Pages – 225
About the Author
This is the debut novel of Dr. Merlin Franco, a P.H.D. in Ethnobotany from who is an Ethnobiologist from Kanyakumari district of India and is currently based in the beautiful island of Borneo studying the relationships between people, languages and biological diversity of the Island. An avid dancer,he dreams of a utopian society when he is not working in the woods.
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
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 !).
16 responses to “Book Review – A Dowryless Wedding”
Seems like a great read . A serious issue addressed thru humour is always nice to read. Thanks for the review.
Oh Yes, I had a great time reading this one.
Topic seems interesting and male point of veiw for weddings seems different so i’d certainly read the book
Definitely looks like you enjoyed reading this one. A sad reality but happy that it has been addressed in a humorous light.
I loved the book cover. The name also has attracted me. Thanks for sharing the detailed review. I will read this book for sure.
That indeed is the highlight of this entertaining book.
This is a Tamil Christian perspective which made for even more engrossing read for me.Do try this one!
Thank you for appreciating Sayeri!
This really a great story tale that hit hard on bad society custom and really excited to find how it ends up
I am not into book reviews anymore but your honest review tempts me to go back into book reviewing once more. Some day….
Cheers!!
UK
I am sure you will some day again ,once a book worm always a book worm!
Find out though I am sure a part two might be coming up soon and the story will not end here.
Thank you for the warm review, and the critical feedback. I really appreciate it. Cheers!
The 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
Yes,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.
I am so thrilled that you actually read my review ,thank you Merlin!
This was such a nice book … I hope I get to read more of your works soon.