 8mo
jlhammar Yum! Sounds like a great place. 8mo
squirrelbrain Have you been here yet Jess? @jhod It‘s called Barua and is in LRB from Weds - Sat evenings. Definitely worth a visit! 8mo
See All 12 Comments
fredthemoose Sounds fabulous! 8mo
bekakins Oooh amazing!! I‘m in the lakes in a few months so may have to check it out! 8mo
TrishB Sounds fab! 8mo
squirrelbrain @bekakins - it‘s in Keswick, at Lake Road Brunch. You‘d have to book - we only just squeezed in, and it was still low season. 8mo
Lindy Nimbu pani! That‘s exciting. 😁 8mo
Tamra Lucky you! 8mo
LeahBergen Yum!! 8mo
jhod No, thanks for the tip! X 8mo
Megabooks Yum! And look at Henry being a good boy! 8mo
75 likes12 comments
blurb
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“As a broad generalization, one might tentatively hazard a guess therefore, that, all other things being equal, one should not make particular generalizations when general particularizations are equally available — and available to far less idle effect.”
[I‘m still finishing up Part 7, but the blather in 7.35 reminded me of the scene pictured above in Mexikid.]
#SuitableBoy2024

kassandrik “Leave now“ - more frequently it was said by Arun, less I believed his words were to mean anything. 8mo
jlhammar Yes, it totally does! I hadn‘t thought of that. Cute graphic memoir. Loving the Chatterji siblings and their banter. Long (but excellent) part this week. Enjoy the rest! 8mo
Lindy @kassandrik @jlhammar I didn‘t even notice the “Leave now” correspondence until you pointed it out, Aleksandra! So true! Jamie, I also have enjoyed the Chatterji family banter. 8mo
25 likes3 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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The Chatterji family at breakfast presented a scene of cordial conflict. It was an intelligent family where everyone thought of everyone else as an idiot.
#SuitableBoy2024

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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Like magpies cackling over baubles—or discovering occasional gems and imagining them to be baubles—the excited guests chattered on. Despite the fact that they were shovelling in a great deal of food, everyone managed to shovel out a great many words. #SuitableBoy2024

marleed I once watched a magpie repeatedly dive bomb my father‘s cat. The cat kept running and crouching lower to the ground. When the cat was essentially moving in trench warfare, it waited for the next magpie pass, flipped on her back and met the magpie claws with her own clawed paws. The magpie flew off. It was truly amazing to watch this bit of nature. (I was perched on a deck with no ability to assist the cat.). 8mo
39 likes1 comment
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“And tell me,” continued the woman, “does it take you long to think of a book? I‘m dying to read your new book.”
“So am I,” said Amit.

(I can see why reviewers have pegged Amit as a stand-in for the author, Vikram Seth.)

#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain Makes perfect sense! 8mo
kassandrik Now, when you mentioned it, Lindy, Amit definitely stands out among the rest of characters with his calm nature and wit comments. I can see Vikram Seth in him, for sure. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain @kassandrik Would Seth make himself the most suitable boy? 🤔 8mo
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squirrelbrain He may indeed, although I‘m sure there‘ll be a lot of ups and downs, ins and outs, before we get there. 🤔 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain Ups, downs, ins, outs and all around the block. I‘m not done Part 7 yet, but we‘ll be at about 30 per cent of the book by Saturday. 8mo
squirrelbrain I‘m away at the moment and didn‘t bring ASB with me. (Small campervan, big book! 🤣) I tried to read ahead for this week but these last two parts have been really long so I still have a bit to catch up on, and I may be a day or two behind. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain No worries. Enjoy your holiday. Part 7 is outstanding! 8mo
JuniperWilde I love this book 8mo
bekakins Enjoying reading this so much!! 8mo
Lindy @JuniperWilde Me too. It‘s my first time reading it. 8mo
Lindy @bekakins 🎉🎉🎉 I will post a Part 7 summary later today when I get home. 8mo
33 likes11 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“A baby kicks; a bloodshot Raja yowls.
A young man speeds downhill; a father growls.”
Music and languages are highlighted in this chapter. I love how minor characters introduced in earlier chapters come to the fore, deepening themes of cultural, religious and sociopolitical changes happening in India. What about that parakeet? Is it a minor character who will further the plot as well? #SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain Ooh yes, the parakeet…I wonder?! 😃 I‘m enjoying Ishaq‘s story and was pleased that it seemed to be taking a positive turn. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain Oh, me too. I was sad about Ishaq‘s wrists and glad how the chapter ended for him. 8mo
jlhammar Yes, music and languages - fascinating! I also liked how the chapter ended. And it seems like there could be some drama once that parakeet starts speaking. Oh, and Maan seems to have a lot of maturing to do. Interested to see what comes of his time away. 8mo
See All 7 Comments
bekakins You‘re so right - music and language! Also early enjoying Ishaq‘s story and Maan‘s arc - I wonder if he‘ll learn some lessons in the village?!? 8mo
Lindy @bekakins @jlhammar Yes, what will happen to Maan in the village?? Rasheed‘s family doesn‘t sound hospitable, especially not to the son of the minister responsible for the zamindari bill. 8mo
Leftcoastzen I‘m behind this week , hope to get on track next week ! 8mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen Be prepared: Part 7 is a longish chapter (126 pages). 🍀 8mo
26 likes7 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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The novel takes place in 1950 and Vikram Seth has skillfully woven into his storylines the political and cultural background of India at the time. In Part 5, the prior information we‘ve gleaned about the Nawab Sahib (a Muslim and one of the largest landowners, and his old friend Mahesh Kapoor (a Hindu, the Minister of Revenue) comes to a head with passing of the legislative bill to end the zamindari system. What‘s the fallout? #SuitableBoy2024

