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Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet
Jeeta’s family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold. Even though tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations and the elaborate displays, sixteen-year old Jeeta wonders what happened to the love and romance that the movies promise? She dreads her turn on the matrimonial circuit, especially since Mummy is always complaining about how Jeeta’s dark skin and smart mouth will turn off potential husbands. But when Jeeta’s smart mouth and liberal ideas land her in love with her friend’s cousin Neel, she must strike a balance between duty to her tradition-bound parents, and the strength to follow her heart.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
15 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Kashmira Sheth
30 books97 followersKashmira Sheth grew up in Bhavangar, Gujarat, for eight years, when she was three she joined Montessori school. She lived with her grandparents, because her parents lived in Mumbai three hundred miles away from Bhavangar.
At eight years Sheth, left Bhavangar, for Mumbai.
She did her studying there until she was seventeen. She left Mumbai, to go to college, in Ames Iowa to do her BS at Iowa State University. Many people ask her why she chose Iowa. "I chose Iowa State, because my uncle worked there as a professor." is the answer.
She is the author of 7 books, two of them are picture books, called "My Dadima Wears a Sari." and "Monsoon Rains"
She has three books meant for teens.
The fist one is called "Blue Jasmine"; which is about a girl named Seema who moved from India to Iowa.
The second one is called; 'Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet'; this book is about a girl who is sixteen named Jeeta, her two sisters are married
and now its her turn. Trouble is she does not want an arranged marriage.
The last one and the most currents one is called, "Keeping Corner". This one is about a girl who is thirteen, named Leela, is widowed. She was married at age nine, and was about to be sent off to live with her husband. But her husband gets bitten by a venomous snake, and dies. Leela faces hardship, anger, and frustration. She is forced to shave her head, and never ever wear jewellery or colors. This takes place in the Gandhi era.
Sheth is publishing a book called "Boys Without Names." in 2010
Kashmira Sheth is now with her two daughters; Neha and Rupa, her husband in Madison Wisconsin.
At eight years Sheth, left Bhavangar, for Mumbai.
She did her studying there until she was seventeen. She left Mumbai, to go to college, in Ames Iowa to do her BS at Iowa State University. Many people ask her why she chose Iowa. "I chose Iowa State, because my uncle worked there as a professor." is the answer.
She is the author of 7 books, two of them are picture books, called "My Dadima Wears a Sari." and "Monsoon Rains"
She has three books meant for teens.
The fist one is called "Blue Jasmine"; which is about a girl named Seema who moved from India to Iowa.
The second one is called; 'Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet'; this book is about a girl who is sixteen named Jeeta, her two sisters are married
and now its her turn. Trouble is she does not want an arranged marriage.
The last one and the most currents one is called, "Keeping Corner". This one is about a girl who is thirteen, named Leela, is widowed. She was married at age nine, and was about to be sent off to live with her husband. But her husband gets bitten by a venomous snake, and dies. Leela faces hardship, anger, and frustration. She is forced to shave her head, and never ever wear jewellery or colors. This takes place in the Gandhi era.
Sheth is publishing a book called "Boys Without Names." in 2010
Kashmira Sheth is now with her two daughters; Neha and Rupa, her husband in Madison Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 2, 2009
This Book shows you the culture in India, and even though I'm not indian it relates to most of what goes on in my country as well. Theres a lot of social issues that people wouldnt really be able to relate to as well as me but its still a good book to read if you want to know about the culture over there. Imagin a world where your mad and you cant do nothing about it. you cant speak becasue your a girl. you cant show people what you think because everyone thinks its disrespectful for a girl to speak her mind out or fight for something. think about a life where you cant rebel no matter how much you want to. Not wanting to do wrong but being forced to. Thats what goes on in most of south asia.
July 11, 2011
As an Indian girl i can completely agree with this book.our culture follows this way, and the respect of our parents means everything to us. Kashmira Sheth was able to write an amazing story which allowed any female to go out on her own. She showed the power of females. The typical Indian family is exactly like this book, but i was lucky enough to be brought up in the USA where i experienced both Indian and American cultures. This book gave me a new light Indian culture, and made me feel lucky how i don't have to go through what Jeeta had to.
Kashimira Sheth did a great job writing the novel, and like other i really enjoyed it !
Kashimira Sheth did a great job writing the novel, and like other i really enjoyed it !
January 16, 2013
Though it is young adult book, it caught my eye with the henna design on the cover. Glad I picked it up.
Its a story about a girl Jeeta, who stands up for herself. The author has very well written about the teenage issues and the parent and teenager relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeeta's love-hate relationship with her sisters. The best friend who Jeeta thinks has everything and is the confident booster. A good read for teenagers. I felt the book concludes with - its not just learning/education which matters, but you need to stand up for yourself too.
