A Matter of Time - Hardcover

Deshpande, Shashi

3.78

204 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1558612149 ISBN 13: 9781558612143

Publisher: Feminist Pr, 1999

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

One morning, with no warning, Gopal, respected professor, devoted husband, and caring father, walks out on his family for reasons even he cannot articulate. His wife, Sumi, returns with their three daughters to the shelter of the Big House, where her parents live in oppressive silence: they have not spoken to each other in thirty-five years. As the mystery of this long silence is unraveled, a horrifying story of loss and pain is laid bare - a story that seems to be repeating itself in Sumi's life.
Set in present-day Karnataka, A Matter of Time explores the intricate relationships within an extended family, encompassing three generations. Images from Hindu religion, myth, and local history intertwine delicately with images of contemporary India as the women of this family face and accept the changes that have suddenly become part of their lives.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

"Austere, philosophical, and rich; a work that . . . grows in moral force and pathos." --The New York Times Book Review

"With delicate compassion and needle-sharp insights, Deshpande delineates the battle to build an independent life against the backdrop of ancient discriminations and daily humiliations. . . . The novel's rich, nuanced prose weaves the tale of four generations of women into a complex tapestry." --Ms. magazine

"This novel places Deshpande in distinguished international company [for] readers who enjoy Anita Brookner or Isabel Allende." --Publishers Weekly

"A very satisfying piece of reading and a significant contribution to the world of literature because of . . . the poignancy and sensitivity with which it handles the characters and their worlds." --The Book Review

"A poignant peep into the tangled web of human relationships." --Femina

"This strength of Deshpande's fiction lies in its compassion, its tolerance and understanding of human relationships." --Times Literary Supplement

About the Author:

Shashi Deshpande is one of India's most distinguished living authors. She has written seven novels, including A Matter of Time, as well as several volumes of short stories and a number of children's books. She is the winner of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.