Discover books similar to "In Custody"
Anita Desai
In Custody
3.34
"In Custody" by Anita Desai is a poignant and powerful exploration of cultural clashes, personal aspirations, and the complexities of tradition in modern India. The novel follows the story of Deven, a struggling and unremarkable poet who teaches Urdu literature at a small college in a provincial town. He is contacted by a famous and aging Urdu poet, Nur Shahjehanabadi, who offers him the opportunity to record his poetry for posterity. Deven sees this as a chance to escape his mundane life and to connect with the rich and dying tradition of Urdu poetry. Desai masterfully portrays the cultural divide between the urban, elitist world of Urdu poetry and the rural, traditional world of Deven's hometown. The author also delves into the tensions between the past and the present, as Deven struggles to reconcile his love for traditional Urdu poetry with the realities of a rapidly changing world. The characters in "In Custody" are complex and multi-dimensional, each grappling with their own personal demons and aspirations. Deven, in particular, is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist, whose struggles and failures make for a compelling and emotional read. Desai's writing is elegant and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of India in vivid and striking detail. The author's use of language is also noteworthy, as she seamlessly weaves Urdu poetry into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story. "In Custody" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that offers a nuanced and insightful look into the complexities of tradition, culture, and personal identity in modern India. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in South Asian literature, cultural studies, or the human condition...
List of books similar to "In Custody":
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