Its a story about a girl Jeeta, who stands up for herself. The author has very well written about the teenage issues and the parent and teenager relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed Jeeta's love-hate relationship with her sisters. The best friend who Jeeta thinks has everything and is the confident booster. A good read for teenagers. I felt the book concludes with - its not just learning/education which matters, but you need to stand up for yourself too.
April 13, 2013
I can't believe I tortured myself yet again with a YA love story, especially since I'm going to be
Apparently, I'm that much of a masochist.
Fortunately, this isn't just a love story.
All her life, Jeeta has come to expect that after she graduates, nothing will matter except getting married to an eligible man, a man whom her mother will arrange for her. Her eldest sister, after many years of trying, finally gets married. It's only a matter of time before her second sister gets married (it's easy, she's pretty), and finally it will be Jeeta's turn. She doesn't think it will be that easy, nor does her mother, since Jeeta has undesirably dark skin, and a quick and sharp tongue. Jeeta starts to question whether or not to follow tradition when she meets Neel, the cousin of her new-found friend.
This book lets you see the good and bad side of tradition, especially that of an arranged marriage. I personally feel that passionate love is overrated anyway, and I could live with an arranged marriage. It's not just about passion and love, but a mutual respect for each other, and the desire to build something good. Like Antoine Saint-Exupery said:
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
Which just so happens to be one of my favorite quotes.
Jeeta also, along the course of the book, discovers the strengths and abilities she's capable of, and also comes to terms with her mother about custom versus her desire to make a career for herself.
Of course, I can't forget the love angle. Neel and Jeeta, well, it's first love, and I have to say I envy Jeeta. When Jeeta was falling in love with Neel, dang, I felt it. When she was spending time with him, I wished I had someone like Neel to spend that time with. Theirs is a romance quiet but strong, but not without flaws. Exactly my cup of tea.
In the end, it was all about Jeeta, and her coming of age. I'm glad Jeeta came out of it with much more confidence in herself.
And maybe I can, too.
*4 stars. The second read was better. I think this is one of those books that get better with each rereading.
Apparently, I'm that much of a masochist.
Fortunately, this isn't just a love story.
All her life, Jeeta has come to expect that after she graduates, nothing will matter except getting married to an eligible man, a man whom her mother will arrange for her. Her eldest sister, after many years of trying, finally gets married. It's only a matter of time before her second sister gets married (it's easy, she's pretty), and finally it will be Jeeta's turn. She doesn't think it will be that easy, nor does her mother, since Jeeta has undesirably dark skin, and a quick and sharp tongue. Jeeta starts to question whether or not to follow tradition when she meets Neel, the cousin of her new-found friend.
This book lets you see the good and bad side of tradition, especially that of an arranged marriage. I personally feel that passionate love is overrated anyway, and I could live with an arranged marriage. It's not just about passion and love, but a mutual respect for each other, and the desire to build something good. Like Antoine Saint-Exupery said:
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction."
Which just so happens to be one of my favorite quotes.
Jeeta also, along the course of the book, discovers the strengths and abilities she's capable of, and also comes to terms with her mother about custom versus her desire to make a career for herself.
Of course, I can't forget the love angle. Neel and Jeeta, well, it's first love, and I have to say I envy Jeeta. When Jeeta was falling in love with Neel, dang, I felt it. When she was spending time with him, I wished I had someone like Neel to spend that time with. Theirs is a romance quiet but strong, but not without flaws. Exactly my cup of tea.
In the end, it was all about Jeeta, and her coming of age. I'm glad Jeeta came out of it with much more confidence in herself.
And maybe I can, too.
*4 stars. The second read was better. I think this is one of those books that get better with each rereading.
August 28, 2008
I really enjoy books having to do with Indian culture because it's so mysterious and interesting to me. Despite growing up with lots of children-of-immigrant-Indian-parents, their world was never really opened up to me. And I REALLY wanted to know more about the culture, traditions, and how the whole caste system works.
Good points about this book: great, strong female protagonist who speaks her mind and challenges tradition, wonderful descriptions of Indian food, locations, and even things like clothing and appearance, liked the title and occasional forays into being a bit poetic
Mediocre points: plot was simply limp -- the book really came across as an impressionistic montage of marriage arranging, studying from exams, and hiding a taboo relationship, with a dash of coming-of-age. I didn't feel like there was a REAL point to the story to make it a story.
Also, despite Jeeta being a senior in high school, I kept thinking she was about 13 years old or younger. I had to continuously remind myself that she was almost an adult; she was just so naive and sheltered at times. Perhaps the point of the book was that her horizons were broadened and that girls should seek out opportunities beyond simply getting married, but it wasn't made clear enough. Whatever the point was, it should have been stronger.
