Book: Summer Holidays
Author: Koral Dasgupta
Publisher: Rupa Publication, India
Pages: 256; Price: 236
Memories of summer holidays as a child lull you into a happy space…and so does this book. Spanning three cities — Mumbai, Bangalore and Shimla, it tells the tale of cousins Mira and Rishi and the big family feud spanning over 16 years that separates them… till they decide to take matters in hand. Koral Dasgupta’s fourth book, this one takes its time unspooling and establishing the little details. A little too much detail at times, perhaps. There is no great mystery over whether they will manage to help heal the breach that separates their respective parents; it’s how they accomplish it that will bring several smiles. Told with humour and a generosity of heart, it leaves you with that balmy, satiating summer vacation feeling. Pegged as a fairy tale for adults with a comic take on modern families, their ideals, beliefs and prejudices, Karan Johar of ‘it’s all about loving your family’ fame, would approve.
