November 28, 2011

A Suitable Boy

I remember this one time we went shopping with Dad when we were kids (eight years old, I believe). As I passed by the books section, a particular one caught my fancy. It had this bright red cover (hardbound, I think) with golden lettering. And it was a FAT book.

"Buy me that", I insisted. He checked out the book (and the price, of course). No, he said firmly. He still does not understand why I would buy books - fiction, that is. His idea of book-buying is for 'general knowledge' (as he puts it). As kids the few books he did buy us were - an edition of the Encyclopedia, 'More Tell Me Why', Wren & Martin, Oxford English Dictionary and 'Who said What'. That probably explains a lot of things, including my love for quotes.

Anyway, I did not get that book, and had to settle for a couple of Archie comics.

It's funny that years later the one thing that eludes me is precisely that - a suitable boy.

(Of course, I don't mean the book. Also, I am yet to read it.)

8 comments:

Sameera said...

A time a place, a image, a person, a memory, a question- all shall be answered.

Spaceman Spiff said...

I couldn't finish reading that book. Even I borrowed it from the library because it was fat and glossy. But couldn't get past the first 100 pages. And those days, I used to be a voracious reader. If I couldn't finish it then, I have no hope I will now. :/

Krishna Sruthi Srivalsan said...

When I was in middle school, I remember learning a Vikram Seth poem for some recitation competition- and from then on, I would eagerly look forward to reading more of his work- A few years later, my mom had borrowed a copy of A Suitable Boy from someone and I would try to read it on the sly. Unfortunately, I never understood much then and my mom got weary after reading the first few pages, so she returned it. Your post reminded me of the times when my dad and I would go 'book shopping' to avoid the boredom of grocery shopping and how I still bug him to buy me books, so I couldn't resist commenting. :) Good luck in your search for a suitable boy!! :D

Vijitha said...

@ Sam - Here's hoping. :-)

@ Divya - You never know. :-)

@ Krishna (Sruthi?) - Glad that my post triggered some memories. :-)
And yes, I need all the luck I can get!

Purba said...

I quite like the book despite some unnecessary lengthy portions. And love can make any boy suitable :)

Vijitha said...

Purba - I hope to read it. And about the boy...what can I say. :-)

Arjun Narayanan said...

Tera number zaroor aayega!And gues what, this time round ur dad cannot say no :)

Vijitha said...

Well, "he" better make it soon. 'Coz I'm tired of waiting!

And yea, Dad won't say no - true! :-D