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Thirst
The gorgeous, poignant new novel about unexpected love within an arranged marriage in mid-century India, by the award-winning author of Brahma's Dream.
Thirst is about many forms of desire--and most particularly, at its heart, about love unexpectedly found and lost during a difficult time (WWII) and in an unlikely within a hastily arranged union between two young people who begin their marriage as complete strangers. The lovers are Vasanti, an intelligent woman who has nonetheless grown up naive and protected; and Baba, the scion of a prominent Brahmin family who longs to study in London, thus escaping the family compound in Nagpur. The novel moves between the lushness of India and the sombre grayness of London during the Blitz, even as Ghatage brilliantly unwinds the story of two conflicted people who, slowly but surely, learn to tolerate, then like, then passionately love each other just as their worlds fall apart.
Thirst is about many forms of desire--and most particularly, at its heart, about love unexpectedly found and lost during a difficult time (WWII) and in an unlikely within a hastily arranged union between two young people who begin their marriage as complete strangers. The lovers are Vasanti, an intelligent woman who has nonetheless grown up naive and protected; and Baba, the scion of a prominent Brahmin family who longs to study in London, thus escaping the family compound in Nagpur. The novel moves between the lushness of India and the sombre grayness of London during the Blitz, even as Ghatage brilliantly unwinds the story of two conflicted people who, slowly but surely, learn to tolerate, then like, then passionately love each other just as their worlds fall apart.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 11, 2024
1.5 stars
I really didn't ever like the protagonist. Yes unfortunate things happen to him but he doesn't deserve the sympathy. He's not someone who is innocent either and doesn't deserve his wife, Mr. Owens or family. Even the father hiding his homosexuality had more responsibility than Hari in ways. I honestly thought from the description that this book was going to be about two people arranged to be married but eventually building a love, passion and understanding for each other. NOPE. Hari/Vivek/Baba is a selfish user who tries to wiggle out of responsibility and then acts like a coward in the wake of taking on responsibility. All the while also leading his wife to believe he actually loved her but it's only cause he gave into temptation of sleeping with her. The whole premise of him wanting to go to UK when there's a war is absurd and irresponsible. Throughly disappointed with this one, not the writing but the characters...I wish Vasanti was the protagonist instead.
I really didn't ever like the protagonist. Yes unfortunate things happen to him but he doesn't deserve the sympathy. He's not someone who is innocent either and doesn't deserve his wife, Mr. Owens or family. Even the father hiding his homosexuality had more responsibility than Hari in ways. I honestly thought from the description that this book was going to be about two people arranged to be married but eventually building a love, passion and understanding for each other. NOPE. Hari/Vivek/Baba is a selfish user who tries to wiggle out of responsibility and then acts like a coward in the wake of taking on responsibility. All the while also leading his wife to believe he actually loved her but it's only cause he gave into temptation of sleeping with her. The whole premise of him wanting to go to UK when there's a war is absurd and irresponsible. Throughly disappointed with this one, not the writing but the characters...I wish Vasanti was the protagonist instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed it! Now I really want to read the sequel!
May 17, 2020
This book is quite poignant. The first and last parts of the book are well written and suitably paced however the middle of the story I found quite a chore to read.
March 27, 2013
The opening is unsettling.
A wounded man has lost his memory and is being nursed by a kind Samaritan and his mentally ill daughter in North Wales. A connection to India is established and the amnesiac is given an alias, Hari.
When Hari regains his memory, he recalls the picture-perfect fairy tale life he left behind. Hari is really Baba Chafékar, the youngest son of a wealthy Hindu family, who grew up on a lush Indian estate complete with servants, horses, tennis and badminton courts, and a swimming pool. After reluctantly agreeing to an arranged marriage with the beautiful and recently orphaned Navasanti, Baba falls passionately in love with her.
Prior to the marriage, Baba had already made the decision to study law in England. A worthy goal for many Anglophiles in British India, but not a practical one in the middle of World War II. Motivated by a desire to punish his father for an unforgivable act, Baba ignores his father’s plea, “Don’t let my life affect your decisions,” while Christopher, his British friend, writes and suggests that Baba postpone his educational plans. His wife’s uncle advises: “If London is bombed again, or threatened in any way, or for any reason things don’t work out, don’t hesitate—just return home.”
As the departure date nears, Baba is torn by his love for Vasanti and hopes she will ask him to reconsider. But the orphan has matured and accepted her new husband’s decision. Her parting words would ring in Baba’s ears long after he left India: “I began to say goodbye the very day you told me you were leaving. That was also the day I began awaiting your return.”
