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55 pages 1 hour read

Fasting, Feasting

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Anita Desai

Fasting, Feasting

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

228

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • 1970s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.6

5,599 ratings

45%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Fasting, Feasting?

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.

3.6

5,599 ratings

45%

Loved it

38%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Character List

Uma

The eldest daughter in her family, Uma leads a largely confined life at home, facing restrictions in education and personal independence imposed by her familial and cultural environment.

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.

The authoritative head of Uma and Arun’s household, he is insistent on maintaining traditional patriarchal control and influence within the family.

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.

Uma’s younger sister, Aruna is successful both academically and socially, eventually marrying into a life of affluence and comfort in Bombay.

A deeply spiritual relative who goes on religious pilgrimages, Mira-masi sees Uma’s struggles as divine blessings and encourages her spirituality.

A revered family member known for her beauty and intelligence, her life journey includes significant achievements as well as challenges shaped by family decisions.

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.

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.

She takes Arun under her wing with good intentions but is more invested in cultural trends than meaningful understanding, and she overlooks family issues.

A teenager in Arun’s host family who struggles with her personal issues, reflecting contrasts in familial environments and individual attention.

Arun’s host family’s son, who is an athletic teenager focused on physical perfection and sports, distancing himself from familial matters.

Book Details
Pages

228

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

India • 1970s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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