All the same, I enjoyed immersing myself in Jeeta's life for a couple of hours, and I kept wishing I had Indian food after all those marvelous descriptions in the book.
Good points about this book: great, strong female protagonist who speaks her mind and challenges tradition, wonderful descriptions of Indian food, locations, and even things like clothing and appearance, liked the title and occasional forays into being a bit poetic
Mediocre points: plot was simply limp -- the book really came across as an impressionistic montage of marriage arranging, studying from exams, and hiding a taboo relationship, with a dash of coming-of-age. I didn't feel like there was a REAL point to the story to make it a story.
Also, despite Jeeta being a senior in high school, I kept thinking she was about 13 years old or younger. I had to continuously remind myself that she was almost an adult; she was just so naive and sheltered at times. Perhaps the point of the book was that her horizons were broadened and that girls should seek out opportunities beyond simply getting married, but it wasn't made clear enough. Whatever the point was, it should have been stronger.
All the same, I enjoyed immersing myself in Jeeta's life for a couple of hours, and I kept wishing I had Indian food after all those marvelous descriptions in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2010
It must have been a slow day at my library if I picked up a book without knowing anything about it. But I guess I was taken by the premise and setting - a love and coming-of-age story set in modern India. I am familiar with India quite well and have never read any YA on the subject, so I decided to give it a go. Sorry to say, nothing worth of attention here.
"Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet" (meaning here Jeeta is a dark-skinned girl who is expected to have a sweet, mango-like, temper to find a husband) is neither a love story nor a coming-of-age story. It is simply a lukewarm narration filled with peculiarities of Indian culture - arranged marriages, expensive weddings, caste system, difficulties of dating, discrimination based on the skin color, all delivered in an extremely juvenile way. You would never thing that the narrator, Jeeta, is almost 18, she sure talks and acts like she is 11. There is no drama here, no mystery, no passion, no big revelations. Jeeta by the end of the story decides to go to college. That's it.
On a positive side, although book is of a very low literally quality, gives a nice "taste" of India with some authentic descriptions of food, clothes, and customs. But that's all, unfortunately.
Good only as an introduction to Indian culture for middle-graders.
"Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet" (meaning here Jeeta is a dark-skinned girl who is expected to have a sweet, mango-like, temper to find a husband) is neither a love story nor a coming-of-age story. It is simply a lukewarm narration filled with peculiarities of Indian culture - arranged marriages, expensive weddings, caste system, difficulties of dating, discrimination based on the skin color, all delivered in an extremely juvenile way. You would never thing that the narrator, Jeeta, is almost 18, she sure talks and acts like she is 11. There is no drama here, no mystery, no passion, no big revelations. Jeeta by the end of the story decides to go to college. That's it.
On a positive side, although book is of a very low literally quality, gives a nice "taste" of India with some authentic descriptions of food, clothes, and customs. But that's all, unfortunately.
Good only as an introduction to Indian culture for middle-graders.
Read
March 10, 2012Jeanine Allen
Multicultural
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth is a story about a girl named Jeeta who lives in India with her traditional family. Her life revolves around her family arranging the marriage of her two older sisters, with the expectation that soon, she too, will get married off with the hope she will fall in love with her future husband. She befriends a girl in school whose family is liberal and she starts to question her own life and family values. She begins to realize there is more to life than marriage and family traditions and soon dreams of becoming an attorney.
The book is very sweet giving us an insight into Jeeta's personal thoughts as she comes of age. The author peppers the book with popular sayings from India and provides a glossary at the to look up what each word/saying means. The book would probably resonate more in females, as girls would find it easier to relate to the character and situations.
Multicultural
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth is a story about a girl named Jeeta who lives in India with her traditional family. Her life revolves around her family arranging the marriage of her two older sisters, with the expectation that soon, she too, will get married off with the hope she will fall in love with her future husband. She befriends a girl in school whose family is liberal and she starts to question her own life and family values. She begins to realize there is more to life than marriage and family traditions and soon dreams of becoming an attorney.
The book is very sweet giving us an insight into Jeeta's personal thoughts as she comes of age. The author peppers the book with popular sayings from India and provides a glossary at the to look up what each word/saying means. The book would probably resonate more in females, as girls would find it easier to relate to the character and situations.
July 9, 2022
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet is, I think, a very important book. It was gripping, and gives insight into the lives of girls who live in a culture very different from that experienced in the States. The story of the two sisters also shows how family is valued in any culture. As a school librarian, I recommend this story to my more mature readers. And teachers. It's really, really good.
