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My Magical Palace
Haunted by dreams of an unforgettable loss, Rahul, a young man of thirty living in San Francisco, suddenly becomes secretive and withdraws from his partner Andrew. When Andrew discovers that Rahul is still interviewing girls sent by his parents for an arranged marriage, he gives Rahul an ultimatum-stop living a lie, or give up their relationship. In response, Rahul tells Andrew a story. About a boy who lived in a palace. A boy named Rahul. Set in San Francisco today and in India in the early 1970s, My Magical Palace is a sensitive tale about a boy's coming of age, and the many hurdles he must cross to heal and find himself.
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Kunal Mukherjee
6 books11 followersKunal Mukherjee is a San Francisco based poet and writer. Originally from West Bengal, he was raised in Hyderabad, India. He holds a Master’s degree in Physics, has done postgraduate work in Energy Studies and has worked as a restaurateur and a manager of information technology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2019DNF @ 30%
This wasn't badly written. It just wasn't holding my attention.
The storytelling device used just didn't work for me, for starters. The bulk of this book is Rahul telling his partner about growing up in India and how homophobic and traditional his family and everyone else around him was. The thing is I would have expected this conversation to have already happened since the characters had already been together for awhile at the start of the book. The trigger event for Rahul finally telling his story was ... overly dramatic, or at least it felt that way since we don't know this couple, and it was the first time this situation - Rahul's parents wanting him to meet a daughter of a friend to a possible arranged marriage - has come up, I thought Rahul's partner kind of flew off the handle. Especially since it's hardly like India has the monopoly on treating gays terribly, especially for the time period the flashback story is based in, which is the early 1970s.
As for the flashback story - can it be a flashback when it's the bulk of the story? - was very rambling and while it was nice to read about different customs and such, I just finally wanted Rahul to get to the point already. The writing is also very simple, which wasn't helping it any. It just wasn't hooking me in, to the point that I could put it down for several days and not think of it once. I was already skimming by around 25%, and I finally just skipped all the way to end to find out what the moral of the story was, and it was ... be true to yourself! Awwww!
There are good bones here, but it needs editing to tighten it up, and something to make me care about the present day stuff.
This wasn't badly written. It just wasn't holding my attention.
The storytelling device used just didn't work for me, for starters. The bulk of this book is Rahul telling his partner about growing up in India and how homophobic and traditional his family and everyone else around him was. The thing is I would have expected this conversation to have already happened since the characters had already been together for awhile at the start of the book. The trigger event for Rahul finally telling his story was ... overly dramatic, or at least it felt that way since we don't know this couple, and it was the first time this situation - Rahul's parents wanting him to meet a daughter of a friend to a possible arranged marriage - has come up, I thought Rahul's partner kind of flew off the handle. Especially since it's hardly like India has the monopoly on treating gays terribly, especially for the time period the flashback story is based in, which is the early 1970s.
As for the flashback story - can it be a flashback when it's the bulk of the story? - was very rambling and while it was nice to read about different customs and such, I just finally wanted Rahul to get to the point already. The writing is also very simple, which wasn't helping it any. It just wasn't hooking me in, to the point that I could put it down for several days and not think of it once. I was already skimming by around 25%, and I finally just skipped all the way to end to find out what the moral of the story was, and it was ... be true to yourself! Awwww!
There are good bones here, but it needs editing to tighten it up, and something to make me care about the present day stuff.
May 30, 2013
I initially picked up the book because it was the first book on homosexuality by an Alum from my Alma Mater which I had found out about. But after the first few pages, I knew it was so much more than that. It was about how we're forced to grow up in a society which mocks a certain lifestyle just because of their ignorance about it; thus forcing us to live up to models which we neither understand nor relate with just because our perfect parents believe in them. About how we're supposed to channelize our love - which is meant to be pure, out of control and unadulterated - in only places which will be acceptable, whether it be the acceptable gender or caste or religion. The book forces you to question things which you might have seen as the most natural way of life, when you're from a highly adjustable country such as India which conditions you to not question.
Even more so, it forces you to sit and grow up with the protagonist. As you read, the beauty in the way the author has captured The Mint House, Rahul's Magical Palace, indulges you so that it becomes your own. You start running amok with the squirrels, sit on the grass enjoying your happy place where you're the king of the world and get scared when your sister bullies you to enter a room full of blood-sucking bats. You cringe with pain when you see how scary love and lust can be for a confused teenager, and you cry along with him when he sees how much the womenfolk have to sacrifice in order to keep the family name from going to dust.
Go get it, read it!
Even more so, it forces you to sit and grow up with the protagonist. As you read, the beauty in the way the author has captured The Mint House, Rahul's Magical Palace, indulges you so that it becomes your own. You start running amok with the squirrels, sit on the grass enjoying your happy place where you're the king of the world and get scared when your sister bullies you to enter a room full of blood-sucking bats. You cringe with pain when you see how scary love and lust can be for a confused teenager, and you cry along with him when he sees how much the womenfolk have to sacrifice in order to keep the family name from going to dust.
Go get it, read it!
August 20, 2014
Outside Rahul's magical palace in Hyderabad, India there are lush gardens, colorful mango trees, hundreds of song birds, and invisible, on the other side of a wall, a bustling city. Inside, young Rahul lives with his his parents and sister in what seems a perfect world. But soon, Rahul's innocent childhood ends when he begins to realize he is gay. Suddenly, he is navigating the confusing and frightening world of a culturally forbidden sexuality. He knows what is expected of him: to be first in his class, to marry the woman his parents choose for him, and to bring honor to his family. When a boy in his class gets shock therapy for writing a love letter to another boy, Rahul is terrified of revealing his true sexuality. And when he watches his friend Mallika torn from her forbidden Muslim lover and married to an abusive man in a marriage her parents arrange, all in the name of family honor, Rahul realizes the impossible position he is in.
Bolstered by his friendship with a gay man who rents a flat in the palace, Rahul finds the strength and courage to navigate the world beyond the palace walls. The man's words -- "Think for yourself and you will be strong enough to face the world. And always follow you heart" -- stay with Rahul and give him the strength to face the challenges of embracing an authentic life.
Bolstered by his friendship with a gay man who rents a flat in the palace, Rahul finds the strength and courage to navigate the world beyond the palace walls. The man's words -- "Think for yourself and you will be strong enough to face the world. And always follow you heart" -- stay with Rahul and give him the strength to face the challenges of embracing an authentic life.
