Clear Light of Day Paperback – Bargain Price, September 12, 2000

....I was annoyed by the sudden emotional epiphanies that arrived without warning and the summaries of insights the author did not trust her readers defined on their own. None of the characters captured my interest or sympathy and I often found myself wondering when the chapter would end and never eager to continue reading. Even the bursts of poetic description were often jarred by an odd word choice or abrupt end. I often revise sentences or phrases while I am reading, but never as often or with such irritation as when reading this book. The only reason I finished reading it was that I'd recommended it to my book club for our next meeting. Am hoping others in the group will have greater insight into this book than I did.

Set in the 1970's in India, Bim, Tara, Baba and Raja are four children who grew up in Delhi at partition. The novel starts with them 20 years later and then looks back and forth tracing the history of India and the history of their relationships. The main focus is on Bim, the oldest sister who ends up caring for Baba, the retarded brother when Tara, the "pretty" sister marries a diplomat and leads a life of travel and Raja marries a Muslim women, the daughter of a wealthy man and moves away. Bim is resentful caring for the brother in the decaying remains of the family home, symbolic for India and old Delhi itself. The Clear light of day is her recognition towards the end of the book that her love for her family is actually enough, and she begins to give up her resentment. An alcoholic and almost forgotten aunt who briefly plays a powerful role in these almost parent-less children's lives adds an additional dimension to the breadth of potential histories for women.The book succeeds at providing a close-up look at one Indian family in a deeply troubling and changing time in history. Perhaps Bim's recognition of the "clear light of the day" at the end of the book is contrived, but it works at suggesting how people (like countries) can change.

An excellent dramatization of family relationships across time.. The children, while cared for by servants and an aunt, are neglected by their parents. They find a way, but the impact of the neglect is apparent in each of their lives. Adding interest to the story is it's setting in the historic time of the separation of Pakistan, and strife between Hindu and Muslim. While the violence is occurring at a distance from where the family lives, they do miss their Hindu friend and neighbor who was forced to flee.

The writing is elegant (almost old-fashioned), but may seem slow and laborious. The entire story (except of one or two scenes at a neighbor's house and one in a park) happens in one house. One feels rather oppressively stuck in one location. The characters are well crafted. The story focuses on family issues, specifically from the perspective of two very different sisters, Bim and Tara. While the elegance of the language makes this book enjoyable the story line, crafted with a considerable depth and insight, was not exactly my cup of tea.

A very sensitive author. I enjoy reading her books. It gives me an idea of how people get used to another culture and adapt whilst their traditions still remain with them fading a little as the years move on.

Very good book dealing with family and values. Interesting portrayal of India and its culture.

Wonderful book about familial relationships leaving the reader with a sense of satisfaction at chains loosened and conflicts resolved moving beyond the past.

Good reading, good story. I enjoyed this book very much and would suggest it to anyone who wants to learn about India through Indian authors.

I am completely satisfied. Thank you.

Something lost in translation of this one I think. Have given up because of the poor writing and dull start. Maybe gets better if you persist.

Great quality

thank you

Fiine book.