Fasting, Feasting

Fasting, Feasting

Summary

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 1999 BOOKER PRIZE

Uma, the plain, spinster daughter of a close-knit Indian family, is trapped at home, smothered by her overbearing parents and their traditions, unlike her ambitious younger sister Aruna, who brings off a 'good' marriage, and brother Arun, the disappointing son and heir who is studying in America.

Across the world in Massachusetts, life with the Patton family is bewildering for Arun in the alien culture of freedom, freezers and paradoxically self-denying self-indulgence.

Reviews

  • Desai has a wicked, subtle humour...and her characters are beautifully described... Her writing is polished and mature, with a wit she cleverly underplays
    Daily Telegraph

About the author

Anita Desai

Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more