54 pages • 1 hour read
304
Novel • Fiction
India • 1990s
1993
Adult
18+ years
A River Sutra by Gita Mehta is set on the banks of the Narmada River in India, following a narrator who, after his wife's death, becomes a rest house manager seeking solitude. Instead, he becomes immersed in the diverse spiritual and human experiences of those drawn to the river. Through interconnected stories, the novel explores themes of spirituality, diversity, and enlightenment. The novel contains depictions of sexual assault, death by suicide, and caste-based discrimination against the Dalit people.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Serene
Emotional
Bittersweet
2,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gita Mehta's A River Sutra offers a rich blend of interconnected stories set along the Narmada River. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and profound exploration of Indian spirituality and culture. However, some criticize its pacing and occasional narrative disjointedness. Overall, readers find it a meditative and evocative read, though somewhat fragmented in structure.
A reader who enjoys A River Sutra by Gita Mehta likely appreciates introspective narratives and cultural exploration. Fans of books like The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy or Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie will be drawn to its lyrical prose, spiritual themes, and vivid portrayal of India's complexities.
2,671 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
India • 1990s
1993
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.