55 pages • 1 hour read
Fasting, Feasting
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Book Brief
228
Novel • Fiction
India • 1970s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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
5,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
228
Novel • Fiction
India • 1970s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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