jlhammar Very political section! I did feel like I could use a bit more context so thank you for that. So much going on in this novel already and so many characters. Really enjoying it so far. Poor Priya feeling like a prisoner and so miserable living with her in-laws. And that mention of “rats that bite off your hair at night if you don‘t wash the oil off”—eek! 8mo
squirrelbrain I agree @jlhammar - a lot of politics in this part. I was fascinated by the zenana, and by Zainab having to speak to Murtaza Ali from behind a sheet; how brave of her to do this. 8mo
bekakins Loving the additional context - I didn‘t find this part quite as engaging as the others but I enjoyed the introduction of Begum Abida Khan & Zainab! Also felt very sorry for Priya 8mo
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Lindy @jlhammar @squirrelbrain @bekakins I am always curious about women‘s lives, so the parts with Priya, Veena, Abida and Zainab really captured my attention. I hadn‘t been paying as much attention to the political stuff mentioned in previous chapters, so I went back and reviewed passages from them to help me understand Part 5. 8mo
bekakins @Lindy that is a really good idea - I might have to go back and revisit some bits as think it‘ll enhance my enjoyment of the book! 8mo
KathyR My reading so far is that nearly all of the female characters we have been introduced to have restrictions on their behaviour and mobility. Zainab is on the far end of the continuum but I was reminded of the Saaeda Bai's concert where only men were in the audience while most of the women were behind a screen looking down on it. Many of the restrictions are not physical but cultural - what is proper - but they are as effective. I have read that poor Indian women are not restricted indoors - they must work. 8mo
azulaco @KathyR Isn‘t that always the way? All the debate about “women‘s place is in the home” in the US over the last 150 years…the women in my family never had that choice, they all worked from necessity. But of course in India these are low caste or no caste women, so I wonder if they are even considered human :( The author has been mostly silent about caste. I‘d like to hear more about that and less about land reform. 8mo
azulaco I didn‘t realize we were going to get a lesson in Indian politics and history of the 1950s, but since I know so little about what was going on, I‘m here for it. 1950s India is quite a contrast to 1950s America, isn‘t it? 8mo
Lindy @azulaco Regarding caste as portrayed in this novel: we have seen mostly khatri (merchant) and jatav (leatherworker) castes in the story so far and the contrast between them has been made very clear. Also, Meenakshi‘s family is some higher caste than Arun‘s — I don‘t remember if we have been given more detail about that yet. 8mo
azulaco @Lindy oh yes, it‘s clear that we‘re seeing a range of castes, and some of the issues have been touched on. I would be interested in more direct coverage of the subject, the way he‘s gone into more detail on the religious divide or the land reforms. This is an awfully long book, so maybe he will get there! 8mo
Lindy @azulaco I hope that Seth has more in store on this topic too. In the meantime, have you read this excellent nonfiction book? 8mo
KathyR My guess is that Seth has intentionally set this novel at a time of great change in India and that the social and political issues that come up will be those that had an impact in 1950, like the fight for land reform and the friction between the Hindu and Muslim communities after Partition. I think he's going to focus on the 4 upper class families that he's provided trees for. So far, caste has only come up when it is a factor in the issue that is affecting them, eg shoemakers' strike. 8mo
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blurb
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Various new characters are introduced—Haresh, Jagat Ram, Dr Durrani—and it‘s a delight to get to know them through their interactions with people we‘ve already met. I‘m struck by Seth‘s ability to give his characters complexity, such as Kedernath‘s attitude: he‘s not anti-Muslim, but against religious zealotry in general, despite what happened to him and his brother when they left Lahore. Question: Is Haresh a suitable boy?
