A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Set in 1950s India, this epic novel follows the story of four families over a period of 18 months, focusing primarily on the young woman Lata and her mother's quest to find her a suitable husband. The narrative explores the political, social, and personal upheavals in a newly independent India, struggling with its own identity amidst the backdrop of a society grappling with religious tensions, land reforms, and the shaping of a modern democratic state. Lata's journey is an exploration of love, ambition, and the weight of familial duty.
The 328th greatest book of all time
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following lists:
- 3rd on The Greatest 20th Century Novels (Waterstone)
- 17th on The 50 best books of the past 100 years (The Times)
- 27th on My Favourite Book - Australian Big Read (Australian Big Read)
- 40th on Entertainment Weekly's Top 100 Novels (Entertainment Weekly)
- 50th on Waterstone's Books of the Century (LibraryThing)
- 55th on The Big Read (BBC)
- 642nd on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Best Books Ever (bookdepository.com)
- The Modern Library: The Two Hundred Best Novels in English Since 1950 (The Modern Library (Book))
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- Daily Telegraph's 100 Books of the Century, 1900-1999 (Daily Telegraph)
- 100 Novels That Shaped Our World (BBC)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)