Intensely readable, both exotic and commonplace, Suri combines first-rate storytelling with compelling narration. The characters, with all their strengths and flaws, are fascinating and believable.
The Age of Shiva
Meera, who narrates the story to her beloved son, Ashvin,
describes her early fascination with Dev - the man who sets her
afire with his good looks, charm and hopes of becoming a famous
singer. She is 17 when she first sees Dev and wonders if she can
steal him from her older sister, Roopa.
"When did the idea first start germinating in my brain? Was it
when I saw Roopa whistle at him during the show? When I saw the
look that came on her face backstage? `Your sister is almost as
pretty as your are.' I had never heard anyone say that before to
me. Neither had Roopa, to her."
A moment of indiscretion leads to marriage, to the disgust of
her domineering father, who had hoped Meera would become a student.
Meera must leave her privileged Hindu family and move in with
Dev's much poorer family, where she quickly learns that life is not
the fairy-tale she once believed it to be.
"It was good that there was so much activity those first days
in my in-laws' house, since it prevented me from steeping in regret
every waking moment," Meera says.
In the male-dominated world of India after independence, Meera
does not really escape her father. Although he is unhappy with her,
he continues to control her by providing an apartment and financial
help.
Her husband, disappointed that he married Meera instead of her
sister, and unhappy that he does not become a singing star, turns
to alcohol. Her brother-in-law lusts after her, eventually trying
to use her son as a way of reaching her.
The two great loves of Meera's life are her son and her
sister-in-law, Sandhya, which both become tragedies. Sandhya is
destroyed by her inability to have children. Ashvin, her son, is
nearly destroyed by his mother's overwhelming love.
Interwoven with Merra's personal tale are the struggles of
India, including the violence with Pakistan, and the conflict
between Hindus and Muslims.