#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain I had exactly the same thought as you - I love how the author carefully introduces new characters so we don‘t get overwhelmed, and we learn more about the existing characters in the process. 8mo
squirrelbrain As for Haresh, I‘m not sure yet…. On the surface he seems like a good hard-working man, but I feel there may be something we don‘t yet know, that would make him another unsuitable boy. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain yes, Haresh himself doesn‘t seem open to the possibility of anyone other than his unrequited sweetheart. 8mo
See All 21 Comments
KathyR I'm not sure about that; after spotting her at the train station he nearly went over to have himself introduced. But, given that Haresh is a not a Hindu, would her mother consider him a suitable boy? 8mo
jlhammar Hmmm, I‘m not sure about Haresh. Interesting character though. That tannery they visited seemed like a terrible place to work. Young Bhaskar with his passion for mathematics was charming. 8mo
Lindy @KathyR Is Haresh not Hindu? I missed that. Did he get his Hindu name from his foster father? Have you read ahead? 8mo
Lindy @jlhammar I totally agree about the charming section about Bhaskar and I hope we haven‘t seen the last of Haresh. 8mo
bekakins I‘m enjoying the slow introduction of characters also. I am hoping we get a return to Arun & Meenakshi soon though! 8mo
KathyR Lindy, you're probably right. I don't know how I got that idea about Haresh... 8mo
Lindy @KathyR Maybe because he was being teased about a Sikh girl? 8mo
Lindy @bekakins Well Rupa and Lata are boarding a train in their direction… if there aren‘t many side tangents, we should be back to Arun and Meenakshi soon. 🚂 8mo
Leftcoastzen A fun section indeed! Tanning leather is such an awful task.Despite the violence in this period between Muslims & Hindus, you can tell the younger people with education might be more tolerant of differences? But most still have elders that they have to deal with. 8mo
Leftcoastzen Still thinking of Lata & Kabir.😄 8mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen Yes, young people give me hope too. Who knows, maybe there‘s still a chance for Lata and Kabir. 8mo
KathyR Lindy, now I remember why I thought that Haresh is a Sikh. In section 4.9, after Haresh tells Jagat Ram that he will be going through Ken. (rather than dealing with Jagat directly), Jagat curses blood-sucking middlemen. "First the Muslims, now these Punjabis who had taken their place." Since Ken. was not from the Punjab I assumed he was talking about Haresh, and I assumed that if he was Punjabi he was Sikh. 8mo
KathyR As for Lata & Kabir: At the end of part 3, Lata feels that she never wants to see Kabir again. I think he deeply disappointed her in not willing to elope, to live up to his words of love. I think that that infatuation may be over. 8mo
Lindy @KathyR Kedarnath is from Lahore, which is the capital of Punjab province in Pakistan, so I think Jagat Ram was referring to him, not Haresh. The Indian state of Punjab has a large Sikh population, so there are several understandable avenues of confusion. 8mo
KathyR Thanks for the clarification. 8mo
KathyR For readers interested in learning more about the life of the very poor in India, I highly recommend the U.S. National Book Award winner, "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity" by Katherine Boo. It is a book of narrative non-fiction that reads like a novel but is based on the reporting done by Boo between 2007 and 2011 in a settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport. 8mo
Lindy @KathyR Excellent recommendation 👍 8mo
jlhammar @KathyR Yes, Behind the Beautiful Forevers - fantastic read! 8mo
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kassandrik
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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People draw borders and they build walls between themselves, but their hearts like birds fly to meet each other when the most unexpected moment comes.
Nothing can hold love, even golden cages and dark prison cells.

