Where the Oceans Meet [Paperback]

Mandava (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 17, 1997

A wholly erotic novel, exloring the depths of desire and capturing the rich aromas, textures and colours of the Indian experience. Mandava weaves an intricate web, connecting her characters across class lines, generations, cultures and continents.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mandava's debut, a first novel cobbled together from connected stories, intends to represent the different elements of Indian culture. A cast of no less than 30 characters?most of whom live in southern India, though the scene shifts occasionally to New York City?experience murders, maimings, possible kidnappings, bondage, marriages (both arranged and not) as well as more mundane loves and losses. But these characters are too disconnected from each other; their stories are told in separate chapters, and the connections between the chapters are minimal. In "The Lorry Driver" (each chapter is titled), we are introduced to Ravi. Badly scarred in a fire that killed his mother, he becomes infatuated with a club dancer, Ana. The chapter ends with Ravi in crisis; he reappears 10 chapters later, having reinvented himself, but his presence is largely irrelevant to the story now being told. And the potentially most interesting element?that of his transformation?is never explained. Ajay and Veena are Indian-American cousins who appear in different chapters?Ajay as the fiance of a woman preparing for her arranged marriage in "Wedding" and, later, as a new husband in "The Doctor"; Veena as a wife vacationing with her American husband in India in "Amaravati Road" and "Paradise." Each of them experiences the conflicts born of hyphenated identity. Unfortunately, their stories, like the whole collection, are too fragmented. Mandava raises intriguing cultural issues, but, because her chapters are linked obliquely at best, the book offers few deeper explorations or dramatizations of these issues.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Mandava seemingly populates her laudable first novel with a colorful cast of thousands. While readers might often feel lost among the throng, Mandava helps them connect by providing her characters with tales of their own, unique strengths and weaknesses that make them stand out. Through characters like Kishore, who ekes out a living on the streets, and Divya, waiting for her arranged marriage to take her to the United States, we learn details of Indian food, clothing, mythology, and customs across several class lines, particularly with regard to the lives of women. This work engages readers in the world of southern Indians as well as first-generation Indian Americans. For those not acquainted with Indian terminology, there is a useful glossary. Highly recommended.?Faye A. Chadwell, Univ. of Oregon, Eugene
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press; 1 edition (December 17, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158005000X
• ISBN-13: 978-1580050005
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As distinctive as the rhythms of a Trance Dance, February 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Where the Oceans Meet: A Novel (Hardcover)

The author writes of what she knows best, of what is in her blood - her tradition and culture. A brilliant new voice to emerge on the literary scene. Her stories are enduring and finely woven together as if they were thin gold thread on a silk sari. She vividly portrays the struggles and passions of her characters, anchored in a sence of place, family and the power of old beliefs. It is unclear if such languid prose will hold the attention of the average 22-minute sit com viewers attention, as is hinted at in the American reveiws. But if you are looking for eloquent writing and the magic therein - this is the book for you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Where the Oceans Meet: A Novel (Hardcover)

I thought the book was well written in a poetic manner. Ms. Mandava did a beautiful job of making each story as vivid for the reader as possible. For those who have never had a chance to visit India, the book gives the reader a glimpse of this country, as well as allowing the reader to experience a variety of lives. I think the book would be particularly appealing to women as it touches on many matters of the heart. A good read for a relaxing afternoon.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful and Poetic, January 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Where the Oceans Meet: A Novel (Hardcover)

I thought the book was beautifully done, in a style that is reminiscent of the the 1993 film "Short Cuts". Although each chapter is a short story that could be taken alone, the stories are delicately woven together like a fine spider web through chance meetings, fate and/or various relationships. It shows us how we are all connected in some way. The writing is very colorful and extremely descriptive, like a beautiful watercolor painting. Each story involves you quickly in that characters life, and I found myself wishing that each story was longer. I also greatly enjoyed the glimpse of India I received through this book. I look forward to reading the next work from this author.