"They were not sketches. They were a declaration of love."
The first thing I noticed when opening this book for the first time was a "Cast of Characters" page. This worried me a bit. Often when you see this, you are about to embark upon a seriously confusing book, but this was not the case at all with An Atlas of Impossible Longing. Not only was it easy to follow, I have to say this is the best book I have read in years. I absolutely loved it and fell in love with the characters.
Set in India during the first half of the twentieth century, Ms. Roy tells the stories of 3 generations in 3 parts. In the first part, we meet Amulya, a faithful, if inattentive husband of Kananbala who slowly goes mad and is eventually locked away in an upstairs room where she witnesses a murder. The second part focuses on Amulya and Kananbala's grown children, young granddaughter, Bakul, and young orphan, Mukunda, adopted by the family. I found the story of forbidden love in the second part to be absolutely delicious. The third part is told by the now grown Mukunda who longs to be reunited with his childhood friend, Bakul.
Disclaimer - I received this book for my honest opinion, no other compensation was received.
2 comments:
I know what you mean about a cast of characters:) I hate when the book has too many people to keep track of.
you review is great ! It makes me really want to read this book! Adding another to my list! :]
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