Abha Dawesar

The one thing I like about this book is that it does not shy away from sexual scenes. Not that it is full of them, but certainly they are where they should be, and perhaps more. With that said, after about half way, everything that seems entertaining and engaging turns a bit annoying. Perhaps we are meant to be annoyed with the 15-year-old studious girl who has too many female lovers, an older married man chasing her a la Humbert Humbert, a best friend who is infatuated with her, no wait, infatuated with one of her three female lovers... And it goes on and on. There are things the narrative does very well, like fitting everything in with the Indian caste system and its workings, with the desire of chasing an education dream abroad, with the usual stuff that happens in high schools everywhere in the world. But sometimes the events, the love affairs, the Casanova behavior seem way too incredulous. I thought of it as "OK, it's more like a fantasy a high school boy/girl would have..." but by the time the married man (who happens to be her best friend's father) started hitting on her, I was a bit tired. And the ending? Well, there is no ending. There is a big build-up to this party where all involved love interests and every other problematic person in Anamika's life will meet, aaaand... they do... aaaand it just ends. Which makes me think perhaps there is a sequel. But I am not sure if I will have the patience or energy to read it (I imagine it will be the adventures of Anamika in Amereeeeka, a liberal arts college, of course, what else? May I suggest Smith?)… (more)