A Suitable Boy

Written by Vikram Seth and published in 1993, 'A Suitable Boy' is the most enchanting novel that I have ever read. Extending to almost 1500 pages, the book explores various topics from the coming of age of a teenager to the socio-political climate in India. Very much like a time machine, the book transports you to post-colonial India and unfolds the story before your eyes. 

 The story starts with Mrs Rupa Mehra looking for a suitable boy for her 19-year-old daughter Lata. Opinionated and stubborn in nature, Lata eventually finds three suitors through the course of the novel and exercises her right to choose a husband, at a time when girls were treated as mere objects and their opinion wasn't considered. 

The parallel protagonist of this story, Maan Kapoor is a spoilt lad of a Minister and a wastrel by nature. His love story with a courtesan becomes the talk of the town and unlike the title of the novel, he becomes the very embodiment of an 'unsuitable' boy. Both the stories are interwoven with the political climate of India as the backdrop. This fantastic tale of the coming of age of Lata alludes to the coming of age of India as an independent country.

'A Suitable Boy' is a treasure trove for literature lovers as it includes various forms of poetry ranging from Urdu Shayari to whimsical verses, which all the more enhances the experience of reading this novel. The novel is divided into 19 parts and each part has been described aptly in the form of a rhythmic couplet on the contents page. 

This magnum opus was an amazing read as it gives the reader an insight into the passing of the zamindari bill, communal riots and feudalism post-partition. In my opinion, every young adult should read this book as it helps an individual to learn about love, life, family, relationship and politics.