Fasting, Feasting by Anita Desai Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Fasting, Feasting
Book Review: The writing is so beautiful although context is kinda boring
Summary: 4 Stars
I think Anita Desai is a very good writer in the sense that the book was so beautifult written. I love her similes and descriptions. The plot is interesting in a sad sort of way. I personaly liked the feasting part better. I think it was becasue it gave more backgrung info and had more stories. There was really no conclusion or even climax to the book. So if you are one of those people that needs a very exciting book, then dont get this. But if you appreciate nice writing and some interesting description, I definetly think you should.Book Review: Two lives
Summary: 4 Stars
These are two stories which stand on their own: one of a woman whose personal needs are forever postponed by family and society obligations and the other of a family incapable of discerning the needs of its members and of its visitor. The juxtaposition of these stories increases their impact, for both deal with the everyday accumulation of pressures and frustrations, which can amount to a lifetime of doom or to life-threatening actions. Desai's characters are imprisoned by their inability to change their own expectations or those placed upon them by others. Anita Desai's marvelous command of language transforms, with tender irony and a light sense of humor, these otherwise gloomy lives into delightful characters despite their fragility. It is pure magic and a pleasure to read!Book Review: Who Are these People
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is written from two perspectives: Uma's and Arun's. I felt after I read the book I had no better understanding of either Uma or Arun and their struggles. I wasn't quite sure why Arun was so standoffish and simply afraid of people. Poor Uma, but I did not feel that sorry for her.
This book was boring and lacked insight. Don't waste your time.
Book Review: You Are What You Eat
Summary: 4 Stars
I challenge a reader of this book to count the number of times the words dust and dusty appear when the story moves from the suburbs of a town in India to a suburb outside of Boston. Hey! What happened to the dust in India or have I missed ironic intent? When you are finished with this task you might note the repetition of phrases containing chrome, plastic, greasy, beer cans, blood-red undercooked beef, damp verdant growth concealing communities of insect life. These ominous descriptions are rarely interrupted by dialogue.It is a story about two dysfunctional families and how neurotic behavior is absorbed by different cultures. The Indian family clings to traditions, while in America consumers constantly seek the newest and the fastest. Food and reaction to food is a unifying theme. America is obsessed with its barbecue grills and packaged food. In India ancient customs preserve delectable concoctions like lodoos, puris, samosas, accompanied with warm cups of tea and the fragrance of jasmine.
The ideas behind this narrative are very compelling and despite my complaints that at times the material is overcooked, this book held my attention and gives the reader plenty of food for thought.
Book Review: delightful reading though confusing message
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the first book of Anita Desai I read. Her observations are astute whether they are on living conditions in India or USA. She uses witty and satirical language which keeps reader's mood light. I had difficulty understanding what message she is trying to send through her novel. For one, life is miserable whether one lives in India or USA, which is a pathetic outlook. Secondly, in spite of different living conditions people behave basically the same way to situations in life. There is no strong story here. Just description of characters and small incidences to enhance characterization but Anita Desai uses her words perfectly to convey exactly what she feels. She uses commonly used words, nothing flashy, to keep the reader engrossed in her characters, makes one turn page after page. I was never bored to read any page.I felt Uma's character was ended rather abruptly. Arun would have been more human if he would have felt occasional pangs of homesickness and brooded over few pleasant memories of his childhood.
I would strongly recommmend this book to anyone who is interested in comparing living in India and in USA.