Page 128 - EducationWorld May 2022

Books

Inspiring her. But maturity, strength
and resilience comes with
coming-of-age ARZU experiences and over the
Riva Razdan
course of the book, Arzu
story HACHETTE INDIA understands the quali-
Rs.399
ties she needs from her
Pages 276 future partner, whenever
rzu is essentially a that stage arrives. Razdan
coming-of-age sto- presents various suitors for
Ary but the charm of Arzu and how they treat
the book is that it beauti- done in a nuanced manner This book addresses different facets of her, is an
fully captures the process that is serious and enter- complex issues that art in itself.
of growth, change and taining at the same time. concern young girls — The life of privilege
hard work, which can be The importance of marriage and rela- is different in terms of
very difficult to write about family and friends is at tionships, education, surroundings and oppor-
in an interesting way. the core of this story. family and sex tunities but concerns of
Arzu’s efforts to develop Arzu is pampered and the young are universal re-
herself, find fulfillment spoiled by a doting father gardless of background. In
and her place in the world who loves her too much together naturally, making the midst of a fancy New
are especially inspiring and understands her the book an unputdown- York lifestyle, Arzu faces
for young readers trying even more deeply. The able page-turner. The numerous situations which
to figure themselves out. fact that Ajit trusts his language is moderately every girl can relate to.
The book is an unexpected daughter to be indepen- difficult in certain passages She is looking to find her
treat, filled with nuggets dent, despite the mistakes because some themes ne- identity and path in life,
of wisdom, which are eye she might have made in cessitate technical explana- independent of her role as
opening, both for Arzu and the past, is a lesson that tions. her father’s daughter or
reader. should be absorbed by Perhaps the book’s most someone else’s wife. Arzu’s
Razdan has brought a all Indian parents. Arzu’s important feature is Arzu’s determination to achieve
strong female protagonist love and loyalty for her decision of marriage. The this goal and her dedica-
to life in a world that is si- aunt Parul despite their accepted norm of elite girls tion to prove herself with
multaneously fancy and re- polar opposite world views marrying boys of similar her never-back-down at-
alistic. The setting of uber is something to cherish. status and upbringing, and titude is strongly motivat-
rich societies of Mumbai Young girls have enough the expectation of early ing. The book is a refresh-
and New York with conver- problems without adding marriage is questioned ing read for any girl who
sations about travelling in the burden of competi- throughout. needs a pick-me-up or a
Europe, finishing schools tion among themselves, How girls underesti- nudge to push her towards
and debutante balls bring and Arzu’s friendship with mate their own potential achieving her dreams.
an element of fantasy to Sarah and Aparna shows and choose to deny them- ILIKA TRIVEDI (The Book
the book, reminding this the importance of female selves ambition despite Review)
reviewer of the phase when bonding. belonging to privileged
she followed Gossip Girl Set in the newly families is brought up
on television. globalising India of 1991, repeatedly. Contemporary Complex
A strong girl, Arzu goes the book sharply ad- girls can derive inspiration
through her fair share of dresses India’s political from this story. If Arzu relationship
troubles, heartbreaks and and economic climate. can fight the expectations
confusion, transforming The disparate threads of of society in young age, eeping in Touch
into an even stronger and complicated concepts such girls can surely stand up by award-winning
bolder young woman. The as the country’s economic for their beliefs and goals Knovelist Anjali Jo-
book addresses complex reforms, corrupt licence today. seph is a love story center-
issues that concern young raj, political personali- Another important les- ing around Keteki Sharma
girls — marriage and ties of the time, the media son is choosing the right and Ved Ved in their 30s
relationships, friends and and business atmosphere, marriage partner. Arzu’s living hectic, jet-set lives.
beauty standards, educa- are woven seamlessly. poor decision making Though it’s love at first
tion and family, sex and The pacing of the book is when it comes to relation- sight for Ved, when he sees
virginity. And all of this is perfect, and chapters flow ships has an impact on Keteki at London’s Heath-

128 EDUCATIONWORLD MAY 2022