A Suitable Boy

By: Vikram Seth

Narrated by: Sagar Arya

The international best seller and modern classic: now a major TV series.

One of the BBC's 100 novels that shaped our world.

A modern classic, this epic tale of families, romance and political intrigue, set in India, never loses its power to delight and enchant listeners.

At its core, A Suitable Boy is a love story: the tale of Lata - and her mother's - attempts to find her a suitable husband, through love or through exacting maternal appraisal. At the same time, it is the story of India, newly independent and struggling through a time of crisis as a sixth of the world's population faces its first great general election and the chance to map its own destiny.

©1993 Vikram Seth (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"A phenomenon, a prodigy, a marvel." (Evening Standard)

"Seth is the best writer of his generation." (The Times)

"Fiction on a grand scale. By the time you reach the last page you will have absorbed a splendid story, full of the tangle and perfume of India." (Sunday Telegraph)

Well read,interesting book on any levels absolutely worth reading

Delightfully well written piece,that gives a good overall view of Indian culture after British rule very interesting . This piece allows us to have a great in-depth look at life in India and what a small difference can make to many.

Absolutely splendid story, the perfume of India

One of the reviews of a Suitable Boy, which was published in 1993, was written by Trevor Fishlock of the Sunday Tribune. He said “You will not find the city of Brahmpur on a map of India.”
Now thanks to Google Maps it can be identified, worth looking at since it takes centre stage in this beautifully written novel.
The story revolves around 4 Families, all of whom are brought vividly to life by the narration of Sagar Arya.
The novel is a phenomenon and despite its length I regretted that it drew to an end.
Highly recommend this amazing book!