September 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, I wish it had gone just a bit further into the story. It felt cut short for no real reason. Not like an open ended story, where you can imagine all the possibilities, but like the forgot to add the last couple chapters. That being said, I really enjoyed the characters, learning about their culture, and the story in general. Worth picking up.
April 26, 2018
I read this book a few years ago but i distinctly remember the feelings that I had before and after reading it, enjoyment. Yes, I was frustrated that Jeeta's skin colour was looked down upon but, that is the reality throughout the world.
August 24, 2021
“I was convinced that Pappa had married Mummy because she had light, fawn colored skin. But for me, it was as if God, had used the special dark shade of the koyal bird. Lord Krishna’s skin was rain cloud dark and praised for its beauty in Sanskrit prayers, devotional songs and popular movie tunes, but no one praised my skin - least of all, Mummy”
- Jeeta (Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kahsmira Sheth)
.
.
Whenever i underestimated the book before i started reading it, i always ended up loving it. I bought this because it was cheap. When i read the excerpt, i thought its just a Bollywood cliche plot point. And i am glad i was wrong. We followed the Journey of Jeeta, an outspoken girl that dared to question everything. From the arranged marriage customs and tradition, gender roles, the value of marriage within the same caste and colourism in her society. She was mocked for her dark skin and even labelled as ‘the color of wet clothes’ by one of her relatives. She felt she was an outcast in her own family though her father adored her. Her mother always reprimanded her and asking her to be more like her other sisters, Nimirat and Mohini. This is such a simple coming of age story but the message in this book is packed. We saw how Jeeta values stood out differently. She doesn’t understand why Nimirat has to obey her husband blindly and she felt it was so shallow that guy can be dark and fat but not the girl. The girl has to be perfect. The book was published in 2006 but unfortunately, society standards doesn’t change much. Colourism and gender roles is still a thing. Jeeta then befriended Sarina, A High Court Judge’s Daughter that moved recently into her high school. Sarina influenced Jeeta so much in good kinda way. Rather than marriage as the only way to a bright future, Sarina pushed Jeeta that she could also study law and medicine and worked as lawyer or doctor. Jeeta saw the differences of her upbringing with Sarina’s upbringing and it pushed her not to go on the same direction like Nimirat or Mohini although her mother tried her best to marry her off. Overall, this has been enjoyable reading for me. I loved Jeeta’s wittiness in replying all that nonsense that her mother, relatives and even strangers threw at her. She is not docile like Nimirat and she is not obedient like Mohini. I also liked that this book is unapologetically indian. So to some readers, they might have to google a lot.
- Jeeta (Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kahsmira Sheth)
.
.
Whenever i underestimated the book before i started reading it, i always ended up loving it. I bought this because it was cheap. When i read the excerpt, i thought its just a Bollywood cliche plot point. And i am glad i was wrong. We followed the Journey of Jeeta, an outspoken girl that dared to question everything. From the arranged marriage customs and tradition, gender roles, the value of marriage within the same caste and colourism in her society. She was mocked for her dark skin and even labelled as ‘the color of wet clothes’ by one of her relatives. She felt she was an outcast in her own family though her father adored her. Her mother always reprimanded her and asking her to be more like her other sisters, Nimirat and Mohini. This is such a simple coming of age story but the message in this book is packed. We saw how Jeeta values stood out differently. She doesn’t understand why Nimirat has to obey her husband blindly and she felt it was so shallow that guy can be dark and fat but not the girl. The girl has to be perfect. The book was published in 2006 but unfortunately, society standards doesn’t change much. Colourism and gender roles is still a thing. Jeeta then befriended Sarina, A High Court Judge’s Daughter that moved recently into her high school. Sarina influenced Jeeta so much in good kinda way. Rather than marriage as the only way to a bright future, Sarina pushed Jeeta that she could also study law and medicine and worked as lawyer or doctor. Jeeta saw the differences of her upbringing with Sarina’s upbringing and it pushed her not to go on the same direction like Nimirat or Mohini although her mother tried her best to marry her off. Overall, this has been enjoyable reading for me. I loved Jeeta’s wittiness in replying all that nonsense that her mother, relatives and even strangers threw at her. She is not docile like Nimirat and she is not obedient like Mohini. I also liked that this book is unapologetically indian. So to some readers, they might have to google a lot.
September 21, 2017
I plan to visit India one day and walk the mall of the Taj Mahal to see this beautiful monument dedicated to what must have been a dynamic woman of her time. I also like to get to know the culture of a people in the far away places that I intend to visit and my favorite way of doing that is through reading the writing of those who are natives of the land. So, since my trip to India is coming up soon I started my readings with a beautiful book I have had in my library for at least seven years. koyal dark, mango sweet by Kashmira Sheth was a very nice place to start.
