I read today that Asia House is hosting an interview with one of my favourite Indian authors, Manju Kapur. Her new book Custody is an intimate portrait of marital break-ups in upper-middle class Delhi in the 90’s and the tragedy of legal battles that change the lives of both adults and children.
What a poignant time for this book. Divorce in Asian household are on the increase. In India they are only 1 out of 100, but this is an increase on what it was before. In the UK, the National Statistics board claimed that over 50% of marriages were contained in Asian households, however, over 40% were ending up in divorce. This book captures the cultural stigmas and family battles that surround Asian divorces.
I first came across Manju Kapur in the late 90’s with her Commonwealth Prize Winning first novel, Difficult Daughters. A friend gave me this book as the title described me and many of my peers at the time. A vital read for an insight into 1940’s middle class India told through a powerful female heroine seeking education and her true love.
Regarded as the Jane Austen of India, Manju has become the chronicler of middle class India. If you haven’t read her books already, I can highly recommend this jewel of an author.
I cannot wait for her interview tonight during International Women’s Week.
Bunty