After a difficult sea voyage, Baba arrives alone in a Blitz-besieged London. His spirits sag as he experiences the cold dampness, bombed out buildings, rationing of food, and a disappointing encounter with Christopher. Alone and friendless, Baba cannot satisfy his thirst and hunger. A vegetarian, he rejects the usual British fare of liver sausages, beef and lamb and has unappetizing meals consisting of soup, scrawny potatoes and dirty brown bread. Desperate to flee the inhospitable city, he embarks on a hiking excursion to the Scottish Highlands where he has an unfortunate accident and is rescued by Mr. Owens and his daughter, Catherine.
As his circumstances continue to spiral downward, Baba gradually releases the stubborn pride that has alienated him from his father and acknowledges that he has participated in a transgression similar to the one he once found so unforgiveable. Throughout the novel, Baba refers to an inscription written by his mother in her prayer book: “It is no use asking why the small stream is not the might Ganges, or why the sparrow does not fan its feathers like the peacock, or why the coconut palm does not provide shade as does the banyan tree. Each is what it is and so it is with humankind: all His creation, we are what we are.” Baba comes to terms with the new normal, the turbulent normal that has replaced his once charmed life.
While we are aware of Baba’s changing circumstances in England, we know little about Vasanti’s life during those two years. Some chapters are written from Vasanti’s point of view, but the majority of the book focuses on Baba. In the last chapter, we get a glimpse of her life, but it is too rushed. I wanted to read more about the anger and frustration she experienced when there were no letters from Baba. How was she treated after Baba left? Did she continue to enjoy the same privileges as her sisters-in-law? Did she reconnect with her own relatives or continue to depend only on her in-laws?
The title is an unusual one and, at first, I wondered about its suitability for a historical novel based in India and England. But after reading the entire novel, I realize that Thirst is really about the different forms of desire—physical and emotional—that abide within all of us and the tragic consequences that can occur when that thirst is not properly quenched. While Baba enjoys many privileges in India, he has a prolonged desert experience during his two-year stay in war torn England.
Canadian writer Shree Ghatage has created a compelling novel with a conflicted character, set against the backdrop of World War II. Born in Mumbai, Ghatage grew up in a society characterized by the rhythms of British India. In writing this novel, she drew upon those early memories and her own experiences as a new immigrant in Canada.
The ending is unexpected and I wonder what Shree Ghatage has in store for us next. Thirst is the second in a trilogy of books that are loosely connected, but can easily stand alone.
A wounded man has lost his memory and is being nursed by a kind Samaritan and his mentally ill daughter in North Wales. A connection to India is established and the amnesiac is given an alias, Hari.
When Hari regains his memory, he recalls the picture-perfect fairy tale life he left behind. Hari is really Baba Chafékar, the youngest son of a wealthy Hindu family, who grew up on a lush Indian estate complete with servants, horses, tennis and badminton courts, and a swimming pool. After reluctantly agreeing to an arranged marriage with the beautiful and recently orphaned Navasanti, Baba falls passionately in love with her.
Prior to the marriage, Baba had already made the decision to study law in England. A worthy goal for many Anglophiles in British India, but not a practical one in the middle of World War II. Motivated by a desire to punish his father for an unforgivable act, Baba ignores his father’s plea, “Don’t let my life affect your decisions,” while Christopher, his British friend, writes and suggests that Baba postpone his educational plans. His wife’s uncle advises: “If London is bombed again, or threatened in any way, or for any reason things don’t work out, don’t hesitate—just return home.”
As the departure date nears, Baba is torn by his love for Vasanti and hopes she will ask him to reconsider. But the orphan has matured and accepted her new husband’s decision. Her parting words would ring in Baba’s ears long after he left India: “I began to say goodbye the very day you told me you were leaving. That was also the day I began awaiting your return.”
After a difficult sea voyage, Baba arrives alone in a Blitz-besieged London. His spirits sag as he experiences the cold dampness, bombed out buildings, rationing of food, and a disappointing encounter with Christopher. Alone and friendless, Baba cannot satisfy his thirst and hunger. A vegetarian, he rejects the usual British fare of liver sausages, beef and lamb and has unappetizing meals consisting of soup, scrawny potatoes and dirty brown bread. Desperate to flee the inhospitable city, he embarks on a hiking excursion to the Scottish Highlands where he has an unfortunate accident and is rescued by Mr. Owens and his daughter, Catherine.
As his circumstances continue to spiral downward, Baba gradually releases the stubborn pride that has alienated him from his father and acknowledges that he has participated in a transgression similar to the one he once found so unforgiveable. Throughout the novel, Baba refers to an inscription written by his mother in her prayer book: “It is no use asking why the small stream is not the might Ganges, or why the sparrow does not fan its feathers like the peacock, or why the coconut palm does not provide shade as does the banyan tree. Each is what it is and so it is with humankind: all His creation, we are what we are.” Baba comes to terms with the new normal, the turbulent normal that has replaced his once charmed life.
