David Davidar

Davidar, one of the founders of Penguin India, wrote this multi-generational saga of a family in South India—Davidar’s home. It is an easy read, well-plotted, informative, and pleasant. It’s not an especially thought-provoking book. Davidar is good at showing social change, and although there is some food for thought, it has a relatively narrow focus and seems most intent on the depiction of lives and intrafamily dynamics. Its themes are expected and expectable, the story line largely unsurprising, and there is an attractive wistfulness or nostalgia running throughout. Davidar has created a quite believable world, interesting characters, and just enough suspense to keep the reader engaged. If I didn’t have a to-be-read list of many (or maybe I should write “MANY!”) other works that I expect to challenge me more, I’d find time for one of his two other novels. I enjoyed the book, I just think I might have enjoyed something else more.… (mehr)