What Makes this novel Special
The story focuses on India post-partition as a family looks for a suitable boy to marry their daughter.
- It’s one of the longest novels ever written in English.
- It shows real life in India — with festivals, family drama, and social issues.
- It’s about love, choice, and identity in a time of change.
This novel is set in India during the 1950s, just after independence. It follows the story of Lata Mehra, a young woman whose mother, Mrs. Rupa Mehra, is determined to find her a “suitable boy” to marry.
Main Story
Lata is smart and independent, but her mother wants her to marry someone who fits traditional expectations. Lata meets three different men:
- Kabir – a charming student, but he’s Muslim, and her Hindu family doesn’t approve.
- Amit – a thoughtful poet from a wealthy family.
- Haresh – a hardworking shoe factory manager.
Lata must choose between following her heart or respecting her family’s wishes.
Family & Society
The novel also tells the stories of four families — the Mehras, Kapoors, Chatterjis, and Khans — showing how people lived, loved, and struggled in a changing India. It talks about religion, politics, caste, and tradition, all through personal stories.