The Village Bride of Beverly Hills ( A Novel by Kavita Daswani )
Published by G.P. Putam & Sons
, N Y ( USA ) 2004
ISBN : 0399-15214-8
Pros: A lucid depiction of a young Hindu bride`s assertion of individuality against the traditional attitudes of her in-laws and
husband.
Cons: Sounds a bit moralistic.
Place: L.A.( U.S.A.) & Delhi ( India )
Time: Contemporary U.S.A.
Cast: Priya, a newly married Hindu girl, Sanjay her husband,her in-laws, Colleagues from Hollywood Insider Magazine, Steve a Marriage Counselor, Kaki- Priya`s aunt & her morale-booster.
The Village Bride of Beverly Hills is Kavita Daswani`s second novel. She had made her debut in the literary scene of the novelists of the Indian diaspora in 2003 by publishing
Matrimonial Purposes.
Story Line : In this enchanting novel, Daswani uses a unique style. She narrates her heroine`s encounter with cross-cultural conflicts in a very hilarious and charming manner. As a newly married Hindu bride from India she had to face her in-laws` highly conservative attitude about her dress , movements and even the nature of her job. Her husband`s " Yes, Mom " attitude adds fuel to fire. Besides this, Her American colleagues highly western approach and at times their comments on her unprofessional mode of dressing being a repoter for a Hollywood magazine makes her feel quite upset. As a solution to this she leads a dual life; as an Indian house-wife and as a professional journalist.She was caught in a whirlpool of Hindu tradition & modern western life in U.S.A. Too many restrictions by her greedy in-laws and the un-supportive attitude of her husband Sanjay intimidate her and she decides to protest. As her peace of mind was lost, Priya tells her husband, " Don`t think that I`m some kind of a village bride, because I`m from India and you live in America." When her self-esteem is hurt she gathers enough courage to challenge her husband. Fortunately, Priya could find a sympathetic friend in Karishma, an Indian lady married to Steve, a marriage counselor. But Sanjay refuses to cooperate or seek any body`s advice. In a state of frustration, Priya takes a very bold decision. She would not compromise her dignity to live a miserable life in America with her wicked in-laws and coward husband. She flies back to India.
On landing in her home in Delhi, Priya confides in Kaki, her loving aunt. Kaki proves to be her morale-booster. Sanjay feels guilty and follows Priya. Kaki tells Sanjay that he had married a good girl easily but now Priya had her conditions, if she decides to return to America. Sanjay is so much ashamed that he touches Priya`s feet and begs to be forgiven. Priya forgives Sanjay. They spend a lot of time together and begin to understand each other better. Ironically, before marriage they just knew each other for a week and that too under the very eyes of all the relatives. In short, it was a hurriedly made marriage because Sanjay was working in America. Priya gives birth to a lovely baby. The couple decides to return to America . Before they leave, the wise Kaki says, " Never hold an ill thought for any one , think only of each other`s happiness , and all the world`s riches will be yours."
A very interesting feature of the novel is the appropriate use of Hindi words in meaningful situations. We come across words and phrases like, chup, lassi, Masala Omelet, Bhabi, Beti, Biwi, hookah, Pan-puri, rikshaw, Idli, Sambar, Pista milk, Datar Ceremony etc. To add to the
realism of the story, Sanjay and Priya watch a Hindi film titled, Akele Hum, Akele Tum. They cry and hug each other with emotion of pure love. The Village Bride of Beverly Hills has great potential of being shot in to a film. It has factin- a unique mix of fact and fiction. The novel is entertaining as well as educative. It is a " Must Read" for Indians in India and in the diaospora...................Kayzee ( Zafar Khan ) 03/29/07
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