A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, $35.
I first read A Suitable Boy when I was 12 years old and it was at this time that I became fascinated with India and its rich culture.
Set in post-independence India, it explores the lives of various characters and how they adapt to this momentous change.
At more than 1300 pages, it is one of the longest novels ever published in a single volume in the English language, but Seth’s ability to write in such a readable style makes it a simple and easy read.
Having travelled to India covering many stories in my work for Dateline, I found the themes of this book still running deep in many parts of the society, from eternal love to arranged marriages, sacrifice and the ultimate pursuit of happiness.
Yalda Hakim is co-host of Dateline on SBS, Sundays at 8.30pm.
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