#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.
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