Official Review: The Madras Affair by Sundari Venkatraman
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miztree46
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Official Review: The Madras Affair by Sundari Venkatraman
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Madras Affair" by Sundari Venkatraman.]
2 out of 4 stars
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Official Review: The Madras Affair by Sundari Venkatraman
As the head of an organization which helps battered women, Sangita Sinclair agrees to be interviewed and is questioned about her life story. After a reporter asks one particular question, Mrs. Sinclairs’s mind flashes back to the turmoil and controversy she experienced when she herself dealt with domestic abuse. The omen of a shooting star, and the bitter sweet outcome of the sudden tragedy that follows, turn out to be a great burden to young Sangita - that is until and a patient with a broken arm is taken with Sangita’s beauty. The mysterious man’s interest opens up an opportunity for the receptionist to experience a robust romance even though she assumes she is doomed to face a future without love and affection.
The main themes of The Madras Affair focus on family expectations, mental abuse, cultural practices, superstition and finding true love. The story contains minor themes of adoption, friendship and cultural status which complement the major themes. All of the topics are examined as Sangita interacts with her family and love interest. The themes help some of the important messages of the book come across well. Two of the messages in the story state that it is very difficult to go against cultural practices in order to be happy, and there are times when people have to make difficult decisions in order to experience true love. This is very apparent as the story progresses.
A positive feature of the story line is that Venkatraman gives readers some insight into the customs which are practiced in Sangita’s society. One custom included in the story reveals why some women follow the practice of cutting their hair off if a certain event happens in their life. Some insight is also given about which types of foods are traditionally prepared in Mumbai. Although this culinary information is included, the details about what is used to create the meals are missing from the story. Sadly, the author has missed an opportunity to make mouths water.
I give The Madras affair 2 out of 4 stars. The Madras Affair is written from the third person point of view. Unfortunately, in parts of the story, the author writes about the characters rather than allowing their history to be revealed through their dialogue. Some readers may be frustrated due to the authors writing technique. There are also a number of grammatical and typographical errors which are slightly distracting.
In addition, the relationship between Sangita and her love interest does not seem to be very loving at times. In some parts of the story, Sangita's love interest neglects his goal to create a loving relationship with Sangita. He is mostly determined to get his own way and there are times when he completely ignores Sangita’s feelings.This aspect of the story interferes with its romantic quality.
Much of the book is very predictable, although there is a twist in the story which may surprise some readers. Fans of character driven stories may want to take a chance on The Madras Affair to enjoy the playful banter that does go on between the Sangita and her love interest. Readers may also enjoy a few of the intriguing similes Venkatraman has included to enhance and complement the story line. It is more than likely that theses descriptions will appeal to most book lovers.
If you are a reader who likes romance novels that have mild sexual content and are filled with drama, then this work of romantic fiction might turn out to be one of your guilty pleasures.
******
The Madras Affair
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2 out of 4 stars
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Official Review: The Madras Affair by Sundari Venkatraman
As the head of an organization which helps battered women, Sangita Sinclair agrees to be interviewed and is questioned about her life story. After a reporter asks one particular question, Mrs. Sinclairs’s mind flashes back to the turmoil and controversy she experienced when she herself dealt with domestic abuse. The omen of a shooting star, and the bitter sweet outcome of the sudden tragedy that follows, turn out to be a great burden to young Sangita - that is until and a patient with a broken arm is taken with Sangita’s beauty. The mysterious man’s interest opens up an opportunity for the receptionist to experience a robust romance even though she assumes she is doomed to face a future without love and affection.
The main themes of The Madras Affair focus on family expectations, mental abuse, cultural practices, superstition and finding true love. The story contains minor themes of adoption, friendship and cultural status which complement the major themes. All of the topics are examined as Sangita interacts with her family and love interest. The themes help some of the important messages of the book come across well. Two of the messages in the story state that it is very difficult to go against cultural practices in order to be happy, and there are times when people have to make difficult decisions in order to experience true love. This is very apparent as the story progresses.
A positive feature of the story line is that Venkatraman gives readers some insight into the customs which are practiced in Sangita’s society. One custom included in the story reveals why some women follow the practice of cutting their hair off if a certain event happens in their life. Some insight is also given about which types of foods are traditionally prepared in Mumbai. Although this culinary information is included, the details about what is used to create the meals are missing from the story. Sadly, the author has missed an opportunity to make mouths water.
I give The Madras affair 2 out of 4 stars. The Madras Affair is written from the third person point of view. Unfortunately, in parts of the story, the author writes about the characters rather than allowing their history to be revealed through their dialogue. Some readers may be frustrated due to the authors writing technique. There are also a number of grammatical and typographical errors which are slightly distracting.
In addition, the relationship between Sangita and her love interest does not seem to be very loving at times. In some parts of the story, Sangita's love interest neglects his goal to create a loving relationship with Sangita. He is mostly determined to get his own way and there are times when he completely ignores Sangita’s feelings.This aspect of the story interferes with its romantic quality.
Much of the book is very predictable, although there is a twist in the story which may surprise some readers. Fans of character driven stories may want to take a chance on The Madras Affair to enjoy the playful banter that does go on between the Sangita and her love interest. Readers may also enjoy a few of the intriguing similes Venkatraman has included to enhance and complement the story line. It is more than likely that theses descriptions will appeal to most book lovers.
If you are a reader who likes romance novels that have mild sexual content and are filled with drama, then this work of romantic fiction might turn out to be one of your guilty pleasures.
******
The Madras Affair
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like miztree46's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Deadly Secrets" by Robert Boris Riskin
