What do you think?
Rate this book
Journey to Ithaca
A stirring and profound novel of spiritual quests and emotional exile. Young and in love, Sophie and Matteo share a dissatisfaction with their bourgeois upbringing and a yearning for spiritual fulfillment that brings them, like so many others, to India. But the realities of life on an ashram magnify the lovers’ differences. Pragmatic Sophie is horrified and disillusioned by the poverty and hardships they encounter; Matteo, a dreamer, sees only the purity of ascetic life. Eventually his personal search leads him away from Sophie and toward the Mother, a charismatic guru. In an effort to reclaim Matteo, Sophie embarks on her own journey for the truth about the Mother’s mysterious past. What these three people discover is at the heart of this masterful novel—that wisdom is found in the journey itself, and not at its destination.
“The richest and subtlest of her novels . . . Desai’s ‘truth’ is a peacock’s tail. Long after I closed this beautiful book, I watched the iridescent colors change, and change again.”— San Francisco Chronicle
“As always, Ms. Desai writes with intelligence and power. She has a remarkable eye for substance, the things that give life its texture.”— San Francisco Chronicle
“The richest and subtlest of her novels . . . Desai’s ‘truth’ is a peacock’s tail. Long after I closed this beautiful book, I watched the iridescent colors change, and change again.”— San Francisco Chronicle
“As always, Ms. Desai writes with intelligence and power. She has a remarkable eye for substance, the things that give life its texture.”— San Francisco Chronicle
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
20 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Anita Desai
81 books907 followersAnita Desai was born in 1937. Her published works include adult novels, children's books and short stories. She is a member of the Advisory Board for English of the National Academy of Letters in Delhi and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in London. Anita Mazumdar Desai is an Indian novelist and Emeritus John E. Burchard Professor of Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has been shortlisted for the Booker prize three times. Her daughter, the author Kiran Desai, is the winner of the 2006 Booker prize.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 14, 2022
I have long thought that Anita Desai is one of the best novelists from India. It helps that she writes in English (like R K Narayan, my favorite) and so doesn't have to run the translation gauntlet. Journey To Ithaca tells two interlinked tales. In the first, a European couple -- Matteo and Sophie -- go to India for spiritual enlightenment. Going from ashram to ashram, both of them become increasingly ill; and Sophie having given birth to a child, wants to return to Europe. Matteo, however, is intent on continuing his quest.
They manage to stay together, going to an ashram within view of the mountains, run by a female guru known only as Mother, based on a real guru named Mira Alfassa (1878-1973). Matteo is completely entranced, but Sophie takes her two children (yes, another was born) and returns to Europe with them, leaving Matteo behind.
The second story consists of Sophie's attempt to find out all she can about The Mother. Curiously, she was born in Egypt and, while in France, became entranced by an Indian dance troupe run by a man named Krishna. She ends up somewhat like Sophie, but breaks through and achieves enlightenment.
I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book, which is worth reading. Be sure to read the poems by Constantine Cavafy and Federico Garcia Lorca that are quoted in their entirety.
They manage to stay together, going to an ashram within view of the mountains, run by a female guru known only as Mother, based on a real guru named Mira Alfassa (1878-1973). Matteo is completely entranced, but Sophie takes her two children (yes, another was born) and returns to Europe with them, leaving Matteo behind.
The second story consists of Sophie's attempt to find out all she can about The Mother. Curiously, she was born in Egypt and, while in France, became entranced by an Indian dance troupe run by a man named Krishna. She ends up somewhat like Sophie, but breaks through and achieves enlightenment.
I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book, which is worth reading. Be sure to read the poems by Constantine Cavafy and Federico Garcia Lorca that are quoted in their entirety.
February 17, 2017
I absolutely am in LOVE with this lady’s works. Every time I think that things can’t get better and that one of these days one of her books will not be able to live up to the expectation that I associate with her name… She just goes ahead and proves me wrong every single time!
‘Journey to Itchaca’ is the story of a European couple, Matteo and Sophie. They have travelled to India to seeking spiritual enlightenment. While Matteo chooses to believe in everything he discovers and is told by the Swamijis, Sophie takes a more logical approach to everything that is offered to her. She is more of a believer of love which is why she is willing to follow Matteo to every corner of the earth even though their beliefs and needs are so different at this point. The story also covers the life and journey of a spiritual lady who the couple are introduced to as the ‘Mother’. The couple’s differences are magnified with the entry of the ‘Mother’ whose life isn’t that different from theirs. Originally from Cairo, the ‘Mother’ had found her way to India. India was the first place where she felt peace and perfection in life – something her previous life in other countries did not have to offer her.
On one hand the story gives us a look into the life of a couple who are bonded yet broken through their needs. On the other hand is a look into the lives of many foreigners who traveled to Indian Ashrams looking for spiritual enlightenment. On the other hand is again the story of the ‘Mother’ a simple girl from Cairo and her journey to India through American and European countries. Then again there is Sophie’s own quest to prove the ‘Mother’ as a fraud and to get to see Matteo the truth in her eyes. Anita Desai has yet again woven a beautiful story with the threads of human nature and their psyche bringing together ordinary characters with somewhat similar stories.
Her prose is as beautiful as ever in this book. The unexpected, some would say unresolved, ending was a surprise. For me the ending was what sealed the deal… Sometimes it is just better that way – not knowing what really happens next and leave it up to the readers to make out an ending.
‘Journey to Itchaca’ is the story of a European couple, Matteo and Sophie. They have travelled to India to seeking spiritual enlightenment. While Matteo chooses to believe in everything he discovers and is told by the Swamijis, Sophie takes a more logical approach to everything that is offered to her. She is more of a believer of love which is why she is willing to follow Matteo to every corner of the earth even though their beliefs and needs are so different at this point. The story also covers the life and journey of a spiritual lady who the couple are introduced to as the ‘Mother’. The couple’s differences are magnified with the entry of the ‘Mother’ whose life isn’t that different from theirs. Originally from Cairo, the ‘Mother’ had found her way to India. India was the first place where she felt peace and perfection in life – something her previous life in other countries did not have to offer her.
On one hand the story gives us a look into the life of a couple who are bonded yet broken through their needs. On the other hand is a look into the lives of many foreigners who traveled to Indian Ashrams looking for spiritual enlightenment. On the other hand is again the story of the ‘Mother’ a simple girl from Cairo and her journey to India through American and European countries. Then again there is Sophie’s own quest to prove the ‘Mother’ as a fraud and to get to see Matteo the truth in her eyes. Anita Desai has yet again woven a beautiful story with the threads of human nature and their psyche bringing together ordinary characters with somewhat similar stories.
Her prose is as beautiful as ever in this book. The unexpected, some would say unresolved, ending was a surprise. For me the ending was what sealed the deal… Sometimes it is just better that way – not knowing what really happens next and leave it up to the readers to make out an ending.
July 26, 2011
Having recently been reminded of my previous liking for Anita Desai when I read 'Clear light of Day' I pounced on this one while at the library with the school children that I work with. However I have been really disappointed by it, and ultimately didn't really know what Anita Desai was getting at.
In a novel about the journey's people take to find contentment or some sort of enlightenment, there are times when it almost feels like a (non funny) satire on the westerners that travelled to the Ashrams of India during the 70's. However it is also the story of a fractured relationship between two people who are thoroughly unsympathetic, and I failed to care about at all. Naturally Anita Desai's writing is beautiful, extremely evocative of time and place. Overall though I found this a bit tedious and confusing.
In a novel about the journey's people take to find contentment or some sort of enlightenment, there are times when it almost feels like a (non funny) satire on the westerners that travelled to the Ashrams of India during the 70's. However it is also the story of a fractured relationship between two people who are thoroughly unsympathetic, and I failed to care about at all. Naturally Anita Desai's writing is beautiful, extremely evocative of time and place. Overall though I found this a bit tedious and confusing.
February 2, 2017
Librarians know that it is super hard to recommend exactly the right book for someone else. The person who recommended this to me was sure I would really like it. And from the viewpoint that I have always been interested in India and enjoy reading about India, the impulse made perfect sense. And maybe I'm glad I read it for the inside view of ashrams, and the whole phenomenon of Westerners (especially young Boomers) as seekers of truth there. I kept imagining a young Steve Jobs in an ashram. However, I am a stickler for a satisfying plot; I'm a sucker for admirable characters; and I really hate books with no satisfying ending. So...thumbs down!
April 27, 2013
Masterfully written. I enjoyed the book, although while reading the middle part, I had doubts.
Initially only Matteo and Sophie’s characters were coming up as real and well formed. But Laila stays some mystic, unnatural, poorly based one till her diary comes up at the very end.
“…They say I hurt their feelings, but what did they do to mine? They assaulted them, they crucified them. They have sinned. I am no sinner. My dwelling place is not in sin and suffering but in truth and beauty”
I felt that none of the three main characters found or achieved what they were seeking in India, but Laila alone decided that her long delayed journey has to be ended and embraced what at her hand as the truth and beauty she was looking for. There is a slight hint that Matteo also may have made his much delayed arrival…. Or is it that Giacomo is going to start his? I would never know.
Initially only Matteo and Sophie’s characters were coming up as real and well formed. But Laila stays some mystic, unnatural, poorly based one till her diary comes up at the very end.
“…They say I hurt their feelings, but what did they do to mine? They assaulted them, they crucified them. They have sinned. I am no sinner. My dwelling place is not in sin and suffering but in truth and beauty”
I felt that none of the three main characters found or achieved what they were seeking in India, but Laila alone decided that her long delayed journey has to be ended and embraced what at her hand as the truth and beauty she was looking for. There is a slight hint that Matteo also may have made his much delayed arrival…. Or is it that Giacomo is going to start his? I would never know.
November 27, 2016
The novelist seems to be wanting to express India as a pure land where all the pain, problems and tragedies gets vanished in the lap of Nature.
The concept and characters were really good and were chosen very wisely. But the author was not able to present them properly. The narration and dialogues are very boring and unnatural. The story seems to be uselessly lengthened and losses it's pace at a lot of points.
If expressed well, the story would have been very nice as I already said, the concept was really good.
Overall not recommend.
The concept and characters were really good and were chosen very wisely. But the author was not able to present them properly. The narration and dialogues are very boring and unnatural. The story seems to be uselessly lengthened and losses it's pace at a lot of points.
If expressed well, the story would have been very nice as I already said, the concept was really good.
Overall not recommend.
August 8, 2012
Thoroughly annoying. It began well enough but soon tailed off into gimmicky, improbable literary devices. It seemed to me to be overwritten (basically too many words) and lacking in discipline. What is the author or the implied author saying here? All this searching for enlightenment by thoroughly unpleasant and selfish people. Give me rationality every time. AND a proper ending, pleaseLl
August 16, 2018
Anita Desai is a brilliant writer but this novel is not her best. The journey of Sophie and Matteo is beautifully described..but it is with Laila's story where the novel loses its hold. Especially the part where Laila meets Krishna was extremely artificial (everything was unrealistic). At some point of time i was not sure what was the point of the story....whose story it was....what was the meaning of it all....!!! I feel in an attempt to capture everything (Indian Canvas).......the novel made nothing out of the story....!!! I was sympathic towards Sophie's character, i could understand her anger and frustration...her despair (during the death of a child at the end of the journey - and matteo's insouciance)...i felt Matteo was a fool to behave in such an irrational manner (leaving his children and wife) and Laila was superficial....!!!! A difficult read for me....!!!!
May 19, 2017
I don't remember much of this book but the setting was haunting and the idea of seeking spiritualism was inspiring and groundbreaking. A lovely book.
[update] Just got around to reading the book again. For any person wishing to understand what beautiful prose looks like, I'd point them to this body of work. Rarely have words been so beautifully strung together- some of the most beautiful metaphors and imagery have been employed here. The story is haunting and ambitious- it literally spans India, Egypt, Paris, Venice, New York, and a host of other smaller, less relevant cities. The theme is problematic- it is about seeking a spiritual oneness with the greater good of the universe, it is also about the sardonic response to it, something I resonate with very much. Yet, as the introduction by Daniyal points out, though Desai employs dispassion towards the characters, there is still a reality to them, so when they are describing the need for spiritual fulfillment it is hard to be wholly dismissive of it, or when the characters are dismissive of it, it is hard to judge them as people without wings. I left this book with a lot of unanswered questions as I expected from a Desai prose piece, but the characters linger, and finishing the book was painful. Here are some of my personal thoughts on the themes.
1) Intellectual exile. This is something I have felt very often- where you are unable to ever have a conversation with a person because you think on different planes. It's wholly self imposed and there is no reconciling with it- as far as I know. If two people are meant to not have a connection, you leave it to the gods of chance and circumstance. Sophie and Matteo- married and exiled, intellectually. This is one of the relationships I was unable to fathom.
2) Spiritual Oneness. This is absolute non-sense. When I read about the early 1900s when we had the west leaking into the east in search of spiritual enlightenment it guts me, because it is so ridiculous and convenient- to house a notion of something that cannot be explained, proved, or intellectually discussed. This bias made it really hard for me to understand Matteo; though I really wanted to.
3) Children. Sophie and Matteo's two beautiful children are almost awash in their pursuit. Sophie's attitude towards her children bring up the question of what is the ideal relationship between a parent and a child?
4) Jealousy: Can you be "spiritually enlightened" and yet feel earthly emotions of jealousy? The Mother's jealousy, disease induced paranoia, rejected of God led her away from the dance troupe to the moment on the mountaintop where she felt she had received what she was looking for.
[update] Just got around to reading the book again. For any person wishing to understand what beautiful prose looks like, I'd point them to this body of work. Rarely have words been so beautifully strung together- some of the most beautiful metaphors and imagery have been employed here. The story is haunting and ambitious- it literally spans India, Egypt, Paris, Venice, New York, and a host of other smaller, less relevant cities. The theme is problematic- it is about seeking a spiritual oneness with the greater good of the universe, it is also about the sardonic response to it, something I resonate with very much. Yet, as the introduction by Daniyal points out, though Desai employs dispassion towards the characters, there is still a reality to them, so when they are describing the need for spiritual fulfillment it is hard to be wholly dismissive of it, or when the characters are dismissive of it, it is hard to judge them as people without wings. I left this book with a lot of unanswered questions as I expected from a Desai prose piece, but the characters linger, and finishing the book was painful. Here are some of my personal thoughts on the themes.
1) Intellectual exile. This is something I have felt very often- where you are unable to ever have a conversation with a person because you think on different planes. It's wholly self imposed and there is no reconciling with it- as far as I know. If two people are meant to not have a connection, you leave it to the gods of chance and circumstance. Sophie and Matteo- married and exiled, intellectually. This is one of the relationships I was unable to fathom.
2) Spiritual Oneness. This is absolute non-sense. When I read about the early 1900s when we had the west leaking into the east in search of spiritual enlightenment it guts me, because it is so ridiculous and convenient- to house a notion of something that cannot be explained, proved, or intellectually discussed. This bias made it really hard for me to understand Matteo; though I really wanted to.
3) Children. Sophie and Matteo's two beautiful children are almost awash in their pursuit. Sophie's attitude towards her children bring up the question of what is the ideal relationship between a parent and a child?
4) Jealousy: Can you be "spiritually enlightened" and yet feel earthly emotions of jealousy? The Mother's jealousy, disease induced paranoia, rejected of God led her away from the dance troupe to the moment on the mountaintop where she felt she had received what she was looking for.
March 25, 2014
I picked up this one expecting a lot, since I'd heard quite good things about Anita Desai. Unfortunately, I'm thoroughly disappointed. I'm not sure whether it's due to my high expectations or if it's just not my kind of book.
I expected a spiritual journey for the reader along with its characters but this one seems to be going nowhere. Reaching the last page, I realized I had never been as unsatisfied with a book so much as this one. It starts in an intriguing manner. Every time I felt excited about what would happen next, it would just get slower with sad outcomes. Matteo's search as much as Laila's seemed a lost cause.
Now the most disturbing point.. India. Being an Indian who has spent her childhood outside India, my views of my country have varied though my life. But the book portrays it in an outrageous manner. It is just impossible for the country to have been dirty during the 1920's or 1960's. I agree, Bombay has gotten disgusting over the years but during the years described in the book, I know for a fact, that its near impossible. Sure, there are fake "gurus" who are doing what they do for the money. Then again, there are those who are truly enlightened. And I refuse to believe that neither Laila, or Matteo, found even one, at a time when Indians were simple people. Moreover, it felt like either of them were not mature enough to recognize the people they were with. Oh and poor Sophie..her story completely vanished from the picture.
During the end, I expected closure. What I got instead, was restlessness, about the incomplete stories, characters, spirituality, confusion.
All I will say now is.. Don't go for this one if it's spirituality you're looking for!
I expected a spiritual journey for the reader along with its characters but this one seems to be going nowhere. Reaching the last page, I realized I had never been as unsatisfied with a book so much as this one. It starts in an intriguing manner. Every time I felt excited about what would happen next, it would just get slower with sad outcomes. Matteo's search as much as Laila's seemed a lost cause.
Now the most disturbing point.. India. Being an Indian who has spent her childhood outside India, my views of my country have varied though my life. But the book portrays it in an outrageous manner. It is just impossible for the country to have been dirty during the 1920's or 1960's. I agree, Bombay has gotten disgusting over the years but during the years described in the book, I know for a fact, that its near impossible. Sure, there are fake "gurus" who are doing what they do for the money. Then again, there are those who are truly enlightened. And I refuse to believe that neither Laila, or Matteo, found even one, at a time when Indians were simple people. Moreover, it felt like either of them were not mature enough to recognize the people they were with. Oh and poor Sophie..her story completely vanished from the picture.
During the end, I expected closure. What I got instead, was restlessness, about the incomplete stories, characters, spirituality, confusion.
All I will say now is.. Don't go for this one if it's spirituality you're looking for!
August 12, 2011
A descriptive book dealing with the various journeys undertaken by the three main protagonists to various parts of the world and into themselves. It is about the quests that people undertake in order to add meaning to their lives and for their loved ones. It serves as a critique on idol-worship, human-fallibility,clouded reasoning through illogical devotion towards another mortal. Also the characters are very relatable- Matteo-the seeker,a poor husband and father having relegated his duties;Sophie-The pragmatist,the wife,a caring,selfless lover. The book is ultimately about devotion-of the Mother towards her beliefs;of Matteo towards the Mother and of Sophie towards her love for Matteo.
July 5, 2013
My review: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2nC
Journey to Ithaca was an experience that was worth it.The book is a not a very light read, but I liked the concept and the philosophy that I felt was behind the book. The opposite-mentality characters were well brought out and so was the setting of India from the viewpoint of a Westerner, with the magic and the mysticism very prominent. It also brought out the argument between happiness being found with family or spirutal enlightnement well. The main drawback to the book I feel is its pace. and the lack of a proper ending.
Journey to Ithaca was an experience that was worth it.The book is a not a very light read, but I liked the concept and the philosophy that I felt was behind the book. The opposite-mentality characters were well brought out and so was the setting of India from the viewpoint of a Westerner, with the magic and the mysticism very prominent. It also brought out the argument between happiness being found with family or spirutal enlightnement well. The main drawback to the book I feel is its pace. and the lack of a proper ending.
January 2, 2017
The writing flows nicely and gives you a sense of the journey made by three central characters in their quest to essentially find themselves.
Anita's writing style imparts a sense of place ...the smells.. the sounds.
Personally I found it intriguing ..though the ending left me feeling a little bit mistified. But that took nothing away from the journey.
One that I would recommend as a good read!
PS..goes well with a square of chocolate.
Smile,
David
Author of 'The Darlings of Soho'.
Anita's writing style imparts a sense of place ...the smells.. the sounds.
Personally I found it intriguing ..though the ending left me feeling a little bit mistified. But that took nothing away from the journey.
One that I would recommend as a good read!
PS..goes well with a square of chocolate.
Smile,
David
Author of 'The Darlings of Soho'.
January 14, 2013
2013-01-13 -- Unpredictable ending, it felt unresolved to me which perhaps was the author's aim. Angst-ridden and mysterious, it was an intriguing read. Set in some stunning landscapes that added to the storyline significantly, although it was not so much a story about India but of people's search for meaning in their lives.
July 2, 2015
Was there a point to this story other than men really suck? Oh, and Westerners need to stop looking to India for all their mystical spirit fulfilling dreams, painting the whole nation with broad strokes of "ohms" and "gooroos" and then descending into a cloud of ganja when they actually hit the ground.
February 2, 2016
Detailed description of India and the ones who traveled there to find enlightenment, and don't.
Young lovers Sophie and Matteo are dissatisfied with their middle-class upbringing and travel to India in search of spiritual fulfillment, but the realities of life on an ashram intensify the lovers' differences, until they learn that wisdom is found in the journey itself, not its
Young lovers Sophie and Matteo are dissatisfied with their middle-class upbringing and travel to India in search of spiritual fulfillment, but the realities of life on an ashram intensify the lovers' differences, until they learn that wisdom is found in the journey itself, not its
June 20, 2015
The book explores themes similar to many other books originating from the Subcontinent but its approach is unique and different. I always found ashrams to be intriguing and the setting moving into such an ashram and depicting its story appealed to me.
December 27, 2007
When i first read this, i found it exotic and passionate. Now, it's more stale and overthoughtout (whatever thats a word). But it's still a nice, quick read.
March 1, 2008
I really liked this book, and started reading several more by Anita Desai.
Read
March 20, 2019I wanted to talk about this book after I read it, so it definitely stuck with me. In the end, though, I didn't like or admire any of the characters in any way, so I think that kept me at a distance.
June 4, 2011
Well written but I don't like any of the characters very much. They generally annoy me.
September 28, 2011
Painful to get through. I wasn't sure what the point of the plot was exactly. Might be more enjoyable to someone who is interested in the spiritual side of India and gurus. Ended with loose strings.
October 15, 2013
Interesting, thoughtful story about seeking, and sometimes finding, set in europe and india.
September 16, 2014
mysticism of India as seen, experienced and expressed by non-Indians, must be..
November 6, 2016
Always a great journey when you're reading books on pilgrims and finding the true meaning of life!!
January 8, 2023
One of my favourite authors... this one started off a bit slow, but really drew me in after that. Perhaps naive, but I can more or less relate to The Mother and Matteo in the sense that they reject mundane, bland, uncaring (cruel??) daily life and are instead seeking for something divine - at all costs. The author also doesn't "choose a favourite" between Sophie, Matteo and The Mother.
I suppose I will end up reading all of Anita Desai's books.
I suppose I will end up reading all of Anita Desai's books.
September 28, 2023
Out of all the Anita Desai novels I've read, this was my least favourite. It was boring, repetitive and the characters generally uninteresting. The only part I enjoyed was the story of how The Mother grew up, and this didn't come in until the last 50 pages of the book. It's a shame because the first Anita Desai books I read was Fasting, Feasting and it was honestly fantastic. But every one I have read since has been unable to reach those heights. Disappointing
Read
January 15, 2025I have read many of her books with enjoyment, but this is not one of them. I got annoyed at the characters. They were shallow and self-centered. No one seemed genuine who was a major character.
I just didn't feel any connection to these people. What business did they have pretending they were going to learn anything about India? Their attitudes were so Western. Just go somewhere and expect everyone to do what you want.
I just didn't feel any connection to these people. What business did they have pretending they were going to learn anything about India? Their attitudes were so Western. Just go somewhere and expect everyone to do what you want.
May 22, 2021
Quiet brilliant. A great novel of epic scope— representing tragedy, spiritualism, family, and the quest for true love. The language is rich, and at times really stretchy and powerful. The characters are sketched well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews