The Mango Season
Melody





ISBN-13: 9780345450319
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 2004
272pp



Priya Rao comes from a traditional Brahmin family. She leaves her country, India to United States to pursue her studies and finds a job in Silicon Valley. She is used to the new lifestyle there, and most important thing is, she is happy and she intends to get settled down with Nick Collins, an American whom she is so in love with.

Now seven years later, she has to return to India because she has run out of excuses and moreover, she needs to break the news to her family that she is engaged to Nick, hoping they will accept her other half and give them all the blessings. But when Priya returns to her home, suddenly she finds the lifestyle seems so foreign to her, although she still have sweet memories of her childhood where she and her brother, Nate will find joy in picking mangoes and catching the mango thief which in the end they find out the culprit is none other than a mischevious monkey.

Priya wants to tell her parents about Nick badly, but she finds it difficult to say so until one day, they arranged her to meet Adarsh, whom her parents think he is one 'nice Indian boy' and she should grab the chance of this meeting. Priya is against about matchmaking, and feels that every marriage should arises from love and definitely not out of convenience or anything. But of course she doesn't have a choice.

Just when Adarsh's family agrees Priya to marry into their family, Priya blurts out the truth and leaving the whole family horrified. The Mango Season is a refreshing read in my opinion; I enjoyed reading all the characters in this story, from Priya right down to her relatives whom each has their own little story to tell. Besides, it is great to learn about the different culture, people and lifestyle which is always an eye-opener to me. Another thing I like about this book is, before the beginning of some chapters it listed one of the traditional recipes which I am sure this will delight to any reader who loves cooking and wants to try something new and exotic.

Now I am sure some of you might be wondering about Priya's 'fate' and if she gets to marry Nick in the end. I am not going to tell, all I can say is it sure did take me a little aback. I will be checking out Amulya Malladi's books in future.
Labels: , , , edit post
12 Responses
  1. Jane Says:
    2/25/08, 11:13 PM

    This is a very timely theme. A Pakistani woman took care of my son when he was a toddler and she told me that her and her husband met when they were at university in Pakistan. She was very proud that her marriage was not arranged and that she was allowed to make her own choice. I could tell that was very rare.


  2. Ana S. Says:
    2/26/08, 6:33 AM

    This sounds really interesting. I enjoy reading books that allow me to learn about different cultures, and I haven't been reading enough of those lately. And plus traditional recipes! This one is definitely going to the list.


  3. Iliana Says:
    2/26/08, 10:20 AM

    I like the cover of this book - mangos are so yummy!
    Another book for my list :)


  4. Kim L Says:
    2/26/08, 10:44 AM

    This sounds like a great read! I like reading any books that have to do with culture clash... adding it to the list now.


  5. Anonymous Says:
    2/26/08, 11:19 AM

    Thanks for the review. It sounds like a great book (and the book cover art is just stunning).


  6. Melody Says:
    2/26/08, 2:15 PM

    Jaimie - I'm sure it is. And I can imagine how happy she is that she has found her true love on her own instead of an arranged marriage.

    Nymeth - I admit I've a thing about books that tells a different culture. Most of them are eye-opening and what's more, you get to learn about their history too.

    Iliana - The coverart is beautiful, isn't it? I fell in love with it the moment I set my eyes on it. ;) And I LOVE mangoes!!

    Kim - I really enjoyed reading it. Do let me know your thoughts after you've read it. ;)

    Stephanie - I love everything about this book. It's a keeper.


  7. Alice Says:
    2/26/08, 6:42 PM

    Hi Melody! The cover itself is good enough to eat. mmm yummy... Great review, as always! :)


  8. Melody Says:
    2/27/08, 8:18 AM

    Thanks, Alice! It's always a bonus that a beautiful coverart goes with a good story. ;)


  9. Literary Feline Says:
    2/28/08, 1:18 PM

    I love Amulya Malladi's books. She's such a gifted author--and a wonderful person. I got a chance to get to know her a little in a yahoo group she once belonged to. You should definitely look out for her other books. I haven't yet read her most recent, but I'm looking forward to it.


  10. Melody Says:
    2/28/08, 2:19 PM

    Wendy, I'm glad to hear you enjoy reading her books as well. :) And it's always nice to interact with the authors at their forums or with reading groups as it'll help the readers to know them better, or vice versa.


  11. Jeane Says:
    3/5/08, 10:19 AM

    This sounds like a good book I would be interested in reading.


  12. Melody Says:
    3/5/08, 10:44 AM

    Hi Jeane! Thanks for visiting!

    I hope you'll enjoy it if you do read it. Do drop by often. :)


Post a Comment

Thanks for stopping by! I would love to hear from you.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)