Plot Summary

A Suitable Boy

Vikram Seth
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A Suitable Boy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

Book Brief

Vikram Seth

A Suitable Boy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

1488

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • 1950s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth is a family saga set in 1950s India, following 19-year-old Lata Mehra as she navigates familial pressure and cultural norms to choose a suitor. It delves into the intersecting lives of four elite families, exploring themes like inter-generational conflict, social change, and personal versus political struggles. Sensitive topics include religious and caste prejudices, social upheavals, and communal violence.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Romantic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

53,024 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy is praised for its rich narrative and intricate portrayal of post-partition India. The multifaceted characters and cultural insights are lauded, though some find its length daunting and pacing uneven. Overall, it is celebrated for its ambitious scope and depth, but may not cater to readers preferring brevity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Suitable Boy?

Readers who relish culturally rich, epic narratives would enjoy A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth. If you appreciate the detailed social tapestry and character-driven plots of War and Peace or the intricate family sagas in One Hundred Years of Solitude, this novel offers a similarly immersive experience.

4.2

53,024 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

1488

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • 1950s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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