January 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!!!! it told an interesting story and idk i really liked it :) thank u nisa <3 nxnsnsnsj I love Rahul with all my heart and the way Rani is supportive towards the end is just 🥰🥰 I liked the ending sm sm
May 10, 2021
good, albeit forgettable. i just wish rahul had a little more personality rather than being a wallflower to the events around him
August 12, 2016
Haven't received my copy yet, just received notice I had won. 1/17/14
Received my cop and hope to start soon. Have 7 others plus my current read in front. 2/6/14
Started 3/1/14
Finished 3/6/14
Rahul's parents have set up another meeting with an appropriate girl for an arranged marriage. When Andrew, Rahul's live in boyfriend, finds out he gives him an ultimatum, stop living a lie. But Andrew is from the US and doesn't understand the customs of India. Rahul explains by telling his story, back from when he was a young boy living in a palace.
I loved this book. First, I debated on entering the giveaway. I went back and forth a couple of times, but I am so glad I entered and won. I have taken a long time to write my review and I don't have the copy here with me, but I don't know that I can say why exactly I loved this book. Yes, the story is entertaining and informative, the characters are well written and interesting, but I think the authors language was really what reeled me in. Beautifully written!
Received my cop and hope to start soon. Have 7 others plus my current read in front. 2/6/14
Started 3/1/14
Finished 3/6/14
Rahul's parents have set up another meeting with an appropriate girl for an arranged marriage. When Andrew, Rahul's live in boyfriend, finds out he gives him an ultimatum, stop living a lie. But Andrew is from the US and doesn't understand the customs of India. Rahul explains by telling his story, back from when he was a young boy living in a palace.
I loved this book. First, I debated on entering the giveaway. I went back and forth a couple of times, but I am so glad I entered and won. I have taken a long time to write my review and I don't have the copy here with me, but I don't know that I can say why exactly I loved this book. Yes, the story is entertaining and informative, the characters are well written and interesting, but I think the authors language was really what reeled me in. Beautifully written!
August 11, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book. "My Magical Palace" will take you on an unexpected journey through Bengali culture, pressures, and complex social perceptions. The characters of this book were complicated and relatable. I quickly became emotionally attached to Rahul, the main character, that you will follow through those awkward teenage years, with his innocent and curious view of the world. On top of being a teenager, he also has to learn and understand what it means to be gay, let alone in India, where that could be a death sentence. The book was beautifully descriptive; so much so that not only did I easily picture the settings, but I also found myself craving Indian food, multiple times!!! Now that I'm finished with this book, I feel a sadness that I can no longer read about Rahul. This book is full of the unexpected, as in......I did not expect to be so moved by it, but I promise - read it and your heart will be touched!!
November 12, 2015
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review by F.D.
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-6fG
From that review: "The plot was addicting and unpredictable. I wasn’t sure whether Rahul and Andrew would actually manage to rescue their relationship till the very last chapter. Rahul’s childhood was full of unexpected twists and turns and it never once got boring.
But “My Magical Palace” is so much more than just a deeply enjoyable novel. It has taught me a lot about the life of gay men in India. I’ve read plenty of books about women in India, but this is the first one with a gay protagonist. It was very educating, but it never felt like the author was trying to force me to learn something."
For more reviews, author interviews, special guest blogs and everything books, visit/follow http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords
January 2, 2014
Not only is MY MAGICAL PALACE a journey through India and a journey through time, but also this beautifully written book is a journey through the human heart and soul. I laughed. I cried (literally) and at the book’s end, I read for five hours unwilling to put it down. The reader follows Rahul through his torturous coming-of-
age as he begins to understand that he is gay. To be gay in 70’s India was to face not only ostracism from peers and institutions, but also to cause demeaning humiliation for one’s family. More than gay literature, this amazing book is a coming-of-age for all of us. The choices we make. The ways we hurt ourselves and those we love and still step into the light of human love … with all its deceptions, joys and small moments of courage.
age as he begins to understand that he is gay. To be gay in 70’s India was to face not only ostracism from peers and institutions, but also to cause demeaning humiliation for one’s family. More than gay literature, this amazing book is a coming-of-age for all of us. The choices we make. The ways we hurt ourselves and those we love and still step into the light of human love … with all its deceptions, joys and small moments of courage.
February 5, 2014
Through its main character Rahul, this book takes you along on an exciting journey filled with happiness, loss, challenges, revelations, and finally acceptance. Whether from a LGBT community or not, the book really touches upon one of the challenging aspects of life - that of coming to terms with who you are and being contented and satisfied with it.
All the varied characters in the book, each with their own quirkiness, a beautiful vivid description of the 70s Hyderabad, and all the small stories within the big main story make the book a wonderful read. Hard to put down the book once you have started reading!
All the varied characters in the book, each with their own quirkiness, a beautiful vivid description of the 70s Hyderabad, and all the small stories within the big main story make the book a wonderful read. Hard to put down the book once you have started reading!
June 6, 2013
Oh my, from the moment I started reading I couldn't stop. This is a fantastic story you feel like you can actually picture every page and every detail as if it was something you live every day and just then, it gets so fascinating you can't stop. It took my breath away...
Thank you Kunal for such a brilliant read, i am looking forward to more!
Kunal is as brilliant a writer as he is a friend, I wish him every success in the world and I couldn't imagine living my life without him in it.
His book is worth your time in so many ways...
Thank you Kunal for such a brilliant read, i am looking forward to more!
Kunal is as brilliant a writer as he is a friend, I wish him every success in the world and I couldn't imagine living my life without him in it.
His book is worth your time in so many ways...
December 28, 2015
I had a day off after Thanksgiving to do whatever my heart desired and I chose to be alone, to curl up in bed with this book. I did not regret it. Kunal managed to hook us in with present day-SF and an emotionally fragile relationship only to reveal a rich, yet conservative culture and the struggles within.
This is a book for anyone who is seeking courage to be seen, to be accepted, to assert. It is for all those who have struggled to do so in any circumstance. It is a testimony to how staying true can take you to your magical palace.
This is a book for anyone who is seeking courage to be seen, to be accepted, to assert. It is for all those who have struggled to do so in any circumstance. It is a testimony to how staying true can take you to your magical palace.
February 4, 2014
I loved the book which told the story in a sensitive way using great language.The story resonated with me...the India part was so beautifully written i could "see" the Mint House....
Recommended for all Indians - whether resident or in the US. i think others should also read it - after all, there are many people of Indian origin in the US. This story would resonate with them too
Recommended for all Indians - whether resident or in the US. i think others should also read it - after all, there are many people of Indian origin in the US. This story would resonate with them too
October 18, 2013
A heart tugging story that you don't want to put down, except to make it last longer.So well written that not only do you feel in touch with the characters but you want to reach out and help them.With tears running down my face I can only say, simply moving. Excellent read.
February 27, 2013
this book is so good that it had bring tears in my eyes when Rahul the main protagonist had to leave the Mint House...
All through the book is well-depicted of all human emotions its so far can...
