The Age of Shiva: A Novel

I am by no means a professional fiction book reviewer. However, since I am planning to write about a book I recently read, I thought that I should perhaps put things in perspective.
Why do I read fiction? For three reasons really.

1. It provides an escape from the daily grind. What may be an ordinary day for someone else is somehow more interesting and exciting to me, especially if it is very different from mine.
2. It provides me a chance to safely explore another plot, situation or character, add my own interpretation and imagination and in the process make a little more sense of our world and its inhabitants.
3. Finally, all these vicarious experiences inspire me to overcome life's challenges.

The book I want to write about today is "The Age of Shiva" by Manil Suri. Ever since the author's first book "The death of Vishnu" became very popular, this current book was much awaited. 
The central character of this story is "Meera". As the story progresses, we see the transformation of this carefree, reckless young girl into an unsatisfied, angry and a hurt woman. What is worth mentioning is that the book is written from a woman's perspective (Meera's) and in a first-person's voice.
That was unexpected, considering the fact that the author is male. In fact, the book starts off with what I think is a rather intimate confession of a mother's feelings when feeding her child. Perhaps it was the author's way of telling that he was not going to hold back.
The story proceeds somewhat predictably with believable and identifiable characters. I do not think though that audiences from the US (or anywhere outside India for that matter) can relate to the story easily. I have to commend the author for choosing to be honest to the story and not try hard to make it palatable to the western audience. At least a couple of chapters of the book are devoted to the dynamics and politics of a joint family. The language is clear and flowing and the prose does an excellent job in bringing the environment to life.
One of the greatest strengths of this author is his ability to notice and highlight rather mundane things. Another feather in his cap is the smooth way in which he skips time. One thing that bothered me though is the way all the important male characters in the book are portrayed: selfish, cunning and somewhat bordering on immorality. Overall, a pretty good book to read. Nevertheless, I am sure, it will draw the ire of a more than a few people.
Just like any good book should!
I recommend this book.