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Synopsis
Sheila was born in India but grew up in London and thinks of herself as English. But when herboyfriend drops her because she's Indian, Sheila begins to wonder where she belongs. Since her grandparents live in India, Sheila visits them to learn more about her native land. But she ends up learning some unexpected lessons about life . . . and about herself.
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From Publishers Weekly
Readers can really sink their teeth into this meaty first novel. An engrossing coming-of-age story of a girl caught between two cultures, it also offers--with only the barest twinge of didacticism--an extraordinarily clear explanation of Hindu philosophy. Indian-born teen Sheila Mehta, who has grown up in London, no longer knows where she belongs. Her English boyfriend abruptly drops her after bringing her home to meet his mother; her best friend is sent to India for an arranged marriage to a stranger; and her younger sister is dressing punk and trying to pass for black. Sheila returns to her family's farm in Madhya Pradesh, where in the course of being initiated into the dissonant intricacies of modern Indian life, she realizes that, for better or worse, she is as much English as Indian. Although Rana peoples her novel with emblematic figures--philosophical Grandpa, downtrodden serving girl, intellectual poseur cousin--her keen sense of human nature and a sharp eye for detail keep these characters intriguing and fresh. An insightful look at a complex and vibrant culture. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
A rambling, didactic novel about a culturally confused Indian teenager, raised in London, who goes back to her grandparents' farm in Madyha Pradesh to sort out her identity and her future. As Sheila rediscovers her roots, readers get a guided tour of Indian history, politics, economics, and religion, mostly in the form of extended conversations between Sheila and her relatives and new acquaintances. After she witnesses a vendetta during a village religious festival, its repercussions in the villagers' lives lead her to decide to study social work in India. The ``issues'' here are fascinating, but they overwhelm the plot and characters (mostly familiar types--intellectual, enlightened agrarian, upper-middle- class dowager matchmaker, etc.--though this does allow for some potent satire). The author's hand is heavy--foreshadowing and echoing are over-insistent, while Rana explains all of her symbols. Most interesting are vignettes of village life and traditional culture. Overall, a journalistic format might have suited the material better. Glossary. (Fiction. 14+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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The Roller Birds of Rampur (Paperback original)
Published by
Bodley Head Children's Books, 1991
ISBN 10: 0370313151
ISBN 13: 9780370313153
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paperback. Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Ex library copy with usual stamps & stickers. Seller Inventory # rev7379113280
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