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A tremendous first novel from an exciting young author recently chosen as one of the Telegraph's '20 under 40' best UK writers. alongside Zadie Smith, Moshin Hamid, and Chris Cleave. A former journalist, Joseph is well connected in both India an the UK.
Synopsis
A tremendous first novel from an exciting young author recently chosen as one of the Telegraph's '20 under 40' best UK writers.
Book Details
Publisher:
Fourth Estate
Publication Date:
03-Mar-2011
ISBN:
9780007360789
Guardian review
Saraswati Park by Anjali Joseph review
the guardian Fri 22 April 2011
A gentle disquisition on the disparity between the way people aspire to live and the frequently disappointing reality, Joseph's debut novel explores the compromises lying at the heart of family life. Mohan, a letter writer in his 50s, dreams of becoming a writer. He is married to Lakshmi and together they live in Saraswati Park, a Bombay suburb. Days spent in solitary domesticity lead Lakshmi to reflect that "her relationship with the shirts, neatly ironed and folded, was so much more direct than any other interaction". She seeks respite from the tedium in her favourite soap operas, a habit which infuriates Mohan. Into this atmosphere of muted irritation comes Mohan's nephew Ashish, a young man consumed by the excitement and anguish of a concealed love affair. As she reveals her character's inner lives, Joseph captures the transient beauty of the everyday. Birds' shadows move with "delicacy and life", street lamps give wet roads "metallic accents". Exuding "a lovely quiet", this is a meticulously written tale of hope and regret.