All through the book is well-depicted of all human emotions its so far can...
December 24, 2023
A Journey to My Magical Palace: Nostalgia from the Early '70s
I recently had the pleasure of reading "My Magical Palace" by Kunal Mukherjee, and I must admit, the book has found a permanent place in my heart. Amidst the chaos of daily life, this novel became my evening refuge, providing a welcome escape into a world that resonated with emotions, understanding, and conflict.
Set against the backdrop of Bengal in the '70s, the novel took me on a nostalgic journey to my childhood days when my family, like the characters in the book, lived as expatriates outside Bengal. Mukherjee's poetic and detailed narration, coupled with his impeccable choice of words, beautifully adorned every aspect of the story, vividly bringing to life the experiences of an expatriate Bengali family. The author deserves applause for painting a true and relatable picture.
One aspect that particularly struck me was the seamless amalgamation of past and present within the narrative. The exploration of LGBT themes during a time when such discussions were considered taboo added depth to the storyline. The author skilfully justified the flow of the story by drawing parallels with stories from our mythologies that depicted themes of homosexuality and transgender identities.
The characters in the novel are well-crafted, with Rahul, the main character, leaving a lasting impression on me. His inquisitive mind, honest and innocent heart, and pure soul during his school days resonated deeply. While the narrative held together well, I did find some portions repetitive, although they undeniably contributed to the overall cohesion of the plot.
The novel concludes with a satisfying happy ending, yet it leaves the reader with lingering thoughts and dreams to ponder. One character, Shubho, has piqued my curiosity, and I find myself yearning to revisit the story from his perspective. I hope that Kunal Mukherjee might consider exploring Shubho's angle, providing readers with an additional layer to the narrative.
In essence, "My Magical Palace" is a tale of fantasy within reality and reality within fantasy. It is a book that beckons mature and sensible readers who cherish their emotions and dreams. I highly recommend this novel as it not only entertains but also leaves a lasting imprint on the heart and mind.
I recently had the pleasure of reading "My Magical Palace" by Kunal Mukherjee, and I must admit, the book has found a permanent place in my heart. Amidst the chaos of daily life, this novel became my evening refuge, providing a welcome escape into a world that resonated with emotions, understanding, and conflict.
Set against the backdrop of Bengal in the '70s, the novel took me on a nostalgic journey to my childhood days when my family, like the characters in the book, lived as expatriates outside Bengal. Mukherjee's poetic and detailed narration, coupled with his impeccable choice of words, beautifully adorned every aspect of the story, vividly bringing to life the experiences of an expatriate Bengali family. The author deserves applause for painting a true and relatable picture.
One aspect that particularly struck me was the seamless amalgamation of past and present within the narrative. The exploration of LGBT themes during a time when such discussions were considered taboo added depth to the storyline. The author skilfully justified the flow of the story by drawing parallels with stories from our mythologies that depicted themes of homosexuality and transgender identities.
The characters in the novel are well-crafted, with Rahul, the main character, leaving a lasting impression on me. His inquisitive mind, honest and innocent heart, and pure soul during his school days resonated deeply. While the narrative held together well, I did find some portions repetitive, although they undeniably contributed to the overall cohesion of the plot.
The novel concludes with a satisfying happy ending, yet it leaves the reader with lingering thoughts and dreams to ponder. One character, Shubho, has piqued my curiosity, and I find myself yearning to revisit the story from his perspective. I hope that Kunal Mukherjee might consider exploring Shubho's angle, providing readers with an additional layer to the narrative.
In essence, "My Magical Palace" is a tale of fantasy within reality and reality within fantasy. It is a book that beckons mature and sensible readers who cherish their emotions and dreams. I highly recommend this novel as it not only entertains but also leaves a lasting imprint on the heart and mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
This was a slightly different lens on the typical coming-of-age story in that it focused a lot on the shame of being in the closet and the reaction of society and family. Being Indian, it a lot of it really frustrated me because that IS what Indian society is like. Being obsessed with status and image and not really worried about protecting your own family. Things have definitely gotten better with each generation though - it was very nice to see Rahul's mother come around towards the end.
There was a large focus on the Mallika/Salim storyline - which I think was a nice juxtaposition about another type of forbidden love. But I wish there was more focus on Rahul's life.
Random tidbits
- Why is everybody in Rahul's life an asshole? Especially Andrew. 'We all had our issues and we dealt with them'. daferq
- Rahul's father is a dick
- Colonel Uncle is mother, and is definitely also a homoseggshuah
- It ended a bit abruptly. I felt like there should have been more closure in the present day.
- The dialogue felt a bit stiff and mechanical at times - especially between Andrew and Rahul
- So, Andrew and Rahul knew each other for 5 months, moved in together for 1 month, and NONE of Rahul's life came up? OK sure
- Dr Bose is a wack-ass psychiatrist - how the hell can she see homosexuality as a disease/perversion?
- They wanted to EXPEL Rahul because he ALLEGEDLY stole a pen?? Good god girl get a grip
- Mallika is mother. I am so relieved that she managed to escape
- I love how the author used every opportunity to call Mrs Khosla a fatass
There was a large focus on the Mallika/Salim storyline - which I think was a nice juxtaposition about another type of forbidden love. But I wish there was more focus on Rahul's life.
Random tidbits
- Why is everybody in Rahul's life an asshole? Especially Andrew. 'We all had our issues and we dealt with them'. daferq
- Rahul's father is a dick
- Colonel Uncle is mother, and is definitely also a homoseggshuah
- It ended a bit abruptly. I felt like there should have been more closure in the present day.
- The dialogue felt a bit stiff and mechanical at times - especially between Andrew and Rahul
- So, Andrew and Rahul knew each other for 5 months, moved in together for 1 month, and NONE of Rahul's life came up? OK sure
- Dr Bose is a wack-ass psychiatrist - how the hell can she see homosexuality as a disease/perversion?
- They wanted to EXPEL Rahul because he ALLEGEDLY stole a pen?? Good god girl get a grip
- Mallika is mother. I am so relieved that she managed to escape
- I love how the author used every opportunity to call Mrs Khosla a fatass
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
Kunal Mukerhjee's "My Magical Palace" is a riveting piece that is bold, honest, and courageous. It proved, to the ending, to be the perfect way to celebrate National Coming Out Day in 2013 for me. Kunal's book is one of hope, and one that will inspire the next generation. This theme of generations is central to this story as it speaks to familial pain, implicitly. From constraints on a woman to marry the man she loves, to the stigma and societal views on how a family is viewed and defined, the piece speaks to hurt, at the level of family. This hurt, exacerbated by societal pressure, can in fact, become a metaphorical disease, that results in pain as an adult.
