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228
Novel • Fiction
India • 1970s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai explores the contrasting lives of two Indian siblings, Uma and Arun. Uma, in India, struggles against the oppressive rules of her parents, seeking independence but repeatedly facing setbacks in education, marriage, and personal freedom. Arun, in the USA, encounters a different kind of alienation, navigating a dysfunctional host family and seeking self-determination amidst cultural dislocation. The book touches on disordered eating and family dysfunction.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
5,599 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Anita Desai's Fasting, Feasting explores cultural contrasts through captivating storytelling. Readers praise the vivid character portrayals and emotional depth. Critics note that the pacing can be slow and some plot aspects underdeveloped. Overall, it's a beautifully written exploration of family dynamics and societal expectations across cultures.
A reader who enjoys Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai is likely captivated by cross-cultural narratives, intricate family dynamics, and internal character struggles. Fans of Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things will find similar themes of cultural identity and familial tension.
5,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Arun
Uma’s younger brother, Arun is a focused scholar who earns an academic scholarship abroad, where he experiences newfound independence away from his family's expectations.
Papa
The authoritative head of Uma and Arun’s household, he is insistent on maintaining traditional patriarchal control and influence within the family.
Mama
Papa’s wife, who plays a supportive role to her husband’s authority while showing affection towards her children, yet still aligns with Papa’s decisions.
Aruna
Uma’s younger sister, Aruna is successful both academically and socially, eventually marrying into a life of affluence and comfort in Bombay.
Mira-masi
A deeply spiritual relative who goes on religious pilgrimages, Mira-masi sees Uma’s struggles as divine blessings and encourages her spirituality.
Anamika
A revered family member known for her beauty and intelligence, her life journey includes significant achievements as well as challenges shaped by family decisions.
Mrs. Joshi
A relative who leads a more liberated family life compared to Uma’s household and has taken on the matriarchal role following the passing of her mother-in-law.
Mr. Patton
The head of the American household where Arun stays, he is portrayed as a stereotypical American dad with a keen interest in traditional activities like baseball.
Mrs. Patton
She takes Arun under her wing with good intentions but is more invested in cultural trends than meaningful understanding, and she overlooks family issues.
Melanie Patton
A teenager in Arun’s host family who struggles with her personal issues, reflecting contrasts in familial environments and individual attention.
Rod Patton
Arun’s host family’s son, who is an athletic teenager focused on physical perfection and sports, distancing himself from familial matters.
228
Novel • Fiction
India • 1970s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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