I love how this book makes me slow down and reflect on important topics.

blurb
Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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“A couple glide down-river in a boat,
A mother hears that mischief is afloat.”

Playful shenanigans, ridiculous poetry, a sad movie and songs of longing set the mood for romantic trysts and buckets of tears in Part 3. Is there a future for Lata and Kabir?
#SuitableBoy2024

RebelReader I hope so, but if they do have future, I suspect it won‘t be an easy row to hoe. 8mo
Lindy @RebelReader Not easy: very true. 😕 8mo
squirrelbrain I hope so too @RebelReader - but I feel it may not be so. Still loving the book though - each part seems to fly by in minutes as it‘s so easy to fall in love with the characters, the settings and the writing. 8mo
See All 14 Comments
jlhammar Just finished! Reading Part 3 was a lovely way to start my Saturday. Loved Pran‘s April Fools‘ Day joke at the start. “Those who aren‘t conscious of the date must take the consequences.” 😆 Lata and Kabir are so young and their love so new, but I feel for them. 8mo
Lindy @jlhammar I‘ve never been a fan of April Fool pranks but I have to admit that Pran‘s was a good one. 8mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain I find that the pages fly too. 😊 8mo
bekakins I really enjoyed this part! I was COMPLETELY taken in by the April fools joke and was so confused like ‘what is the rest of this book going to be about?!‘ 🫣😆 Lata & Kabir‘s story is so sad, I always find it really interesting when religion plays such a pivotal role in relationships. I love that the chapters within each part are pretty short, so nice and digestible and really enjoying my daily routine of reading a chapter or 2! 8mo
Lindy @bekakins I love the short chapter structure too. It gives good stopping places for spreading each part out over the course of a week. And it helps when I leave my reading to the last day too: I stop after each chapter to stretch for a bit because it‘s hard on my body to sit for 70 pages, but if I don‘t have break reminders I just keep going. 8mo
kassandrik One part of me (romantic and hopeful) wishes for Lata's and Kabir's good future, but another one, rational and realistic, knows that it is far from the reality and it may cause so much damage along the way, that I start feeling a bit scared.
But hey, in fictional world miracles should happen!
8mo
azulaco Poor Lata and Kabir. I want them to be together. I don‘t see that happening. Although, he is inviting her into activities that he has to know her parents would not fully approve of, so I wonder a little about his character. Nothing scandalous from our point of view, but pushing limits in their world. Is he modern, or just disrespectful? Never trust the long-term intentions of a guy who tries to avoid meeting your parents! 8mo
Lindy @azulaco Not trusting a boy who avoids meeting your parents = good point! 8mo
Lindy @kassandrik I expect there will be no miracles, but there are many pages yet for exciting things to happen. 😁 8mo
Leftcoastzen I was buying into the April fools joke too! It is a time of change yet not enough for Lata & Kabir . I can‘t wait to see what happens next. 8mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen Yes, a time of great change; it‘s good to remember that these lives are unfolding at a particular moment in time. 8mo
28 likes14 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Her mother had gone through two chapters of the Gita that she recited every day at dawn. The Gita asked for detachment, tranquil wisdom, indifference to the fruits of action. This was a lesson that Mrs Rupa Mehra would never learn, could never learn. The lesson did not suit her temperament, even if its recitation did. The day she learned to be detached and indifferent and tranquil she would cease to be herself. #SuitableBoy2024

RebelReader I liked this section like I did the first section. How sad not to be with the person you are drawn to and expected to settle for whoever your family picks. My heart breaks! 💔💔 8mo
Lindy @RebelReader It IS sad, but I wonder how difficult it would be for the couple on account of anti-Islamic sentiment, as just one of the obstacles in their path. 8mo
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I really enjoyed Maan‘s narrative arc in Part 2: he wakes up smiling in the opening sentence and we can assume he is smiling with the turn of events as the chapter ends too. Although that relationship will likely not end well for him. And I‘m afraid that Maan‘s mischief during Holi will not end well for Pran.
[internet image]. #SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain Poor Pran! I think he may lose his job over that prank. 9mo
jlhammar Cool image. Maan and his mischief! Landing himself “in the dog-house again.” Pran will surely have to pay for that. Saaeda Bai and Tasneem are interesting characters. Look forward to seeing where the story takes us in part three! 9mo
Leftcoastzen I think there are definitely ramifications for Pran from Maans pranks. I love the fact that the writing pulls me in. I do spend some time looking up words. I tried to imagine what the bird market looked like. 9mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain @jlhammar @Leftcoastzen As Linda has commented, the writing really pulls us in. Wanting to know what happens next is not always something I look for in a novel, as long as I find the characters interesting, but facing so many pages ahead, I‘m glad of Seth‘s compelling construction. 9mo
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bekakins
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Part 2 - I enjoyed this little detour through Holi and the introduction of Saeeda Bai and Maan. I‘m hoping we return to the ‘core‘ characters in the next part though! I liked Saeeda Bai‘s story and I feel like she will be an interesting side character that we return to… #suitableboy2024

