Customer Reviews

Sharmila's Book

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I am amazed that Kirchner is supposed to be an Indian who was born in India. It seems that her only concept of the culture are flat sterotypes. If you're interested in books on Indian culture, there are many fine authors to choose from. Kirchner is not one of them. The plot was predictable and silly, the characters flat and predictable--basically, it's Danielle Steele does India.

while this book is an easy read and rathe entertaining it is still deeply flawed. Many stereotypes of india are presented throughout the book. It is also very melodramatic and has a plot much like a soap opera. one gets the idea that the author formed her impressions of India based on watching several melodramatic Hindi movies.

The subject is fascinating- read Vickram Seths ' Suitable Boy" for a much more gripping and realistic book based on an Indian wedding. Ms .Kirchner tries to do too much in this novel and the murder mystery subplot ends upo being superfluous and distracting.

Overall- not too bad for someone who is not a professional writer - but too flawed to rate highly, maybe a good read on a flight or short holiday.

Though this book was a bit predictable at certain points, I think this book was so interesting because it puts a spotlight on the very traditional and controversial matter of arranged marriage. At times while I was reading it I felt like I was watching a soap opera or a Bollywood movie. The author keeps the book going with interesting characters and scenarios. This is one of those types of books that you don't want to put down because the book is so interesting. I recommend this book for those who are into touchy-feely romance novels.

I'm not sure why I chose to read "Sharmila's Book." It's not my usual fare. (I tend to read thrillers, courtroom dramas and ethnic or political nonfiction.) Still, I found myself drawn into Sharmila's fascinating dilemma as she struggled with her Indian and American heritage. Ms. Kirchner is a very talented writer. She keeps the reader interested and describes her scenes thoroughly, writing for the Indian and non-Indian alike. I read the entire book in less than a week, sometimes staying up late at night because I wanted to follow Sharmila on her journey. And what a tantalizing journey it was!

Being an American of Indian heritage myself, AND having recently done the arranged marriage thing, I thought this book would be an interesting read -- just to see if it parralelled my experience in any way. It's also the FIRST book that i have read about people like me -- growing up Indian in America.

I thought the writing was good, and the emotions she captured were right on target for the most part. The main character was easy to like, and the book was not a cookie cutter story. Maybe b/c I found much in common with the subject matter -- I may be a bit biased -- but I have definitley read worse. If you like reading about women and how different cultures shape lives differently even within the US -- this is a good read. Nice ending too.

Having ranted and raved at this book's inconsistencies, misapprehensions, and blatant *mistakes* to everyone who would listen, I can't even begin to set down all the things that are wrong with it. First things first, though! Kirchner needed a better editor. Someone should have pointed out to her that she needed to do more research. She should have driven around New Delhi a little before putting words like "Khan Market is the closest market to Defence Colony" into the mouth of oppressed man of virtue, ridiculously named 'Prem'(Get real! There are no 'Prems' out there. Which self-respecting, Doordarshan-weaned family would name a son 'Prem'? Or 'Pran'... or 'L-o-i-n')

The book began with such promise. A-ha, I thought. Finally a story of a second generation 'liberated' woman taking on tradition and the arranged marriage head-on, in the motherland. My enthusiasm died fast. Every character from Maaji to the maid, from the English speaking cook to Prem's picture-perfect family -- gag!-- is as flat as a dosa, as dull as lint. Oh I can't even go on. This was such a waste of my time. If I weren't obsessive-compulsive about finishing books I've started, I would have given up on this a third of the way through. I swear. So if someone offers this book to you -- "Just say 'No!'"

This book is absolutely mesmerizing and thoroughly engaging!! It was as though I was experiencing a beautiful film. I could see the sights, smell and taste the Indian food the title character consumes and felt the delicate fabrics from which the saris come from. Kirchner's style is whimsical, heartfelt and cuts like a knife.

"Sharmila's Book" is an intimate and brutally honest account of one Indian-American women's journey to India to meet with her potential husband--this is through an arranged marriage organized by her parents. Though, Sharmila was born and raised in Chicago, fully immersed in American culture, she retains strong ties to traditional Indian respectablity, culinary preparation and her image and duty as a young and well-educated woman. What she discovers about the arrangement is all that glitters is not gold. Her intended, Raj, is tall, handsome, athletic and has seemingly all the breaks (MBA from a prestigious United States university, a prestigious position in the Indian caste system, and considerable material wealth), but something just isn't right about him. She can't put her finger on what........

Sharmila's trip to India turns out to be more than what she planned for. It turns out that the central reason for her travels is only secondary to her personal journey within as a woman and someone struggling with a dual cultural identity. Her story is also truly empowering for any woman of any culture who reads the novel. Sharmila learns about self respect, as well as taking the road less travelled when persuing true happiness in life.

Please reccomend this book to anyone who wants to get a better sense of the dual identity struggle that exists for American-born people of ethnic Indian origin. Very compelling!!!

I truly enjoyed reading this book. This was one of those books that once I began reading, I could not stop. The plot is basically about an Indian-American woman who agrees to an arranged marriage, but by travelling all the way to India, instead she had unexpectedly found true love with another. Such a captivating read that drew me so close to Sharmila....

Sharmila's story cast a magic spell on me.Like being back in India.I have been to New Delhi and I could identify the many locales suggested in the book. The writing is clear and precise. Unlike many pompous Indian novels, this one is approachable.

This book was a great, quick read! The story flowed easily and there were surprises throughout.