Set in 19th-century India, it is acclaimed as one of the masterpieces of Gujarati literature. The novel was written over a period of 15 years, with the first volume being published in 1887 and the fourth one in 1901. Spanned about in 2000 pages, the novel was divided into four parts. Thankfully Sahitya Akademi has published an abridged version translated in English by Vinod Meghani
The plot is weak and confusing. To me the hero Saraswatichandra comes across as a weakling scared to be responsible. Time and again he leans on others to help him out without any shame and at the same time take advantage of the situation. The portrayal of women in the book is shocking. The author makes feeble attempt to cloak hero’s utter lethargy and lack of purpose with nationalism and lofty ideals. It is surprising that a mediocre novel written with so much bias and is being hailed as a classic.
I have read it after I got 1 chapter in literature lesson in high school. my experience of it was epic.
Saraswatichandra is my all time favorite in all genre.
I will definitely provide review of it after I read it again. i have read it ..how many times i don't know it in 20 years.
saraswatichandra is unique in many way I can not explain it here in short terms.
I will give you pointers to look ... how other people think about it.
Mahatam Gandhi, who made a careful reading of “Saraswatichandra”, wrote about it thus: "To the first part he gave all his art. The novel is imbued with aesthetic delight; the characterisation is matchless. The second part depicts Hindu society, his art went deeper in the third part, and he gave all that he wished to give to the world in the fourth part."
This is my favourite Novel, I read all four parts and really liked characters Saraswatichandra and Kumud Sundri, But I was disappointed by end. They must met in end..!!
But end is suitable to story, and life always goes like this..!! I wish I could meet Tripathi sir to discuss this....!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
There is some unspeakable charm and joy of reading a well written classic in your native language after so long.
Somehow, when reading it, it doesn't really take you back to that time, rather it feels like the scenarios of the book are the current reality. It's dreamy and in the best way.
Saraswatichandra is a four volume classics written in Gujarati. History is evident of the fact that whatever it has to offer it's mind-blowing in every aspect, the very fact lies in the deep tales of the past which often instill the deepest desires in our heart.
The story is set in late 19th century India which centres around the protagonists Saraswatichandra & Kumud. Saraswatichandra is from a rich lady from a family which basically indulges in business & trades (on shore). He lives in Bombay with his father, step-mother & step-brother whereas Kumud is a talented girl from Suvarnapur living with her parents & her mischievous sister Kusum. As both of them come from well known families, aristocratic lineage to be precise, their match was perfect for an aligned arranged marriage & they wrote letters to each other post their nuptial engagement, they eventually fall for each other. However, their easy going loving days & love story remains short due to some problems which interferes in their jovial lives. What's the problem? Will their love be unrequited? Will they ever meet again? To know the complete story, go & grab the book now.
Cover is beautiful & has been designed well considering it's based on a historical story.
Title is catchy, apt & unique.
Language is simple, easy to understand, riveting & beautiful in every aspect!
A must read in every aspect. Worth appraisal & I recommend it to all the readers!
This book can change reader's vision to the world. It teaches how to accept all kind of situation in life and how to stay calm. नन्द को नन्दन एक आनन्द देत है
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was a pain sitting through the entire book. The author managed to depict the socio-economic situation of 19th Century Gujarat pretty well but I felt the book was more about normalising everything around “What will the society think!”. The characters were written to be good problem solvers who occupy high positions in the society but made the absolute disaster of a solution when it came to the most crucial decisions of their lives. The book name is Saraswatichandra but I felt throughout the entire book Saras made the most questionable choices and Kumud had to live through the consequences. Even though the story is revolving around the main protagonists there were long arcs of irrelevant character building. I felt the book was deeply anti-feminist.
For those who enjoy historical fiction that challenges conventions and explores the complexities of human relationships, Saraswatichandra is a compelling read. It invites the reader to question societal norms and ponder the enduring power of love, even in the face of immense constraints. So, delve into this classic and decide for yourself: is it a happily ever after, or a poignant reflection of societal limitations?
I have read it in gujrati. The Best perfect longest Novel ! Politics, Education, Love, Action, Characters, Reality in composition,The plot twisting and story line and the best Ending ever. And The sanskrit and Gujrati Words to describe characters and beauty. Anyone can fall for it.
Not sure I like the concept of woman sacrificing no matter what. Saraswatichandra came out to be a very weak character who changes his life on whilms of other and also cant resist marrying the sister of his beloved in the name of greater good.
It is wonderful book that currently I am reading. You will get to know a lot about ancient time and the love and pain that was seen it is disastrous. If you are gujarati you should try to read atleast part 1 then if you like you can continue till part 4.
Saraswatichandra is a four volume classics written in Gujarati. History is evident of the fact that whatever it has to offer it's mind-blowing in every aspect, the very fact lies in the deep tales of the past which often instill the deepest desires in our heart.
The story is set in late 19th century India which centres around the protagonists Saraswatichandra & Kumud. Saraswatichandra is from a rich lady from a family which basically indulges in business & trades (on shore). He lives in Bombay with his father, step-mother & step-brother whereas Kumud is a talented girl from Suvarnapur living with her parents & her mischievous sister Kusum. As both of them come from well known families, aristocratic lineage to be precise, their match was perfect for an aligned arranged marriage & they wrote letters to each other post their nuptial engagement, they eventually fall for each other. However, their easy going loving days & love story remains short due to some problems which interferes in their jovial lives. What's the problem? Will their love be unrequited? Will they ever meet again? To know the complete story, go & grab the book now.
Cover is beautiful & has been designed well considering it's based on a historical story.
Title is catchy, apt & unique.
Language is simple, easy to understand, riveting & beautiful in every aspect!
A must read in every aspect. Worth appraisal & I recommend it to all the readers!