squirrelbrain I agree - I enjoyed this part, but preferred the first. 9mo
Leftcoastzen I‘m with you , like the other set of characters a bit better.I love the style of the book , the story sucks me right in. I am spending some time looking up words I‘m not familiar with, that‘s ok, never too old to learn something new.! 9mo
RebelReader I liked the first part better than part 2. I love books like this where we really get to know the characters well. I‘m not enjoying the small print in this book however. My old eyes are rebelling against it. 9mo
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Lindy @squirrelbrain @Leftcoastzen @RebelReader Based on the family trees at the beginning of this novel, I‘m guessing we will be meeting a great number of new characters in the pages ahead. I hope to see more of Saeeda Bai‘s sister Tasneem, who appears to also possibly be Firoz‘s half-sister. (edited) 9mo
azulaco I read Maan‘s stupid Holi prank on Pran‘s boss and thought “Oh nooooo….” Professor Mishra won‘t forgive that. I had my head in my hands just like Pran. Poor Pran. 9mo
bekakins @Lindy oh that‘s interesting! My copy doesn‘t have Saeeda Bai or Tasmeena included in the family tree! I just have the Mehras, the , the Khans and the Chatterjis… and I think we‘ve met most of the named characters on it! 9mo
Lindy @bekakins My copy doesn‘t have Saeeda Bai included in a family tree either. But of the Chatterji family, we‘ve only met Meenakshi. And I wonder if Saeeda Bai is tangentially related to the Khans (through Tasneem)? (edited) 9mo
16 likes7 comments
blurb
bekakins
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I‘ve really enjoyed reading part 1 this week. I keep having to refer back to the family trees in the front of the book to keep track of who everyone is and how they interrelate. I‘m loving the characterisation of everyone and looking forward to seeing how the plot unfolds. I‘m also enjoying all the references to amazing sounding food and drink! #suitableboy2024

squirrelbrain We have the same copy. And I spy a pup in the background… 9mo
dabbe 🖤🐾🖤 9mo
kassandrik I started to add stickers to the family trees. For instance, I have marked twins characters, so I will remember them in future. I wonder if I even start drawing some more connections and relationships. Sadly, my copy is not my own, but from library. 9mo
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bekakins @squirrelbrain - it‘s a gorgeous cover! And the doggo is always photo bombing 🤣 he is fascinated by books @dabbe 9mo
bekakins @kassandrik - that‘s a great idea! I‘m starting to get my head around who‘s who now but feel like the family tree will be a near constant point of reference! 9mo
dabbe @bekakins He's a smart boy! 🤩🤩🤩 9mo
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kassandrik
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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God, I miss India and her diverse cuisine ❤️

I completed the first chapter of “A Suitable Boy“ by Vikram Seth and I am loving it so far: bright and unforgettable characters, coziness of the author's language and travelling in space and time.

My soul is flowing through the book so effortlessly and every time I take it to my hands I feel it will be another happy moment of my life.

P.S. Vikram Seth makes me slightly poetic, and I love it as well.

jlhammar Yum, I'm loving your images of the food and drink! I want to try it all. 9mo
kassandrik @jlhammar Thank you so much, I am also dreaming to try all the mentioned food in the book 😻 9mo
6 likes2 comments
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squirrelbrain
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I loved Part One of A Suitable Boy and I‘m so glad that @Lindy encouraged me to pick it up this year.

Main discussion is on Lindy‘s thread, but I‘m really enjoying being sent down lots of rabbit-holes with all of the new-to-me words and customs, particularly with regard to food and drink. Nimbu Pani sounds delicious!

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/nimbu-pani

CatMS "A Suitable Boy" has been on my shelves since it was first published, a gift from my sister-in-law, have been wanting to read it, maybe it is time to do so. 9mo
Lindy @CatMS please join us! We are reading one part each and each part is only about 70 pages, so it shouldn‘t take long to catch up. We are just discussing part 1 this weekend. Use the #SuitableBoy2024 to find more 9mo
Lindy I‘ve been going down food research rabbit holes too. I‘ve got sesame seeds on my counter, waiting to be made into gajak. 😊 9mo
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squirrelbrain Yes, do join us @CatMS - I was very intimidated by it (hence why it‘s been on my shelves for many years) but so far it seems like it‘s going to be a wonderful read. 9mo
kassandrik It is freezing cold here, in Finland, so I skipped grocery shopping for black salt for time being, but I am planning to share my own Nimbu pani soon ❤️ 9mo
jlhammar It really does sound delicious! 9mo
squirrelbrain Looking forward to seeing what you make! @Lindy @kassandrik 9mo
LeahBergen I‘ve always wanted to try this drink after reading about it in this (and other Indian) books! 9mo
57 likes8 comments
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Discussion of Part 1: there will be spoilers! Avert your eyes if you haven‘t yet finished this part!
I love the characterization so far. People to cheer for, people to disapprove of. Amy mentioned Malati in a different post (I will link it below, or you can search #SuitableBoy2024 ). I wonder if something will come of Malati‘s crush on Pran?

Lindy azulaco's post on Litsy https://litsy.com/p/Q0dRdEkzZldM 9mo
squirrelbrain The characterisation is exactly what I was going to post about… I wonder if we will see a story arc for any of the ‘baddie‘ characters such as Arun and Meenakshi and will they realise the error of their ways / behaviour? Currently, I can‘t help thinking that Arun got what he deserved with his wife! 9mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain oh yes! Arun and Meenakshi deserve each other. I think it‘s hilarious (and sad) the way Meenakshi calls her daughter precious in every other sentence, yet treats her like a mildly amusing plaything. 9mo
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squirrelbrain I feel sorry for poor Varun too - he is treated rather like a servant by Arun and Meenakshi. He seems to spend more time with Aparna than they do. 9mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain Yes, I hope good things are in Varun‘s future. I liked the gentle teasing of his singing voice: “like a bulbul… in a china-china shop” 😁 9mo
kassandrik I have some nagging feeling of fear about Varun - you never know where the spring will hit, which was pressed too hard. Definitely his lif with elder brother impacts him a lot! 9mo
bekakins I too feel sorry for Varun - Arun & Meenashki are awful (but hilarious). My favourite character so far is Mrs Rupa Mehra - I love an overbearing mother in a book 😆 9mo
jlhammar Really enjoying this so far. Love being introduced to all of the characters. @bekakins - Mrs Rupa Mehra is my favorite so far as well! I couldn't believe Meenakshi had her father-in-law's medal melted down for earrings. So callous! 9mo
squirrelbrain Oh gosh, I hope not @kassandrik - he seems very sweet, but I can see where your fear comes from. I love that we‘re all so invested in the characters already - definitely the sign of a good book! 9mo
RebelReader I was hosting a baby shower for my niece today so just checking in now. I‘m enjoying this book a lot. Characters to love, hate and hope for. I agree @squirrelbrain Arun totally deserves his horrible wife. Who does that with a family heirloom??? She is terribly selfish! 9mo
Lindy @RebelReader busy day for you! Thanks for checking in. 😊 9mo
Leftcoastzen I do love how I was drawn in by this story , great characters. I too love Mrs Rupa Mehra trying to do right by her family. You do get a great sense that times are changing & not all daughters are wanting a Suitable Boy! 😄Meenakshis behavior is horrible, it was a terrible thing to do! I really enjoyed the uni politics of Pran trying to get Joyce added to the curriculum! professor Mishra is a piece of work,holding fast to his position of power. 9mo
azulaco @Lindy oh no, I hope nothing happens between Pran and Malati! What a catastrophe! I‘m already worried about her. I like her, but independent girls so often experience negative consequences in patriarchal societies, in fiction and in real life. 😞 9mo
azulaco @Leftcoastzen Poor Pran and his horrible department head. I hope he can stick it out. 9mo
Lindy @azulaco indeed! 9mo
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azulaco
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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We are all Malati! #suitableboy2024

Lindy I flagged that passage too 📚❤️ 9mo
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azulaco
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I like the character of Malati already. 😊 #suitableboy2024

Lindy I tend to read several books concurrently and right now I‘m listening to a 3-generation family saga set in Sri Lanka. Two daughters are studying medicine in that book, a nice bit of synchronicity. 9mo
Lindy I wonder if this portrayal of Malati echoes Seth‘s own feelings about marriage? He‘s bisexual and India doesn‘t recognize same-sex marriage, so that might a major factor. 9mo
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azulaco
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Part 1 thoughts.
I like Lata, but my favorite character so far is her friend Malati.
Lata handled an unwanted chat-up like a queen. I wish I could have been that secure at her age.
Arun and Meenakshi deserve each other. If you haven‘t gotten to the last part of Part 1, oh boy, just wait till you see the stunt Meenakshi pulls. Awful people, awful child. Such entitlement.
Go, nerdy Prem! I‘m so glad Savita seems to appreciate him! #suitableboy2024

