Book Review - A Dowryless Wedding
Price – Rs 399/-
Pages - 225
About the Author
The Cover –The cover itself bears a humorous take on dowry, with a garland made of Rs. 2000 notes, roses and a car dangling from the center. There is no acknowledgment about the artist but it was a very appropriate cover.
The BOOK
This book is a brilliant and hilarious take on the custom of giving dowry from the male’s perspective.The Book has strong autobiographical influences as the main character Dr.Franklin (distorted to Pranklee lovingly by his Tamil Mom) is also an Ethnobiologist like the author and is striving hard to conserve the flora and fauna of his native district Kanyakumari often ending up at loggerheads with the local religious and political leaders for speaking out his mind.
The left leaning young Dr. Franklin is of marriageable age and considered a good catch even though he is not a devout practicing Christian as his Mother wishes him to be. When his parents choose the lovely Nisha as a bride for him, he falls in love instantaneously with her. But the turning point comes when Nisha’s father, an important man in his community, insists on gifting his unwilling Son-in-Law, a car in dowry and there from starts a tale of clashing beliefs , counter allegations and compromises making Franklin often question his love and his beliefs.
The book is written in simple English and is full of satire and wit and makes for an amusing and easy read. Also Dr. Merlin Franco gives us such a beautiful insight into the social, cultural and political threads of the society that you almost feel a part of the narrative. For a first timer, this is a very good book indeed.
FINAL VERDICT – I rate it a 4/5.
I would have given it full marks but I was a little let down towards the end, with things going in a spiral and at a fast speed and almost leaving the reader confused though ending on a positive note (maybe I myself am a bit of a day dreamer and expect Utopia !).
Seems like a great read . A serious issue addressed thru humour is always nice to read. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteOh Yes, I had a great time reading this one.
DeleteI loved the book cover. The name also has attracted me. Thanks for sharing the detailed review. I will read this book for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating Sayeri!
DeleteDefinitely looks like you enjoyed reading this one. A sad reality but happy that it has been addressed in a humorous light.
ReplyDeleteThat indeed is the highlight of this entertaining book.
DeleteTopic seems interesting and male point of veiw for weddings seems different so i’d certainly read the book
ReplyDeleteThis is a Tamil Christian perspective which made for even more engrossing read for me.Do try this one!
DeleteI am not into book reviews anymore but your honest review tempts me to go back into book reviewing once more. Some day....
ReplyDeleteCheers!!
UK
I am sure you will some day again ,once a book worm always a book worm!
DeleteThis really a great story tale that hit hard on bad society custom and really excited to find how it ends up
ReplyDeleteFind out though I am sure a part two might be coming up soon and the story will not end here.
DeleteThe book cover bowled me over. It is so apt and makes me curious to read this book. Such books pose a great read on these old customs
ReplyDeleteYes,dowry is like a necessary evil still in our society but this book is not a tear jerker ,it is rather a very witty take on the dowry system.
DeleteThank you for the warm review, and the critical feedback. I really appreciate it. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled that you actually read my review ,thank you Merlin!
DeleteThis was such a nice book ... I hope I get to read more of your works soon.