It was a good look into some of the traditions and ways that some families live in the urban areas of India. Jeeta the main character is my kind of girl, strong willed, genuine and sharp.
Sheth writes for the young reader so the language is simple and straight to the point. The story carries you along with a little mystery, pleasant surprises and hints to let you know what you're thinking about that's going to happen next is what happens next. I like this type of simplicity in reading fiction. Sheth takes you into the inner world of a modern Indian family who is neither rich or very poor. In fact, it was news to me to have a servant to care for a one bedroom apartment that six people share.
I also like the kind bigheartedness that was shone in the story especially among the educated men in the families. However, it was disheartening to know that the disdaining behavior of some mothers towards their daughters are prevalent all over the world. It goes to show that people are people, no matter where they are.
I don't want to give away the plot because if you have some leisure time and want to read a nice story about budding love, arraigned marriages, Indian weddings, and family life in Mumbai then this is a good start. Enjoy!
K. Akua Gray
September 12, 2017
Houston, TX
It was a good look into some of the traditions and ways that some families live in the urban areas of India. Jeeta the main character is my kind of girl, strong willed, genuine and sharp.
Sheth writes for the young reader so the language is simple and straight to the point. The story carries you along with a little mystery, pleasant surprises and hints to let you know what you're thinking about that's going to happen next is what happens next. I like this type of simplicity in reading fiction. Sheth takes you into the inner world of a modern Indian family who is neither rich or very poor. In fact, it was news to me to have a servant to care for a one bedroom apartment that six people share.
I also like the kind bigheartedness that was shone in the story especially among the educated men in the families. However, it was disheartening to know that the disdaining behavior of some mothers towards their daughters are prevalent all over the world. It goes to show that people are people, no matter where they are.
I don't want to give away the plot because if you have some leisure time and want to read a nice story about budding love, arraigned marriages, Indian weddings, and family life in Mumbai then this is a good start. Enjoy!
K. Akua Gray
September 12, 2017
Houston, TX
July 4, 2017
Meine Meinung:
Jeeta erlebt mit, wie für ihre Schwestern Ehemänner gesucht werden. Nimita die erste Tochter des Hauses, ist mehr als glücklich. Doch es gibt auch schlechte Verbindungen. Mohini hat nicht so viel Glück. Jeeta möchte die ganze Zeit mehr. Nicht nur eine Heirat und das war es. Sie möchte lernen und etwas aus ihrem Leben machen. Sie mag den Gedanken nicht, das die Söhne mehr wert sind als die Töchter. Nur weil diese sich, um die Eltern kümmern, wenn diese älter sind. Eine Begegnung im Schwimmbad lässt es knistern. Nicht nur diese ändert Jeetas Sichtweise und stärkt sie in dem, was sie von ihrem Leben erwartet. Jeeta ist eine zielstrebige junge Frau, sie liebt ihre Familie, setzt sich für sie ein. Doch Indien ist im Wandel, auch wenn die Traditionen hoch gehalten werden.
Die Geschichte ist sehr flüssig zu lesen und bringt mich zurück nach Mumbai. Die Ortsbeschreibungen sind absolut so, wie ich sie in Erinnerung habe. Jeeta wirkt echt! Alles ohne Bollywood Kitsch. Was nicht heißt das ich Bollywood nicht liebe. Ihr solltet mal meine DVD Sammlung sehen. :D
Ihre Mutter ist noch zu sehr in Tradition gefangen. Ihr Vater sieht das eher locker. Die Gefühle, Gedanken und Taten im Buch sind nachvollziehbar. Keine Stelle in der man denkt, wo kommt das jetzt her oder warum macht der das jetzt.
Positiv außerdem das Glossar hinten.
Es wird erklärt was die indischen Begriffe bedeuten. z.B. Diwali = Lichterfest, das in ganz Indien gefeiert wird.
Insgesamt Kurzweilig und gut!
Weshalb das Buch im Bücherregal verweilen darf.
Schade das es nicht mehr Bücher von der Autorin in Deutsch gibt.
Es war eine schöne Reise in mein Traumland Indien, in meine Traumstadt Mumbai. Danke dafür!
Mein Fazit:
Ein Mädchen dem schnell klar wird,
das es mehr vom Leben will.