While we are aware of Baba’s changing circumstances in England, we know little about Vasanti’s life during those two years. Some chapters are written from Vasanti’s point of view, but the majority of the book focuses on Baba. In the last chapter, we get a glimpse of her life, but it is too rushed. I wanted to read more about the anger and frustration she experienced when there were no letters from Baba. How was she treated after Baba left? Did she continue to enjoy the same privileges as her sisters-in-law? Did she reconnect with her own relatives or continue to depend only on her in-laws?
The title is an unusual one and, at first, I wondered about its suitability for a historical novel based in India and England. But after reading the entire novel, I realize that Thirst is really about the different forms of desire—physical and emotional—that abide within all of us and the tragic consequences that can occur when that thirst is not properly quenched. While Baba enjoys many privileges in India, he has a prolonged desert experience during his two-year stay in war torn England.
Canadian writer Shree Ghatage has created a compelling novel with a conflicted character, set against the backdrop of World War II. Born in Mumbai, Ghatage grew up in a society characterized by the rhythms of British India. In writing this novel, she drew upon those early memories and her own experiences as a new immigrant in Canada.
The ending is unexpected and I wonder what Shree Ghatage has in store for us next. Thirst is the second in a trilogy of books that are loosely connected, but can easily stand alone.
July 5, 2012
RECIEVED AS A FIRST READS GIVEAWAY
A book about loyalty, family, strength and duty.
While I enjoyed the descriptions of Indian life during the 1940's, I wish the author had spent more time with these types of scenes. The growth of love between Baba and Vasanti was a lure. Would they fall in love? How? Or would they become estranged like Amita and Yogesh?
When Baba goes to the UK, I began to lose interest in the plot as well as Baba as a character. Once I reached the ending, I felt it had been a cop-out. Is that really the only ending the author could come up with? It seemed completely unresolved.
The book overall reminded me of an Edith Wharton plot. A wealthy family's internal workings, their idea of scandal and how each member has a certain place and duty to live up to. I wish Ghatage had focussed more on exploring that then a narcissitic man-child striking out on an absurd journey with an unlikely ending.
I would recommend it only for the insight it gives to life inside an Indian home and for those who like to root for the under-dogs in love.
A book about loyalty, family, strength and duty.
While I enjoyed the descriptions of Indian life during the 1940's, I wish the author had spent more time with these types of scenes. The growth of love between Baba and Vasanti was a lure. Would they fall in love? How? Or would they become estranged like Amita and Yogesh?
When Baba goes to the UK, I began to lose interest in the plot as well as Baba as a character. Once I reached the ending, I felt it had been a cop-out. Is that really the only ending the author could come up with? It seemed completely unresolved.
The book overall reminded me of an Edith Wharton plot. A wealthy family's internal workings, their idea of scandal and how each member has a certain place and duty to live up to. I wish Ghatage had focussed more on exploring that then a narcissitic man-child striking out on an absurd journey with an unlikely ending.
I would recommend it only for the insight it gives to life inside an Indian home and for those who like to root for the under-dogs in love.
June 8, 2012
Really depressing.
This is one of those books that you ask yourself 'what's the point' questions by the of it.
What's the point in such a predictable and gloomy plot?
What's the point in a romance that makes you feel miserable?
What's the point in a story, though not tragic in a Nicolas Sparks way, makes you lose hope?
What's the point in yet another reminder that life is not fair?
Worse yet... you can't even empathize with Baba all that much, he's turns out to be an arse, in a passive way.
I can't quite shake off that sense of hopelessness that set in when I finished this one...
This is one of those books that you ask yourself 'what's the point' questions by the of it.
What's the point in such a predictable and gloomy plot?
What's the point in a romance that makes you feel miserable?
What's the point in a story, though not tragic in a Nicolas Sparks way, makes you lose hope?
What's the point in yet another reminder that life is not fair?
Worse yet... you can't even empathize with Baba all that much, he's turns out to be an arse, in a passive way.
I can't quite shake off that sense of hopelessness that set in when I finished this one...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2012
I won this book in the FirstReads contest. When I started the book it took me a while to get into it, but once I got to part two I became really genuinely enthralled with the book. I loved the characters and was introduced to a situation that I never thought about before (not arranged marriage, but India during WWII). The book is beautifully written but that ending just ruined it for me, I was really angry after I finished reading it. No book should end like that. I wish I would have just thrown it away after part two, no one should have to read such a disappointing end. But, like I said, it is beautifully written and I wouldn't mind reading other works from this author.
June 26, 2012
*** Received as a First Reads Giveaway ***
Some nicely written prose, mostly in the description of the developing relationship between Baba and Vasanti, but the ending was really perplexing and depressing. Baba wasn't a strong enough or likeable enough character to carry the whole novel. His refusal to compromise or to grow up and face his life and his actions irritated me. He was also pretty rotten to his wife throughout, especially his cowardice in refusing to write to his wife made me actively dislike him.
2* for the writing in the middle section and 1* for the rest
Some nicely written prose, mostly in the description of the developing relationship between Baba and Vasanti, but the ending was really perplexing and depressing. Baba wasn't a strong enough or likeable enough character to carry the whole novel. His refusal to compromise or to grow up and face his life and his actions irritated me. He was also pretty rotten to his wife throughout, especially his cowardice in refusing to write to his wife made me actively dislike him.
2* for the writing in the middle section and 1* for the rest
June 18, 2012
The middle chunk of this book was lovely, portraying the early days of an arranged marriage in India during the 1940s.
The story lost me at the end. Couldn't it have ended with Baba's revelation on the importance of family and decision to return to India? The melodrama of his self-centered decision to make a martyr of himself b/c he was too cowardly to tell his wife the truth left me rolling my eyes.
I won an advanced copy of this book in a Firstreads Giveaway, thank you!
The story lost me at the end. Couldn't it have ended with Baba's revelation on the importance of family and decision to return to India? The melodrama of his self-centered decision to make a martyr of himself b/c he was too cowardly to tell his wife the truth left me rolling my eyes.
I won an advanced copy of this book in a Firstreads Giveaway, thank you!
June 3, 2012
I received a free copy of this book from GoodReads. When I first read the description of this book I was very excited about reading it, however, the book was just ok and the ending was a real disappointment. This is not a book I will be passing to my friends.
August 24, 2012
I'm absolutely in shock. The ending is a complete surprise, but it makes sense with the rest of the story. The love shared between the main characters was both beautiful and painful. This book was a quick read, but written so artfully.
January 14, 2013
Vijay studies for the bar in England and reflects on the reasons he left behind his wife Visanti and family in India. Secrets are revealed, new lies told and the responsibility and character of this young man are tested.
January 27, 2014
Ero convinta di essermi imbattuta in una saga di una famiglia indiana, poi all'improvviso lo scenario cambia completamente e ti spiazza, tant'è che quando mi sono resa conto che il libro era finito sono rimasta sorpresa. Non so definirlo esattamente, ma non mi ha entusiasmato.
July 2, 2014
I know that many readers enjoyed this book and I so wanted for it to spark my enthusiasm. But I had difficulty being engaged in the story. I was uncomfortable with the Mr. Owens and daughter plot line and kept wanting to know more about Vasanti back in India.
August 29, 2013
Like many others who reviewed this book, I was not very happy with the ending.
October 3, 2012
Loved it! I really hope there is a sequel.
June 20, 2012
I ended up skipping over stuff and reading the ending - which was very predictable. Perhaps it was the mood I'm in?
July 23, 2012
A great read about the crash of identity, duty and desires.
Page 79
Page 79
August 14, 2012
This book needs a sequel!!
January 14, 2013
Enjoyable enough quick read (though a main part of the plot was entirely predictable). But the ending left me perplexed.
February 14, 2013
A beautiful story about arranged marriage, family, love, secrets and when we think things are fine and life takes a wrong turn.
February 17, 2013
this is a new 7 day book at the library and yet i have read it not too long ago. ???
June 12, 2013
Excellent novel, truly unmissable
October 6, 2012
Well written, but it ended abrubptly - almost like the author had run out of "middle bits".
July 1, 2017
Really depressing.
This is one of those books that you ask yourself 'what's the point' questions by the of it.
What's the point in such a predictable and gloomy plot?
What's the point in a romance that makes you feel miserable?
What's the point in a story, though not tragic in a Nicolas Sparks way, makes you lose hope?
What's the point in yet another reminder that life is not fair?
Worse yet... you can't even empathize with Baba all that much, he's turns out to be an arse, in a passive way.
I can't quite shake off that sense of hopelessness that set in when I finished this one...
This is one of those books that you ask yourself 'what's the point' questions by the of it.
What's the point in such a predictable and gloomy plot?
What's the point in a romance that makes you feel miserable?
What's the point in a story, though not tragic in a Nicolas Sparks way, makes you lose hope?
What's the point in yet another reminder that life is not fair?
Worse yet... you can't even empathize with Baba all that much, he's turns out to be an arse, in a passive way.
I can't quite shake off that sense of hopelessness that set in when I finished this one...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews