Fasting, Feasting

Anita Desai

The first part of the book is set in India. One of the daughters of the house stays home looking after her parents resenting her lack of freedom and privacy. The second part sees the son of the house staying with a white American family in the USA. There are more similarities than differences between the two households. Food plays an important role.

I read this on the plane home from California and I think the author has captured an outsider's reaction to the land of excess perfectly.
Doreen 21/5/00

Enjoyed it. Nothing to add to everyone's comments.
Gill 23/7/00

Carolyn was surprised to realize she had never read anything by this author. She was enchanted by the section on India but didn't finish the book as she was sad and disappointed by the cartoon depictions of Americans when the story shifted to the USA. Found Arun a sad and miserable character - couldn't connect with him at all.
Carolyn 21/1/01

By the same author

The frames have gone all funny - click to make it good.