Lindy Amy, I‘m so glad you are keen! And I love your comments on Part 1. Go nerdy Pran! I will tag the rest of our reading group on this post of yours on Saturday when we will discuss Part 1. Our schedule is to discuss one part each weekend, starting with Part 1 on February 10. Part 2 on February 17, etc. I apologize for not making that clear beforehand. (edited) 9mo
azulaco @Lindy I did go back and see that you said Feb. 10 in the original post! 9mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen @kassandrik @squirrelbrain @KathyR @jlhammar @bekakins I think Meenakshi‘s stunt is likely to have long repercussions, despite Pran having carefully vetted Savita‘s letter to her. I love his comments: “Diplomatic but deadly! Soft steel.” Pran and Savita are a good match. 9mo
kassandrik @Lindy I feel the same about the future consequences of Meenakshi's greedy behaviour. It looks like a first rusty nail into the coffin for her relationship with in-laws. She just started proving herself with actions. I am kind of afraid of her and Arun :/ 9mo
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azulaco
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I just found out that this is available on Kindle Unlimited. Yay! I‘m going to try to follow along with the group read headed by @Lindy, but I‘m not sure I can keep to the schedule. Excited to try! #SuitableBoy2024

Lindy Amy, welcome to our group read! 9mo
squirrelbrain Hooray! ❤️ 9mo
RebelReader I‘m reading it on my lunch break everyday. 9mo
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LitsyEvents
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Original https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2695137

From @Lindy I'm planning to start reading this on February 3 and to read one part (approximately 70 p) per week. There are 19 parts, so I expect to be finished in 20 weeks (that'll be in June!). Any Littens want to join me?
#SuitableBoy2024

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kassandrik
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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...they have made such delicious gulab-jamuns, but owing to my diabetes I cannot eat them even after the ceremonies. I am not even allowed gajak, which is so difficult to resist in winter.

batsy Gosh yes gulab jamuns are delectable... and so dangerous 😬 9mo
kassandrik @batsy , I love gulab jamuns, but the ones, which are recently made and fresh - in Finland we get a canned version and they are just not the same. I also thought of making my own, but I struggle with a syrup part 😀 9mo
batsy I'm lucky that we're able to get it quite easily here in restaurants, so haven't yet had a chance to make it. The syrup bit does seem a bit daunting! 😅 9mo
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jlhammar
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Here we go! Week 1, Part 1, here I come. So excited to finally be reading this behemoth. I already love how he‘s setting the scene for each part instead of using traditional chapter titles.

#SuitableBoy2024

willaful Very Old School! 9mo
squirrelbrain Can‘t wait to start! 9mo
Tamra After years sitting on my TBR shelves I gave up and donated it. I know readers have loved it! 9mo
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kassandrik I read just 10 pages today morning but it felt so amazing to return back to Indian atmosphere: food, traditions, even conversations. 9mo
Leftcoastzen Nice! Just starting, long day! 9mo
Liz_M Oh yay! This is such a wonderful book!!! 9mo
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Lindy
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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Before plunging into a 5-month-long reading odyssey, I‘m taking a moment to remember where I bought my copy of Suitable Boy: Peryton Books, when I visited my friend Shawn in Saskatoon.
If any of you want to join a group of us reading one part each week, please do!
#SuitableBoy2024

squirrelbrain Looking forward to starting this! Will be tomorrow for me, as we‘re camping and I didn‘t bring it with me. (Small campervan, big book - there‘d have been no room for anything else! 🤣) 9mo
Lindy @squirrelbrain enjoy your camping trip 😊 9mo
RebelReader My copy came, but I‘m still sick! Day 5! Couldn‘t even read, but I feel a bit better today so maybe I‘ll tackle part one. 9mo
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jlhammar A reading odyssey indeed! Excited to dive in today. Lovely teacup. 9mo
Leftcoastzen Love it ! Got some things to do today but I‘m going to dive in tonight! 9mo
LeahBergen I spy your lovely tea cozy! ❤️ 9mo
Lindy @RebelReader hope you feel better soon 🌻 9mo
Lindy @jlhammar thanks and happy reading 🫖 9mo
bekakins Ooh I‘ve got this on my shelf waiting to be read so may tag along… is there a schedule anywhere? 9mo
Lindy @bekakins Beka, please join us! We are reading one part each week (the book is divided into 19 parts. Our first discussion (of Part 1) will be on February 10. Lindy's post on Litsy https://litsy.com/p/dXlyeHVBMWxh 9mo
bekakins Thanks @Lindy - I‘m in! I find books this big much less intimidating when reading them as part of a group activity 😄 9mo
Lindy @bekakins Welcome aboard! 9mo
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Leftcoastzen
Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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#SuitableBoy2024 Well , I bought this big brick today , plan to join @Lindy and others in a buddy read . Sometimes with the chunksters it‘s hard to keep going, with a plan & reading buddies we will enjoy it together!

Smrloomis I remember enjoying this a lot and feeling like it flew by so I hope you enjoy it too. 9mo
squirrelbrain Hooray! ❤️ 9mo
Amiable Loved this book when I read it several years ago 9mo
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jlhammar Yay! I‘m getting excited. 9mo
Lindy I‘m so glad that you are joining us! 🤗 9mo
BarbaraBB You won‘t regret it, it is such a good book! 9mo
Reggie I love this books sooo much. I hope you like it. 9mo
LeahBergen It‘s a wonderful read! 9mo
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kassandrik
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I am super excited to join my first real long readalong with @Lindy and many others!

It is going to be my biggest reading challenge this year: I am bit scared but still courageous to start this journey.

I borrowed my book in the city library, so, fingers crossed, I will be able to keep the same copy for the whole yourney, because it looks fabulous with all the stickers. I didn't have orange stickers, so my Indian flag got sligtly more red.

squirrelbrain Excited to read with you! Love your Indian (ish!) stickers. 🇮🇳 9mo
Lindy Wow! Aleksandra, it‘s cool to see a representation of the Indian flag in your page flags. So creative! Fingers crossed that you can extend your loan to the end of our reading schedule. 9mo
jlhammar Wonderful! Look forward to reading with you. 9mo
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squirrelbrain
A Suitable Boy | Vikram Seth
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I‘m ready to go with our #buddyread! @Lindy @KathyR

I know it‘s not for another week, but a girl has to be prepared!

Each section looks quite achievable, I think. Hubby is quite scared by it, though - he said ‘What on earth is that?!‘ 🤣 ‘Just a little light reading, darling‘

RaeLovesToRead This is on my TBR 9mo
RaeLovesToRead You guys read a lot faster than me, but if you'll be posting it may encourage me to pick it up 9mo
JamieArc That‘s such a pretty edition! 9mo
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julesG 😮 What a doorstopper! 9mo
LeeRHarry I loved this - hope you do too. 😊 9mo
BarbaraBB “ What on earth is that?”🤣🤣 it‘s such a good book though, enjoy! 9mo
Lindy Hasn‘t he seen a big book before? 😂 When A Suitable Boy first came out, at 1349 pages, according to the Guardian it was the longest book ever published in English up until then. 9mo
Lindy @RaeLovesToRead Our reading pace will be about 10 pages per day. Join us! 9mo
RaeLovesToRead @Lindy I might read along with you! 😊 It's the longest book on my TBR and I've heard it's awesome 9mo
Leftcoastzen I‘m very tempted to join you all. It‘s hard sometimes to do Chunksters solo 9mo
jlhammar Seeing your preparation has motivated me to join you! I‘ll have to pull my copy off the shelf this weekend. 9mo
RebelReader I‘m tempted to join this as well, but I don‘t actually own a copy. I bet my local bookstore has it though. 😂 9mo
Lindy @Leftcoastzen I feel the same way about chunksters. I prefer either audio format or buddy reading to get me through a long book. 9mo
Lindy @jlhammar yay Jamie! 9mo
Lindy @RebelReader it would be great to have you join us 😊🍀 9mo
JuniperWilde I loved this book i 9mo
squirrelbrain It‘s slightly longer (in pages) than my copy of War and Peace @Lindy 9mo
squirrelbrain Hooray! @RaeLovesToRead @Leftcoastzen @jlhammar - Looking forward to reading with you all. @RebelReader - we‘re starting next Saturday so you have time to get to the bookstore! 😃 9mo
youneverarrived 😂😂 I‘ll look forward to seeing what you think. There was a BBC adaptation on a few years ago which I loved. 9mo
Reggie You‘ll get so immersed in it. I love this book so much. Good luck! 9mo
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