Love, Stars And All That (Paperback)

by Kirin Narayan (Author) "On Saturday nights, Gita washed her hair..." (more)
Key Phrases: Saroj Aunty, Harish Uncle, Ganeshan Kaka (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
This charming first novel portrays the romantic mishaps that attend a shy Indian graduate student's attempts to adjust to life in Berkeley, Calif.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA-Prior to Gita's departure from India, an astrologer predicts that the man meant for her will appear in March, 1984. The young Hindu woman, who was educated at a convent school, is well prepared for graduate study, but is amazed at Berkeley campus life. Several men enter her world at the preordained time, and she unhesitatingly leaps to the wrong conclusion. She continues to stumble in her quest to fulfill her destiny while she proceeds faultlessly toward academic success. Narayan richly draws the textures, flavors, and smells of daily life in Bombay, Delhi, Berkeley, and a small New England college town. Characters come to life in action and third-person narrative, interspersed with personal reflection. Gita is a memorable heroine who faces challenges directly, optimistically, and serenely. She adapts to life within and without the Indian community in the USA, then readapts to India during her visits home. A sensual and beautifully written coming-of-age-and-beyond story.
Judy Sokoll, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1994 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: 320 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (February 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671793969
• ISBN-13: 978-0671793968
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #943,848 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In search of perfection, October 20, 2005

By	Lynn Harnett (Marathon, FL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Narayan tells of a young Indian woman's quest for perfect love - in America. According to Gita's astrological chart, she will meet her perfect mate in March, 1984, while she is a graduate student in America.

But one is boring, another has a girlfriend. Then along comes a poet, an American, sent by her aunt in India. Shy Gita, to whom dating is an unthinkable concept, pursues him as best she can, but he's not interested. Then perhaps it's the poet's professor friend who is the one. To find out Gita marries him. No, he's not the one.

Now, too Americanized to settle down as a traditional Hindu wife, Gita finds a job teaching, enters into a telephone romance with an Americanized Indian man, fantasizes a practical romance. As each of Gita's romantic dreams unravels she loses a few of the scales from her eyes and dons a few more protective layers of American self-sufficiency.

While Narayan's satire remains light-hearted, she doesn't flinch from explorations of loneliness, American-style loneliness specifically, and the friction between feminist goals and marriage roles. The novel ends on an upbeat note but Gita has not resolved her opposing desires for love and independence.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great read, March 9, 2001

By A Customer

This book had me hooked from the word go. I couldn't put it down, and ended up reading it all in one sitting. The book is about an Indian graduate student's journey to finding "Mr. Perfect." Watching Gita grow and learn throughout the book is funny and at the end it is satisfying to see where she ends up. The characters all come alive, and the plot moves smoothly. A great book to read on the beach or just to break away from the everyday.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable., July 8, 1999

By A Customer

I enjoyed this book very much. Halfway through, I was unable to put the book down. I should tell you that that I did not like the book so much at first--until I realized that the discomfort was my own. Gita's insecurities and constraints reminded me of how I was raised--which I think falls under the label of Indian. I was often feeling embarrased for her/me in her newfound American situations. I find this interesting since I went to American Public schools and not Indian Convent schools. The details recalled by Gita are vivid in my mind's eye.

Gita's adventures with men have already provided groundwork for discussions among my friends, who are Indian and American at the same time. I think others will find that it may be useful for opening such discourse.

The author's writing style was a bit disruptive to me at first, with a fast forward between sections, and then flashback. Ultimately this technique was very effective, allowing highlighting of key events.

I have already recommended this novel to several of my friends, and will recommend it to my book club.