Pain is, in fact, the central issue with which the protagonist Rahul grapples. Trauma, multigenerational, and epigenentic, come to life in Kunal's piece as pain is one that can be traced back to childhood, and the relationships in Rahul's life -- his cousin, his cousin's parents, and more broadly, Bengali Brahmin "diasporic society in Hyderabad," as well as the larger socio-political context of post partition Hindu Muslim tensions, almost 30 years afterwards.
The book left me with the feeling of "wow!" Frankly, words are difficult to describe that feeling as this book could come to life in many formats, whether as a play or a movie.
Well done!
Pain is, in fact, the central issue with which the protagonist Rahul grapples. Trauma, multigenerational, and epigenentic, come to life in Kunal's piece as pain is one that can be traced back to childhood, and the relationships in Rahul's life -- his cousin, his cousin's parents, and more broadly, Bengali Brahmin "diasporic society in Hyderabad," as well as the larger socio-political context of post partition Hindu Muslim tensions, almost 30 years afterwards.
The book left me with the feeling of "wow!" Frankly, words are difficult to describe that feeling as this book could come to life in many formats, whether as a play or a movie.
Well done!
May 21, 2013
Finding love through truth
Soumyabrata Gupta
Not often does one come across a book which highlights sensitive issues in a stark yet subtle manner. The society has, for a long time, considered the subject of an individual’s sexual preferences to be a tabooed subject. While heterosexual relationships were (and in many places still ‘are’) considered to be ‘healthy’, the longing for a partner of one’s own sex, was largely considered to be a disease and over the course of time became a subject of ridicule and radical discrimination. History has shown, time and again, people questioning the morality of a person’s preferences and Kunal Mukherjee’s novel My Magical Palace is set in one such controversial milieu.
Rahul is gay and closeted. Far removed from his original home and family, he has found love in the arms of another man, Andrew. However, his ostracized past still haunts him and the fact that his affection lies for another man, remains alienated from his parents. Opening in the middle of his life, as he grapples with revealing his sexual identity to his parents and thus his lover or remaining closeted for life (his parents still send prospective brides and their families to his place), he finds himself getting separated from Andrew who is disgruntled by his lack of courage. Thus begins a contemplative vacillation between the past and present for the protagonist.
Author Kunal Mukherjee weaves in the two time frames in his narration with ease, perhaps taking a page or two from the illustrious Arabian Nights, the protagonist tries to woo back his lover, telling him stories from his past and the reasons behind his inability to disclose his sexual inclination to his traditional family back home. A young boy from Hyderabad and hailing from a conservative Bengali family, Rahul’s life is shrouded in confusion from an early age. Smitten by the larger-than-life Rajesh Khanna, he emulates his idol and secretly writes him love letters, fervently wishing that it were him in Rajesh Khanna’s arms and not the many leading ladies of the 1970s who got to romance him onscreen. A young Rahul, even younger than his class 7 classmates (he had got a double promotion) thus dreams of Rajesh Khanna’s pout and mannerisms, secretly fantasizing himself with the superstar, romancing under Gulmohar trees, just like in the films.
However, matters are more complicated than that. Though he understands his difference from his peers, he has no name for it. It is here that the author’s understanding of the confusion reigning in a child’s mind comes in beautifully. Unable to put a name to his feelings, he grapples in a dark to find answers to his emotions, all the while harbouring a secret crush for his best friend’s elder brother Shubho da. The crush soon culminates in the older boy seducing the young protagonist, and what follows is a torrid sexual affair between the two. The affair, however, is short lived, and an adolescent Rahul’s passionate love letter to the elder boy results in him being shunned, his heart broken and their ‘secret’ dissolved.
What makes Kunal Mukherjee’s novel more interesting is that it is not just about Rahul or Andrew alone. My Magical Palace is startling picture of self realisation in a much broader sense as well. Other characters are woven into the main plotline, each with their own stories to tell, and their own truths to seek. There is the vivacious Mallika didi, who goes beyond societal norms and finds love in a Muslim boy Salim. Her secret is found out and she is married off to live a life of unhappiness with a physically violent husband. Mukherjee, however, emancipates Mallika in so much as to get her reconciled with her lover, albeit after a prolonged suffering at the hands of her husband and the society. Then there is Colonel Uncle and the protagonist’s sister Rani, each with their little tale to tell along with a horde of other smaller characters who form crucial little parts in creating the big picture.
My Magical Palace is also a wonderful portrait of the mindset of the society of the 1970s. There is a general distaste towards alternate sexuality, with one particular homosexual boy being forced to undergo electric shocks, to ‘cure’ him; as is there a general aversion and enmity between the Hindus and the Muslims. The character of Rahul has been wonderfully etched by the author and his understanding of the child psychology is fascinating, to say the least. The moments of affection shown between the two boys has been captured with a certain degree of subtlety and Rahul’s fear at the prospects of his sexual inclination getting discovered has been poignantly put forth by the author. But most of all it is the author’s relationship with his palace which makes the most riveting read of all. The place he considers to be the closest to him, associating all his lifelong memories, dreams, love and heart shattering truths with — the loss of which created a void in his life which has seemingly taken a long time to fill. The palace, magical for him, in a sense symbolises the young protagonists childhood, the sudden loss of which through his guilt ridden adolescent years had shattered him beyond repair.
In retrospect, perhaps the relationship as shown between Andrew and Rahul could have been delved into a bit more. However the novel ends with their reconciliation and Rahul’s self realisation. Our protagonist finally garners enough courage to reveal his sexual orientation to the charge of a prospective bride. Alas! It is still looked upon as a disease beyond cure and indeed seemingly enough the world has a long way to go before becoming truly understanding, but Mukherjee’s novel is wonderful in its portrayal of a life hidden behind the curtains of normalcy. If anything, it is a great start for readers to understand an existence that many have never before given a second thought to.
( as appearing in The Bengal Post newspaper on September 23, 2012)
Soumyabrata Gupta
Not often does one come across a book which highlights sensitive issues in a stark yet subtle manner. The society has, for a long time, considered the subject of an individual’s sexual preferences to be a tabooed subject. While heterosexual relationships were (and in many places still ‘are’) considered to be ‘healthy’, the longing for a partner of one’s own sex, was largely considered to be a disease and over the course of time became a subject of ridicule and radical discrimination. History has shown, time and again, people questioning the morality of a person’s preferences and Kunal Mukherjee’s novel My Magical Palace is set in one such controversial milieu.
Rahul is gay and closeted. Far removed from his original home and family, he has found love in the arms of another man, Andrew. However, his ostracized past still haunts him and the fact that his affection lies for another man, remains alienated from his parents. Opening in the middle of his life, as he grapples with revealing his sexual identity to his parents and thus his lover or remaining closeted for life (his parents still send prospective brides and their families to his place), he finds himself getting separated from Andrew who is disgruntled by his lack of courage. Thus begins a contemplative vacillation between the past and present for the protagonist.