Jeeta erlebt mit, wie für ihre Schwestern Ehemänner gesucht werden. Nimita die erste Tochter des Hauses, ist mehr als glücklich. Doch es gibt auch schlechte Verbindungen. Mohini hat nicht so viel Glück. Jeeta möchte die ganze Zeit mehr. Nicht nur eine Heirat und das war es. Sie möchte lernen und etwas aus ihrem Leben machen. Sie mag den Gedanken nicht, das die Söhne mehr wert sind als die Töchter. Nur weil diese sich, um die Eltern kümmern, wenn diese älter sind. Eine Begegnung im Schwimmbad lässt es knistern. Nicht nur diese ändert Jeetas Sichtweise und stärkt sie in dem, was sie von ihrem Leben erwartet. Jeeta ist eine zielstrebige junge Frau, sie liebt ihre Familie, setzt sich für sie ein. Doch Indien ist im Wandel, auch wenn die Traditionen hoch gehalten werden.
Die Geschichte ist sehr flüssig zu lesen und bringt mich zurück nach Mumbai. Die Ortsbeschreibungen sind absolut so, wie ich sie in Erinnerung habe. Jeeta wirkt echt! Alles ohne Bollywood Kitsch. Was nicht heißt das ich Bollywood nicht liebe. Ihr solltet mal meine DVD Sammlung sehen. :D
Ihre Mutter ist noch zu sehr in Tradition gefangen. Ihr Vater sieht das eher locker. Die Gefühle, Gedanken und Taten im Buch sind nachvollziehbar. Keine Stelle in der man denkt, wo kommt das jetzt her oder warum macht der das jetzt.
Positiv außerdem das Glossar hinten.
Es wird erklärt was die indischen Begriffe bedeuten. z.B. Diwali = Lichterfest, das in ganz Indien gefeiert wird.
Insgesamt Kurzweilig und gut!
Weshalb das Buch im Bücherregal verweilen darf.
Schade das es nicht mehr Bücher von der Autorin in Deutsch gibt.
Es war eine schöne Reise in mein Traumland Indien, in meine Traumstadt Mumbai. Danke dafür!
Mein Fazit:
Ein Mädchen dem schnell klar wird,
das es mehr vom Leben will.
March 26, 2021
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet was a very relatable book for many South Asians like myself. I really did enjoy reading this book especially because I felt a connection with the characters. The journey that the book put us through was incredible as we see this rebellious young girl's perspective of her sisters getting married. I really enjoyed reading about the racial insecurities rooted in India (and other South Asian countries) because not many people bring it up. The fact that women who have melatonin have a harder time finding marriage proposals. I was not very satisfied at the ending, although I see the point the author was trying to make. We saw the main character having a perfect love story, despite her rebellious personality. When she didn't end up with him at the end, I was pretty sad because I would have loved to see it happen! I like to imagine that the two are waiting to get older and figure out who they are before taking a big step.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
I really enjoyed getting to get a glimpse into a life very different than mine. The metaphors that were abundant in this book were beautiful and poetic and so descriptive. It really added to the overall atmosphere. I felt like I could imagine Mumbai in the summer because of the amazing descriptive and specific language that was being used. I sped through this and felt connected to the main character in some ways and was informed of some ideas that are not normal in my life. Like jeeta was very outspoken! I loved that and felt connected to that part of her
I liked this :)
I liked this :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
"Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet" is the story of an Indian girl navigating her older sisters' marriage while embarking on her own first foray into romance. It's a quick read, delving into a rich culture and some really challenging topics.
I like the main character in theory, but there is something very 2D and too easy about the way she confronts very mature issues and the way she maneuvers in her family, tightly coiled on tradition.
I like the main character in theory, but there is something very 2D and too easy about the way she confronts very mature issues and the way she maneuvers in her family, tightly coiled on tradition.
May 11, 2017
not my favourite book by Sheth, but pretty decent nonetheless. i felt like i just got a taste Jeeta's life and would have been down for reading far more. like how was her college life? does she end up with Neel? will she like being a lawyer? and i would like a whole other book for Mohini and Sabrina.
May 28, 2022
2.5 stars. This book was a little hard to read. I liked the colourful descriptions and the culture… but the characters weren’t well developed (except for the mostly unlikeable mother), the dialogue was stilted, the writing was somewhat awkward and it felt like the book didn’t really have a resolution. There were places where the setting changed from one paragraph to the next with no transition or even a break in the writing to indicate a time and place change and it was a bit jarring.
March 5, 2018
Enjoyed this book set in Mumbai. Loved the familiar setting, the description of all the food, and the culture that comes through so strongly in this book. Interesting YA read about changing times and traditions.
January 16, 2018
A wonderful coming of age story
October 22, 2018
good story, easy read, class assignment
February 29, 2020
I really loved it
January 4, 2022
Fairly simple, but positive and shares about culture
July 7, 2024
I read this book when I was super young, and as a dark-skinned black girl in a colorist family at the time, this book was a comforting companion!
May 14, 2022
I loved this book in the end, but I did have trouble getting into it. However, I do think it was a fantastic storyline. The only other thing I would say is that it took a long time to get to the climax of the story. Nevertheless, it was an incredible story to read through, and I recommend reading it!
April 6, 2013
Kashmira Sheth, the author of Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet, tells the story of a traditional Indian family living in Mumbai. This young adult book provides a lighthearted version of the issue of forced marriage. It provides a story about a young girl who falls in love with a boy. However, she is being arranged to marry another boy whom she does not want to marry. Sheth does a great job creating characters for the book that fit in well with the points she is trying to get across. The main character, which happens to be my favorite, is Jeeta. Jeeta is a sixteen year old girl who is stubborn and is willing to fight for what she thinks is right. She shows courage when she falls in love with Neel, the cousin of her best friend, and is not afraid to stand up to her mother and go against her mother's word. Jeeta's mother is an extremely tough mother who believes strongly in tradition. Her and Jeeta have many disputes, which adds to the drama in the novel. Jeeta's father is one who helps her in the absence of her mother's approval. He agrees with her in many of her opinions. Mohini, Jeeta's nineteen year old sister is a beautiful youg girl who often gets in the way of the search for Nimita's husband. Nimita, being the eldest sister is not as beautiful as Mohini and is often compared to her sister. Finally, Sarina, Jeeta's best friend, provides Jeeta with a different view on life and shows her how to live on the edge.
Although I really enjoyed the book, it definitely had its strengths and weaknesses. My favorite part of the book was when Jeeta started falling in love with Neel. I didn't really expect that to happen because the plot leading up to that point was very slow and boring. To me, this book wasn't really anything special. It was surprising to me that Sheth described forced marriage in the way that she did. In other books that I've read, forced marriage is described as an awful thing that needs to be stopped but in this book it wasn't made out to be that bad of a tradition. That really shocked me and I think thats why I didn't really enjoy the book. Although it was at times very slow, and portrayed the topic poorly, I would recommend it to someone looking for an easy to read fictional story. It would be a good story for someone who doesn't really know anything about forced marriage. Many people may disagree with my opinion but overall, I was very disappointed with this book.
Although I really enjoyed the book, it definitely had its strengths and weaknesses. My favorite part of the book was when Jeeta started falling in love with Neel. I didn't really expect that to happen because the plot leading up to that point was very slow and boring. To me, this book wasn't really anything special. It was surprising to me that Sheth described forced marriage in the way that she did. In other books that I've read, forced marriage is described as an awful thing that needs to be stopped but in this book it wasn't made out to be that bad of a tradition. That really shocked me and I think thats why I didn't really enjoy the book. Although it was at times very slow, and portrayed the topic poorly, I would recommend it to someone looking for an easy to read fictional story. It would be a good story for someone who doesn't really know anything about forced marriage. Many people may disagree with my opinion but overall, I was very disappointed with this book.
April 28, 2011
Overall, I didn't like it as much as Sheth's KEEPING CORNER, but to be fair, there aren't many books I like as much as KEEPING CORNER period. I felt like the entire story was a bit rushed, the ending in particular, and things that I'd expected to show up more seemed to disappear (the eye condition Jeeta's siblings deal with and Sarina's mother's interest in it, for example). And while, as with KEEPING CORNER, there are the sensory details and similes that enrich the narrative, they sometimes feel a little awkward here, sounding a little unnatural when characters speak them aloud instead of just thinking them.
That said, this is the second of Sheth's books I've read and I definitely intend to read more -- she's got a wonderful flair for sensory detail, and evokes weather, food, people...and, of course, emotions. Her characters have a lot of feelings, but when you're dealing with teenaged characters, that's entirely appropriate, and I never roll my eyes at her protagonists or feel like they're manufacturing drama: that's how it really feels when you're a teenager. KDMS reminded me a bit of Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in terms of the family dynamic, actually, particularly with regards to Jeeta's relationship to her parents -- this is a good thing, for me, because that's one of the things I can yammer about for ages (I wrote a massive two-part essay on my blog in defense of Mrs. Bennet once). I liked Jeeta and I really loved her friendship with Sarina -- like KEEPING CORNER, KDMS passes the Bechdel test and fulfills Deggans' rule with flying colors, which is always refreshing. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable!
That said, this is the second of Sheth's books I've read and I definitely intend to read more -- she's got a wonderful flair for sensory detail, and evokes weather, food, people...and, of course, emotions. Her characters have a lot of feelings, but when you're dealing with teenaged characters, that's entirely appropriate, and I never roll my eyes at her protagonists or feel like they're manufacturing drama: that's how it really feels when you're a teenager. KDMS reminded me a bit of Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE in terms of the family dynamic, actually, particularly with regards to Jeeta's relationship to her parents -- this is a good thing, for me, because that's one of the things I can yammer about for ages (I wrote a massive two-part essay on my blog in defense of Mrs. Bennet once). I liked Jeeta and I really loved her friendship with Sarina -- like KEEPING CORNER, KDMS passes the Bechdel test and fulfills Deggans' rule with flying colors, which is always refreshing. Overall, thoroughly enjoyable!
May 10, 2016
My mom is the biggest feminist you will ever meet, and so all of that is like second nature to me. I can't imagine girls who don't want careers and freedom or even aren't allowed it, which is why I'm always so humbled when I pick up books Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet. I always get this urgent feeling, like I have to go liberate all the women of the world right now. Still, I also admire these women because sometimes they cannot be broken. Like Jeeta, they are smart and stubborn and they never give up. To these women in countries like Iran, Pakistan, and India, I salute you!
I immediately clicked with Jeeta. Even though I can't relate to her background, I could relate to her. We have the same love of family and friends, same interest in things beyond our worlds. I liked Jeeta's sisters, particularly Mohini. I felt like it took too long to meet Sarina, and I had no clue how Neel fit in until that dinner. The end was a little too speedy, and there was no resolution between Jeeta and Neel. I would've liked to see that. The glossary should've been in the front instead of back, and some of the Indian culture stuff confused me. Still, I'm giving this a four despite its shortcomings because I felt like Ms. Sheth tried to say something important here, and I heard it. Definitely recommended!
I immediately clicked with Jeeta. Even though I can't relate to her background, I could relate to her. We have the same love of family and friends, same interest in things beyond our worlds. I liked Jeeta's sisters, particularly Mohini. I felt like it took too long to meet Sarina, and I had no clue how Neel fit in until that dinner. The end was a little too speedy, and there was no resolution between Jeeta and Neel. I would've liked to see that. The glossary should've been in the front instead of back, and some of the Indian culture stuff confused me. Still, I'm giving this a four despite its shortcomings because I felt like Ms. Sheth tried to say something important here, and I heard it. Definitely recommended!
January 10, 2011
What is wrong from being different? Just because my physical performance is different, and I am a girl...so you can judge me by your own standard. Is tradition can not be change even if the world has turn side and down?
We are different because every each of us is unique. That is way our world look so colourfull. We are like this because the past has build us, and we can to be what we want because the future that we want to reach. It is a sin by obstructing a child wish in education. From education we can move on to a better place.
You forgot I have the right to choose for my own good sake. You forgot that I have my own mind that I want to speak loudly. Do you think the choice that you made for me is the best for my life. Can you guarantee for that?
There is no guarantee that our future will be better...no matter what you said. Because every future were made from every decision that we made. There is always a risk behind the decision that we made, that is way we have obligation to be responsible for every choice that we made.
TIE
We are different because every each of us is unique. That is way our world look so colourfull. We are like this because the past has build us, and we can to be what we want because the future that we want to reach. It is a sin by obstructing a child wish in education. From education we can move on to a better place.
You forgot I have the right to choose for my own good sake. You forgot that I have my own mind that I want to speak loudly. Do you think the choice that you made for me is the best for my life. Can you guarantee for that?
There is no guarantee that our future will be better...no matter what you said. Because every future were made from every decision that we made. There is always a risk behind the decision that we made, that is way we have obligation to be responsible for every choice that we made.
TIE
September 20, 2015
"Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet" tells the story of a young Mumbai girl named Jeeta, whose elder sisters are being married off by her mother, and who wants to go her own way.
I love Kashmira Shath's writing style; her descriptions are enough for a non-Indian to follow the story and picture what's happening, but there are no footnotes all over the thing. As such, while enjoying this book, the reader also learns something about Indian culture and traditions.
Apart from the fact that it's a beautiful coming-of-age-story; even though the ending feels a bit rushed, the the emotions play out well enough to make up a satisfying story.
This book is certainly great as a short read in between, and I think a lot of females will respond to the subject. It's very sweet and, although not lacking in the social drama department, never hopeless. Which is a good thing to take from it, I think.
I love Kashmira Shath's writing style; her descriptions are enough for a non-Indian to follow the story and picture what's happening, but there are no footnotes all over the thing. As such, while enjoying this book, the reader also learns something about Indian culture and traditions.
Apart from the fact that it's a beautiful coming-of-age-story; even though the ending feels a bit rushed, the the emotions play out well enough to make up a satisfying story.
This book is certainly great as a short read in between, and I think a lot of females will respond to the subject. It's very sweet and, although not lacking in the social drama department, never hopeless. Which is a good thing to take from it, I think.
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