Feb 19, 2009 02:36 PM
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(Updated Feb 20, 2009 03:36 PM)
It won’t entertain you or lighten you up! This book by Shashi Deshpande wasn't meant for entertainment. It was meant to understand the various stages and aspects of life. Matter of Time includes feminism, chauvinism and much more.
The novel shows how events in our lives affect our decisions and actions. It shows that how you cannot leave out everything on fate but also cannot disregard it completely.
Through Sumi's three girls, the novelist throws light on issues regarding growing up of kids. How a family deals with it. This novel is a complex read. It will not soothe you or de-stress you but once you start reading it, you won’t keep the book down.
It has its element of suspense which will keep the reader hooked till the end. Though in between, the story tends to slack in action and twists and bends more towards description of landscape and free thoughts. The book focuses a lot on thoughts, ideas and free human will.
It is commendable on Shashi's part that she was able to weave stories between so many characters and still manage to give deserved space to each of them. The reason the novel can slack interest in between is because it has so many characters.
The book on the outline clearly brings out the essence of family life, of a joint family. How life becomes when your family is with you to share the problems and provide you with mental strength. Though the book has so many women characters in it, it still doesn't look like an out and out feminist novel.
It is one of the classic examples of good Indian English contemporary writing which is so famous for its complex plots and multilayered characterization.
Definitely worth a read if you have the patience!
