The Olive Readers by Christine Aziz

# Paperback: 340 pages
# Publisher: Pan Books (May 5, 2006)
#Language-English





The novel reminded me slightly of Margaret Atwood`s books.Well,it has been far from her style but still skilled enough for a first novel.

The story unfolds in the distant future. There had been a Green Revolution in the past which helped the humankind to restore the balance of nature`s resources and averted the ecological apokalypsis. However,the pure principles of the movement were corrupted and the power was taken by a handful of commercial companies.Their main aim is to control the water and discover the secret of multiplying water resources.

As a whole,I liked the story. The book ban reminded me a bit of Bardbury`s "Farenheit":-)). The relationship between the sisters was interesting.The overthrowing of the Federation was a bit too easy.

The Sea by John Banville

# Paperback: 200 pages
# Publisher: Picador (3 Jun 2005)
# Language English


Fine and sad novel. Art historian Max Morden returns to a sea village to experience again his mixed memories of childhood and the recent death of his wife,Anna.The narration flows and travels easily between his early years and the year of his wife`s illness. It`s a memoir of grief and mourning for the lost innocence of childhood.

This is the first book by John Banville I read. I will search to read his other novels as well.

The Sound of Language by Amulya Malladi

# Paperback: 256 pages
# Publisher: Ballantine Books (December 26, 2007)
# Language: English



A good novel about immigration and racial hate and prejudices.The Afghan refugee Raihana begins her work program helping the elderly Gunnar who lost his wife recently. Their relationship develops into a friendship but faces the disapproval from both immigrants and natives.Malladi attempts to draw a genuine image of an immigree and to outline some of the problems faced by immigrants in their contacts with the citizens. The major setbacks are the one-sided attitude of the characters- they either approve,or disapprove. Some of them change their opinions in the course of the novel but not very convincingly. Also the conclusion of the story is too quick and decided in a traditional way- Raihana finds a husband and marries for second time. It seems like the only possible solution for her future.

I liked the story of Raihana-Gunnar`s relationship,and also Raihana herself.Malladi proves once again capable of drawing powerful and sympathetic womam characters.

A Breath of Fresh Air by Amulya Malladi

#Paperback: 240 pages
# Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 3, 2003)
# Language: English


"Anjali's arranged marriage to army officer Prakash Mehra proves to be a disaster: he hits her, lies to her and carries on an adulterous affair. After a tryst with his lover, Prakash neglects to pick up Anjali at the railroad station in Bhopal on the night in 1984 when a cloud of poisonous gas leaks from Union Carbide; Anjali almost dies. Courageously, she decides to divorce Prakash, despite the fierce disapproval of her parents and society. Fifteen years later, Anjali is a teacher in Ooty, contentedly married to a university professor. The Bhopal tragedy continues to affect them, however, since their now 12-year-old son was born with damaged lungs and a weak heart, and every penny they earn goes to his care. When Prakash is stationed near Ooty with his new wife and two healthy children, the two families are bound to meet." (From Publishers Weekly)


I would say this one is not one of the best Malladi`s novels. She certainly is capable of more. While it was interesting to follow the story told by the view point of each character,the two men characters were not very convincing. For example,Prakash`s breakthrough was a bit forced. Also her wife`s attitude was unrealistic. The good points in the book were throwing light over the cultural problems within Indian culture and family traditions,like pre-arranged marriage,the disgrace of divorce,the traditional family model. Anjali is a strong and admirable woman and her character makes about 90% of the book.

I read now that this is Malladi`s debut novel. It`s nice to see that she really improved and developed as writer in her later novels.