Jun 23, 2004 01:15 AM
4444 Views
(Updated Jun 23, 2004 01:15 AM)
An equal music is undoubtedly one of the best books to be written till date, either by Vikram Seth or in Indian writing in english. It was a mere coincidence that this book turned out to be my first Seth(low price being a consideration) but now that I am going through A suitable boy, I see the deadly contrast, the beauty in the prose, and the difference this work offers. for all these reasons AEM becomes lively with emotion.
The book amazingly doesnt contain even one indian charachter, pretty strange for an indian author, and in fact, the research has been done to such an extent over all the subjects being mentioned, that you actually feel yourself responding to it. Places like vienna, london, and rochdale have been described in exquisite but simple and innocent detail. The contrivances of deafness, financial state of a musician and the hard work that goes behind making music made me look forward to listen to schubert, bach or any of the western classical musicians being alluded to.
Now for the theme,
With the afore mentioned delicious items for the recipe, the main course is a story that touches your heart. The novel touches upon many sensitive issues, like love, before marriage, during marriage, keeping it alive, and the question of morality, ethics in doing so.
I myself was divided in 2 opinions, because you just cant help sympathising with Micheal, but on the other hand, julia has been tormented to an equal level, thus her case becomes equally strong. It had me thinking for over a week, who was right? who was wrong? after everything, why did Micheal have to bear the brunt?, lonely, devastated, he deserved better. Then the title of the novel plays so beautifully, that you understand the whole concept behind this exquisite tale.
An equal music, is what every person should hope for, the last stanza of the book saying it all. It did operate my tear ducts. It is a book to be read in soilitude, and knowing the powers of love defy all reason, forgive every crime, and make the music in our hearts.
Unlike suitable boy, the font is big, soothing to the eyes, and novel is pretty short. But I would recommend everyone to read this one, who has read A suitable boy, or has not, just for the heck of it. A must read.
