Bombay 1971, the year India went to war over what was to become Bangladesh.
Hard-working bank clerk, Gustad Noble is a devoted family man who struggles to do his best for his family and friends. His is the one reasonable voice amidst the ongoing dramas of his neighbours, one of whom is the poignant local character Tehmul, a man harmless but brain damaged, Gustad is the only one who can interpret his distorted speech.
Times are changing and gradually Gustad’s modest life starts unravelling. His young daughter falls ill and his promising son defies his father’s ambitions for him by refusing a college scholarship he has won.
One day Gustad receives a letter from his old friend Major Bilimoria. The Major works for Indira Gandhi’s secret police, he asks Gustad to help him in what at first seems like an heroic mission. But Gustad soon finds himself unwittingly drawn into a dangerous network of deception.
Brilliantly written, comic and poignant. Compassionate and rich in details of character and place, this unforgettable novel charts the journey of a moral heart in a turbulent world of change. I thoroughly enjoyed this touching story and felt I knew Gustad and his family very well. Highly recommend it.
~Happy Reading ~
Highly recommend is high praise! Thanks -- this does look good.
ReplyDeleteAre you feeling better, Polly?
I am feeling much better Jeanie, thank you x
DeleteThis sounds great!
ReplyDeleteHi Krishna, it is.
DeleteMy list of books recommended by others is getting longer, I am hoping now that all the Christmas crafting is complete that I will have more time for reading.
ReplyDeleteAfter all your work mama, you deserve to put your feet up and read :-)
Deletewell written review.
ReplyDeletegreeting- evi erlinda
Thank you Evi.
DeleteAlways Nice to read a good book...love Ria 💕happy week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ria x
DeleteThe theme of promising lives unravelling and people being lured into dangerous activities seems to be a well-trodden one at present. I suppose they remind us of how lucky we are if we have good lives that aren't likely to unravel!
ReplyDeleteI have visited India and every time I read a book set there I feel thankful for being me living here.
DeleteHi Polly, do you know it's ages since I read a novel - I was thinking the other day that there are things I used to do that I don't do any more, and reading a novel is one of them. I've become all serious, and non-fiction has dominated. I need to free up and explore fiction. This one sounds good - you've written a really enticing review. As it's a new book, it's highly likely that my library won't have it yet, but I'll have a look when I'm next in a bookshop. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jacqui, once I finish a book I start another one, usually with my book club or from my "To Read" list, I just couldn't be without a book! :-) Depends what you like, but this one is lovely.
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