Author Kunal Mukherjee weaves in the two time frames in his narration with ease, perhaps taking a page or two from the illustrious Arabian Nights, the protagonist tries to woo back his lover, telling him stories from his past and the reasons behind his inability to disclose his sexual inclination to his traditional family back home. A young boy from Hyderabad and hailing from a conservative Bengali family, Rahul’s life is shrouded in confusion from an early age. Smitten by the larger-than-life Rajesh Khanna, he emulates his idol and secretly writes him love letters, fervently wishing that it were him in Rajesh Khanna’s arms and not the many leading ladies of the 1970s who got to romance him onscreen. A young Rahul, even younger than his class 7 classmates (he had got a double promotion) thus dreams of Rajesh Khanna’s pout and mannerisms, secretly fantasizing himself with the superstar, romancing under Gulmohar trees, just like in the films.
However, matters are more complicated than that. Though he understands his difference from his peers, he has no name for it. It is here that the author’s understanding of the confusion reigning in a child’s mind comes in beautifully. Unable to put a name to his feelings, he grapples in a dark to find answers to his emotions, all the while harbouring a secret crush for his best friend’s elder brother Shubho da. The crush soon culminates in the older boy seducing the young protagonist, and what follows is a torrid sexual affair between the two. The affair, however, is short lived, and an adolescent Rahul’s passionate love letter to the elder boy results in him being shunned, his heart broken and their ‘secret’ dissolved.
What makes Kunal Mukherjee’s novel more interesting is that it is not just about Rahul or Andrew alone. My Magical Palace is startling picture of self realisation in a much broader sense as well. Other characters are woven into the main plotline, each with their own stories to tell, and their own truths to seek. There is the vivacious Mallika didi, who goes beyond societal norms and finds love in a Muslim boy Salim. Her secret is found out and she is married off to live a life of unhappiness with a physically violent husband. Mukherjee, however, emancipates Mallika in so much as to get her reconciled with her lover, albeit after a prolonged suffering at the hands of her husband and the society. Then there is Colonel Uncle and the protagonist’s sister Rani, each with their little tale to tell along with a horde of other smaller characters who form crucial little parts in creating the big picture.
My Magical Palace is also a wonderful portrait of the mindset of the society of the 1970s. There is a general distaste towards alternate sexuality, with one particular homosexual boy being forced to undergo electric shocks, to ‘cure’ him; as is there a general aversion and enmity between the Hindus and the Muslims. The character of Rahul has been wonderfully etched by the author and his understanding of the child psychology is fascinating, to say the least. The moments of affection shown between the two boys has been captured with a certain degree of subtlety and Rahul’s fear at the prospects of his sexual inclination getting discovered has been poignantly put forth by the author. But most of all it is the author’s relationship with his palace which makes the most riveting read of all. The place he considers to be the closest to him, associating all his lifelong memories, dreams, love and heart shattering truths with — the loss of which created a void in his life which has seemingly taken a long time to fill. The palace, magical for him, in a sense symbolises the young protagonists childhood, the sudden loss of which through his guilt ridden adolescent years had shattered him beyond repair.
In retrospect, perhaps the relationship as shown between Andrew and Rahul could have been delved into a bit more. However the novel ends with their reconciliation and Rahul’s self realisation. Our protagonist finally garners enough courage to reveal his sexual orientation to the charge of a prospective bride. Alas! It is still looked upon as a disease beyond cure and indeed seemingly enough the world has a long way to go before becoming truly understanding, but Mukherjee’s novel is wonderful in its portrayal of a life hidden behind the curtains of normalcy. If anything, it is a great start for readers to understand an existence that many have never before given a second thought to.
( as appearing in The Bengal Post newspaper on September 23, 2012)
December 3, 2021
This is truly a magical book and one I could not put down from the very start. It deals with the topic of "coming out" in a culture that is intolerant to such things - a topic that resonates with me in a very personal and profound way. Mukherjee's poetic style paints vivid pictures in the mind of the reader so one easily sees life through the eyes of this young boy. I could hear the sounds of the birds and monkeys, smell the delicious aroma of the food cooking and feel the desperation and heartache of the young boy as he tries to hide the most beautiful aspects of his persona. This book is a work of art that made me laugh, made me angry and made me cry. This is the type of book that would easily be translated into a movie for wider distribution. It deals with a very timely and relevant topic beautifully worded into a provocative and very relatable story. I would highly recommend it.
September 2, 2017
I somehow expected something more dramatic to have happened in this book. Having been exposed to some of the subplot elements in Hindi films (like the protagonist Rahul), it didn't stir me as much as I had hoped for. But I have to admit I love the relationships Rahul shares with his sister Rani and his Mallika Didi (incidentally, their names mean 'Queen').
On one hand, the novel is really about Mallika Didi and her journey. But it's also Rahul's, and how his life in his own Garden of Eden is rocked by external forces. And that's what I liked about this book -- it doesn't focus simply on Rahul's gay relationship; it takes on everything else that patriarchy in Indian society frowns upon.
On one hand, the novel is really about Mallika Didi and her journey. But it's also Rahul's, and how his life in his own Garden of Eden is rocked by external forces. And that's what I liked about this book -- it doesn't focus simply on Rahul's gay relationship; it takes on everything else that patriarchy in Indian society frowns upon.
May 25, 2025
The Storytelling model didn’t cut it for me as it seemed forced just to introduce one other setting. Furthermore, too much telling, not enough showing. Essentially, a moving story but with the protagonist’s struggles underscored that often, he started seeming a little bit entitled, and the plot, a tad repetitive.
April 27, 2026
Lovely and evocative of 70s India and being a young, scared, closeted gay teenager.
September 3, 2020
Great read
Page turner historical novel about growing up in a fast changing India - and its impact on the hearts and lives of those who need to leave to live the life they are meant to live. Once you start reading you won’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more books by Kunal.
Page turner historical novel about growing up in a fast changing India - and its impact on the hearts and lives of those who need to leave to live the life they are meant to live. Once you start reading you won’t put it down. Looking forward to reading more books by Kunal.
Read
August 9, 2013“Pay Attention, Rahul!” A resounding slap on the side of my head accompanied that whip-like warning as Mr Swaminathan glared at me. A little later, we are told that the teacher “had slapped me into harsh reality.”
A harsh reality is what our child narrator is thrust into, not only at school, but in his family, his city, Hyderabad of 1973. Rahul’s sister, two years older, bosses him around, while his father endlessly expects him to be top in his class. Schoolmates, jealous perhaps, sensing Rahul’s lack of interest in girls or sports, tease him so cruelly that he fears being subjected to electroshock to ‘cure’ him of his sexual orientation, as happened to a friend of his. The pressures he’s submitted to grow as he does, while neighborly gossip adds to his anxiety.
This novel explores the dangers of social conforming, and non-conformity. What options does a boy have, who wants to honor his parents, fearing the loss of face the whole family would be exposed to if anyone found out he was gay? What options does a young girl have, when her parents, because of their culture and history, treat her like disposable property when they so choose?
Parallel to Rahul story’s is that of Mallika,daughter of family friends, whom he loves as an older sister. In college, she and a Muslim student fall in love.This abomination, according to the beliefs, culture of her parents and the history of two feuding religions, is so unforgivable that soon Mallika is married off to someone else. Rahul’s mother tries to convince him that it is for the best, until she discovers that Mallika’s husband is an resentful, brutal man who humiliates and beats Mallika.
Both Mallika and Rahul’s fathers insist on complete adherence to their decisions. The mothers of the young people are more sympathetic to their children, though often powerless to protect them, since they too used to be their parents’ property, trained to believe that total abnegation and obedience to their husband is their lot. However educated or intelligent, women have no major decision-making power. Once married, their role is limited to running the house, catering to their husband’s needs, cooking, entertaining, and raising theiroffsprings the way they themselves were raised in the case of daughters, or according to their husband’s dictates in case of sons.
Rahul’s mother finds it in her heart to bend the rules on exceptional occasions, risking the wrath of the family patriarch.
Rahul’s childhood abruptly comes to an end when his family must leave the magnificent but crumbling palace where he and his sister grew up, a fitting symbol perhaps, of the need for
new structures, new rules and new beginnings. The palace is to be torn down for industrial reasons. A single person, whose presence is intermittent at the palace, unfailingly accepts Rahul for who he is, helping him to believe in himself, and follow his heart.
Rahul,though he lives in a splendidhistoric palace is no privileged child. He looses relationships because of inflexible rules he is powerless to change. He must accept deceptions and lies of other people who hope to avoid punishment. He, in turn, learns to lie to hide his true self –– a well-anchored habit that severely compromises his chance at a loving adult relationship.
The sense of place in this tale is beautifully rendered, with the striking contrast between the lush nature around the palace, with its mango trees, papaya grove, lake, monkeys and bats, and the repression imposed by authority figures. The characters are convincing, living under an expanding threats. The style is fluid, poetic at times, and affecting. I loved Rahul. I trembled for him, I hoped with him. I felt his isolation, his hunger for acceptance, his fears. I also admired his endurance.
My quibbles are few. I wish the Bengali quotes were translated into English, that the dishes mentioned were given some explanation, if only to indicate whether savory or sweet, spicy or mild, and that we be told the major ingredients used for special occasions. I would love a brief description of some items of vegetation. A gulmohar tree ––I found out from a relative raised in India––is a beautiful tree with great, colorful and perfumed flowers.
All in all, this is a moving story well told. Long live Rahul!
A harsh reality is what our child narrator is thrust into, not only at school, but in his family, his city, Hyderabad of 1973. Rahul’s sister, two years older, bosses him around, while his father endlessly expects him to be top in his class. Schoolmates, jealous perhaps, sensing Rahul’s lack of interest in girls or sports, tease him so cruelly that he fears being subjected to electroshock to ‘cure’ him of his sexual orientation, as happened to a friend of his. The pressures he’s submitted to grow as he does, while neighborly gossip adds to his anxiety.
This novel explores the dangers of social conforming, and non-conformity. What options does a boy have, who wants to honor his parents, fearing the loss of face the whole family would be exposed to if anyone found out he was gay? What options does a young girl have, when her parents, because of their culture and history, treat her like disposable property when they so choose?
Parallel to Rahul story’s is that of Mallika,daughter of family friends, whom he loves as an older sister. In college, she and a Muslim student fall in love.This abomination, according to the beliefs, culture of her parents and the history of two feuding religions, is so unforgivable that soon Mallika is married off to someone else. Rahul’s mother tries to convince him that it is for the best, until she discovers that Mallika’s husband is an resentful, brutal man who humiliates and beats Mallika.
Both Mallika and Rahul’s fathers insist on complete adherence to their decisions. The mothers of the young people are more sympathetic to their children, though often powerless to protect them, since they too used to be their parents’ property, trained to believe that total abnegation and obedience to their husband is their lot. However educated or intelligent, women have no major decision-making power. Once married, their role is limited to running the house, catering to their husband’s needs, cooking, entertaining, and raising theiroffsprings the way they themselves were raised in the case of daughters, or according to their husband’s dictates in case of sons.
Rahul’s mother finds it in her heart to bend the rules on exceptional occasions, risking the wrath of the family patriarch.
Rahul’s childhood abruptly comes to an end when his family must leave the magnificent but crumbling palace where he and his sister grew up, a fitting symbol perhaps, of the need for
new structures, new rules and new beginnings. The palace is to be torn down for industrial reasons. A single person, whose presence is intermittent at the palace, unfailingly accepts Rahul for who he is, helping him to believe in himself, and follow his heart.
Rahul,though he lives in a splendidhistoric palace is no privileged child. He looses relationships because of inflexible rules he is powerless to change. He must accept deceptions and lies of other people who hope to avoid punishment. He, in turn, learns to lie to hide his true self –– a well-anchored habit that severely compromises his chance at a loving adult relationship.
The sense of place in this tale is beautifully rendered, with the striking contrast between the lush nature around the palace, with its mango trees, papaya grove, lake, monkeys and bats, and the repression imposed by authority figures. The characters are convincing, living under an expanding threats. The style is fluid, poetic at times, and affecting. I loved Rahul. I trembled for him, I hoped with him. I felt his isolation, his hunger for acceptance, his fears. I also admired his endurance.
My quibbles are few. I wish the Bengali quotes were translated into English, that the dishes mentioned were given some explanation, if only to indicate whether savory or sweet, spicy or mild, and that we be told the major ingredients used for special occasions. I would love a brief description of some items of vegetation. A gulmohar tree ––I found out from a relative raised in India––is a beautiful tree with great, colorful and perfumed flowers.
All in all, this is a moving story well told. Long live Rahul!
November 12, 2015
I’ve been fascinated by India ever since I got my hands on an old copy of “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling when I was nine or ten. So when I read the blurb of “My Magical Palace”, I just had to have it.
First of all, this is not a love story. It’s a coming of age story, with just a tiny hint of romance. Of course there’s the first love and Rahul is in a relationship when he starts telling his story, but those are just two of many important details about Rahul’s story.
Rahul, a young man who grew up in India and now lives with his boyfriend in America. He isn’t out to his parents, so when they once again send him a woman that they think would make a great wife, he asks Andrew to leave the apartment for the evening. Andrew is understandably pissed and threatens to dump Rahul, if he doesn’t come out to his parents right now. So Rahul starts telling the story of the year that changed his life. How he slowly turned from the little boy who was afraid to go upstairs, because his older sister told him there were ghosts at the top of the stairs, to the mature teenager, who has to keep his sexuality hidden and who has lost so many things in such a short time that it changed him forever.
I absolutely loved every single second of this book. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I’d seen the palace with my own eyes. It sounds like such a beautiful place. The author managed to describe everything in great detail, without it ever getting boring or feeling like an info-dump.
The Indian setting was incredibly well written. If you aren’t very familiar with the Indian culture, you’ll be hitting Google a lot. The author doesn’t bother to explain things like food or clothes and even though I didn’t know a lot of those things, I loved that. Explanations like that tend to pull me out of a story and I don’t mind if I don’t just what they’re eating. The author grew up in Hyderabad and it’s obvious that he really knows what he’s writing about from personal experience and not just from research.
I was so engrossed in Rahul’s world that I felt a bit of a culture shock every time I was forced to surface from his story and found myself in cold, monotonous Europe.
Rahul was immediately likeable. It was very easy to relate to him, even though his life is nothing like my own. I felt strongly for pretty much every somewhat important character in this book. I was at times deliriously happy, utterly depressed, incredibly pressured and absolutely terrified. Once or twice I was even close to tears.
The plot was addicting and unpredictable. I wasn’t sure whether Rahul and Andrew would actually manage to rescue their relationship till the very last chapter. Rahul’s childhood was full of unexpected twists and turns and it never once got boring.
But “My Magical Palace” is so much more than just a deeply enjoyable novel. It has taught me a lot about the life of gay men in India. I’ve read plenty of books about women in India, but this is the first one with a gay protagonist. It was very educating, but it never felt like the author was trying to force me to learn something.
I do have one very tiny niggle, however. Everybody gets their resolution in the end. Everybody but Rani. We never learn what happened to the grown up Rani. I would’ve loved to know if she managed to escape the strict expectations her family and tradition put on her.
Long story short, “My Magical Palace” is a hidden gem that deserves a huge audience. Read it and I’m sure you’ll agree with me.
And now I want a story about Rahul’s neighbour Colonel Uncle and his Italian lover. Colonel Uncle was my favourite character and his story needs to be told.
First of all, this is not a love story. It’s a coming of age story, with just a tiny hint of romance. Of course there’s the first love and Rahul is in a relationship when he starts telling his story, but those are just two of many important details about Rahul’s story.
Rahul, a young man who grew up in India and now lives with his boyfriend in America. He isn’t out to his parents, so when they once again send him a woman that they think would make a great wife, he asks Andrew to leave the apartment for the evening. Andrew is understandably pissed and threatens to dump Rahul, if he doesn’t come out to his parents right now. So Rahul starts telling the story of the year that changed his life. How he slowly turned from the little boy who was afraid to go upstairs, because his older sister told him there were ghosts at the top of the stairs, to the mature teenager, who has to keep his sexuality hidden and who has lost so many things in such a short time that it changed him forever.
I absolutely loved every single second of this book. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I’d seen the palace with my own eyes. It sounds like such a beautiful place. The author managed to describe everything in great detail, without it ever getting boring or feeling like an info-dump.
The Indian setting was incredibly well written. If you aren’t very familiar with the Indian culture, you’ll be hitting Google a lot. The author doesn’t bother to explain things like food or clothes and even though I didn’t know a lot of those things, I loved that. Explanations like that tend to pull me out of a story and I don’t mind if I don’t just what they’re eating. The author grew up in Hyderabad and it’s obvious that he really knows what he’s writing about from personal experience and not just from research.
I was so engrossed in Rahul’s world that I felt a bit of a culture shock every time I was forced to surface from his story and found myself in cold, monotonous Europe.
Rahul was immediately likeable. It was very easy to relate to him, even though his life is nothing like my own. I felt strongly for pretty much every somewhat important character in this book. I was at times deliriously happy, utterly depressed, incredibly pressured and absolutely terrified. Once or twice I was even close to tears.
The plot was addicting and unpredictable. I wasn’t sure whether Rahul and Andrew would actually manage to rescue their relationship till the very last chapter. Rahul’s childhood was full of unexpected twists and turns and it never once got boring.
But “My Magical Palace” is so much more than just a deeply enjoyable novel. It has taught me a lot about the life of gay men in India. I’ve read plenty of books about women in India, but this is the first one with a gay protagonist. It was very educating, but it never felt like the author was trying to force me to learn something.
I do have one very tiny niggle, however. Everybody gets their resolution in the end. Everybody but Rani. We never learn what happened to the grown up Rani. I would’ve loved to know if she managed to escape the strict expectations her family and tradition put on her.
Long story short, “My Magical Palace” is a hidden gem that deserves a huge audience. Read it and I’m sure you’ll agree with me.
And now I want a story about Rahul’s neighbour Colonel Uncle and his Italian lover. Colonel Uncle was my favourite character and his story needs to be told.
February 26, 2020
Made a very easy and beautiful read.
No over-the-top Characters, no unnecessary emotional drama and no larger-than-life portrayal of how Sexuality and Gender Roles are perceived in India.
Struggles are real and so are the fears ...And very relevant even within the educated class of our society.
Must Read.
No over-the-top Characters, no unnecessary emotional drama and no larger-than-life portrayal of how Sexuality and Gender Roles are perceived in India.
Struggles are real and so are the fears ...And very relevant even within the educated class of our society.
Must Read.
September 5, 2020
My Magical Palace by Kunal Mukherjee takes you along on an exciting journey in the 70’s India filled with happiness, loss, challenges, revelations, and, finally, acceptance. We found this novel easy to read, enjoyable and overall well-written.
Andrew discovers that Rahul is entertaining suggestions for an arranged marriage by his family even though he is in a committed relationship with Andrew; and Rahul recounts the events from one year in his childhood to Andrew to explain his actions. This is the frame, the pretext, that allows the story to be told. We found the whole idea of the heartfelt confession to the partner a bit clumsy and pointless; the constant shifting in time took focus away from the main narration and killed the catharsis.
The novel isn’t only about Rahul’s homosexuality, it revolves around a series of rather stereotypical characters taking on everything else that patriarchy in Indian society frowns upon. Things are sometimes over-explained as if addressing a white western reader rather than the desi reader well-versed in these issues.
The main theme of the book is the traditional Indian vision of love as a social institution instead of a personal feeling. Forbidden relationships (being inter-faith, same-sex or divorce) are metaphors for one another, each equally stigmatised. Malika Didi and Salim’s love affair as a Hindu-Muslim couple occupies a big chunk of the book, showing that homosexuality wasn’t the only dangerous path to follow.
Read full review here: http://www.sarbat.net/2020/09/my-magi...
Andrew discovers that Rahul is entertaining suggestions for an arranged marriage by his family even though he is in a committed relationship with Andrew; and Rahul recounts the events from one year in his childhood to Andrew to explain his actions. This is the frame, the pretext, that allows the story to be told. We found the whole idea of the heartfelt confession to the partner a bit clumsy and pointless; the constant shifting in time took focus away from the main narration and killed the catharsis.
The novel isn’t only about Rahul’s homosexuality, it revolves around a series of rather stereotypical characters taking on everything else that patriarchy in Indian society frowns upon. Things are sometimes over-explained as if addressing a white western reader rather than the desi reader well-versed in these issues.
The main theme of the book is the traditional Indian vision of love as a social institution instead of a personal feeling. Forbidden relationships (being inter-faith, same-sex or divorce) are metaphors for one another, each equally stigmatised. Malika Didi and Salim’s love affair as a Hindu-Muslim couple occupies a big chunk of the book, showing that homosexuality wasn’t the only dangerous path to follow.
Read full review here: http://www.sarbat.net/2020/09/my-magi...
February 26, 2014
My Magical Palace is beautifully written, heart wrenching coming of age story of Rahul, a young boy learning about his sexuality and how it affects his life in 1970’s Hyderabad, India. The story begins with an adult Rahul, living in San Francisco with his partner Andrew, as he receives news that his parents are pursuing finding him a bride. This creates a rift in his relationship, as his partner realizes that Rahul is not out to his family. Rahul begins a long tale about growing up in the very structured, class distinct India of the 70’s, trying to explain how his experiences have shaped him.
This really is a powerful story of how difficult it can be to be perceived as ‘different’ by the mainstream culture. Rahul faces the pain of being an outsider/outcast, when he is growing up in a culture where the individual comes last. Much of the story is informed by how important family honor is, and how much family elders control the youth of families in order to preserve tradition/honor. Characters face strict rules about dating, education, class, and arranged marriages. The author packs in both strong and subtle messages about how fear and ignorance cause people to hate what is different, cementing the culture and making being progressive or different dangerous. It’s in this climate that Rahul begins to learn that he is not like other boys, that he is attracted to the male hero in movies instead of the heroine. We see Rahul dealing with his first crush, how beautiful and terrifying it is for him. He struggles to see why so much of much of people’s relationships are controlled by others and by fear/anger. In a world with seemingly zero gay culture, Rahul struggles to understand himself, and has to figure out how he fits in to the world.
This is a very beautiful and heart wrenching story. This author is going on to my must follow list, he is very talented and I am very interested in hearing what else he has to say.
This really is a powerful story of how difficult it can be to be perceived as ‘different’ by the mainstream culture. Rahul faces the pain of being an outsider/outcast, when he is growing up in a culture where the individual comes last. Much of the story is informed by how important family honor is, and how much family elders control the youth of families in order to preserve tradition/honor. Characters face strict rules about dating, education, class, and arranged marriages. The author packs in both strong and subtle messages about how fear and ignorance cause people to hate what is different, cementing the culture and making being progressive or different dangerous. It’s in this climate that Rahul begins to learn that he is not like other boys, that he is attracted to the male hero in movies instead of the heroine. We see Rahul dealing with his first crush, how beautiful and terrifying it is for him. He struggles to see why so much of much of people’s relationships are controlled by others and by fear/anger. In a world with seemingly zero gay culture, Rahul struggles to understand himself, and has to figure out how he fits in to the world.
This is a very beautiful and heart wrenching story. This author is going on to my must follow list, he is very talented and I am very interested in hearing what else he has to say.
Read
July 21, 2015Without doubt this book paints beautiful picture of India in the 70s. The settings are beautifully detailed and very rich.
The characters start off pretty good. However, my feeling as the book progressed was that the main character dd not come off as a 13 year old boy. He struck me as closer to 8 or so. And beyond being naive, he seemed terribly incurious. The story start with him at 13 feeling his first attraction to men. More than a year later, he still has no idea what sex is and has never had an orgasm? Other kids had this information, but he was unable to figure anything out?
It strikes me that sometimes authors forget that their characters are supposed to live beyond the scenes experienced by the reader. If we read 2 or 3 hours of the life of a character, while a year has passed in the story, we expect the character to have done something with the experence in the off-page time. This character did not seem to. He didn't develop greater understanding or perspective, investigate unknown issues, or even play with himself. He was repeatedly victimized by others, yet was surprised every time it happened. He never considered ways to hide his secrets or be more discreet.
Additionally, I felt like the story built up to a tragedy that never materialized. It starts as though he needed to reveal a major trauma that resulted in nightmares and explained his inability to come out to his parents. It ends up as just a description of an unhappy and confusing time of life.
And I thought the boyfriend who prompted the story acted like a jerk (not because of his objection to being hidden, just in the way he spoke and dealt with things).
So I am going to say 3.5 stars. It is worth reading for the visuals. It is an interesting portrait of a culture in which family honor takes precedence over individual needs, and what happens when cultures clash. It also is a sad look at patriarchal societies and the effect they have on women.
The characters start off pretty good. However, my feeling as the book progressed was that the main character dd not come off as a 13 year old boy. He struck me as closer to 8 or so. And beyond being naive, he seemed terribly incurious. The story start with him at 13 feeling his first attraction to men. More than a year later, he still has no idea what sex is and has never had an orgasm? Other kids had this information, but he was unable to figure anything out?
It strikes me that sometimes authors forget that their characters are supposed to live beyond the scenes experienced by the reader. If we read 2 or 3 hours of the life of a character, while a year has passed in the story, we expect the character to have done something with the experence in the off-page time. This character did not seem to. He didn't develop greater understanding or perspective, investigate unknown issues, or even play with himself. He was repeatedly victimized by others, yet was surprised every time it happened. He never considered ways to hide his secrets or be more discreet.
Additionally, I felt like the story built up to a tragedy that never materialized. It starts as though he needed to reveal a major trauma that resulted in nightmares and explained his inability to come out to his parents. It ends up as just a description of an unhappy and confusing time of life.
And I thought the boyfriend who prompted the story acted like a jerk (not because of his objection to being hidden, just in the way he spoke and dealt with things).
So I am going to say 3.5 stars. It is worth reading for the visuals. It is an interesting portrait of a culture in which family honor takes precedence over individual needs, and what happens when cultures clash. It also is a sad look at patriarchal societies and the effect they have on women.
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