Customer Reviews

Out of India

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book contains several short stories that represent an entirely unique persepective on Indian life. Jhabvala successfully removes her writing from the idealist realm, and shatters the popular "everything East is magical and wonderful" misconception. The stories are very realistic, and are rich with cultural content.

Now that I've experienced Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's India, I'm keen to read more of her remarkable fiction. In some of these short stories, woman's conflict is the result of making poor choices, while others portray females either being defeated by, or transcending the limitations imposed by the patriarchal society. Considering the complexity of the country and the circumstances the author so vividly describes, it isn't surprising that the male job seeker in the story, The Interview, concludes,"I was very sad when I thought of her being unhappy; because it is not only she who is unhappy but I also and many others. Everywhere there is unhappiness." Despite the melancholy affecting both sexes, Out of India's characters also make me smile. Perhaps in similar circumstances might I be tempted to make those wrong choices and behave equally unwisely? Owning this book will assure my giving Jhabvala's satirical social statements a second read. How I Became A Holy Mother is where I'll begin.

I'm surprised at the mediocre reviews. I think she writes wonderfully. I've read many other writers of and from India and she is one of the best.

Ok read in my opinion. Some stories in this book don't seem to have a plan for characters and plot. Although the characters do seem real and at time complicated, with out a strong personality and life.
Most stories seems to be written as a 3rd person even though they are narrated as 1st person...