Publication
Imprint: Boston : Mariner Books, 2009. Context: Originally published: Orlando : Harcourt, ©2008. Responsibility:
Padma Viswanathan. OCLC Number: 695865021. Physical: Text : 1 volume : 619 pages : illustration ; 21 cm.
Call number
Fiction / Viswa
ISBN
9780547247878
Original publication date
2008-04-01
Collections
CSS Library Notes
Description: Inspired by her family history, Padma Viswanathan brings us deep inside the private lives of a Brahmin family, bringing to life an India we've never before seen"--Back cover.
FY2017
FY2017
Physical description
619 p.; 21 cm
Awards
Commonwealth Writers' Prize (Shortlist — 2009)
Media reviews
Padma Viswanathan has real talent, but before she can take full advantage of it, she’ll need to find a compass.
The brilliance of The Toss of a Lemon rests not so much in its intricate plotting as in the compressed, poetic precision with which Viswanathan depicts a lost world.
Of a piece with the recent works of Vikram Seth, and reminiscent at times of García Márquez—altogether a pleasure.
Description
Spanning the lifetime of one woman (1896-1962), The Toss of a Lemon brings readers intimately into a Brahmin household, into an India in the midst of social and political upheaval. Married at ten, widowed at eighteen, left with two children, Sivakami must wear widow's whites, shave her head, and touch no one from dawn to dusk. She is not allowed to remarry, and in the next sixty years she ventures outside her family compound only three times. She is extremely orthodox in her behavior except for one defiant act: She moves back to her dead husband's house and village to raise her children. That decision sets the course of her children's and grandchildren's lives, twisting their fates in surprising, sometimes heartbreaking ways.
Language
Original language
English
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User reviews
LibraryThing member Kasthu
The Toss of a Lemon opens up in India at the turn of the nineteenth century, when Sivakami, the youngest daughter of a Brahmin family, is ten. Married to Hanumarathnam, a healer, she learns that, upon the birth of a son, he will die two years after. Sivakami has two children: Thangam, the beloved
The underlying theme of this book, however, is fate, and the title reflects this: lemons are seen as an innocuous instrument of a person's fate (I'm paraphrasing the author here). So many of these characters live their lives according to what is preordained for them in their horoscopes--which aren't always accurate, as it turns out. Each of these characters’ fates is unique, and these are people you come to care about as they grow and develop.
It’s a long novel; at over 600 pages, this book took me a while to read. But that’s not to say that this novel is cumbersome; rather, the opposite. A family saga needs to be this long at least, in order to tell the story properly. And in the end, the effort is worthwhile. The India that Viswanathan describes here is not the India that we’re used to reading about; even the British, whose presence in India was so pervasive, are nearly absent here. Like the little bits of gold that Thangam leaves in her wake, this book is truly magical. Viswanathan is an excellent writer.
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“golden child,” whose life follows a more traditional path, and Vairum, who embraces the traditions of the west as he grows older. As the twentieth century progresses, the two children have families of their own, and Sivakami becomes a respected matriarch in their village. Attached to this family is their servant, Muchami, who comes to them at age 13 and becomes almost a part of the family—even though he is from a different caste. This book is very much about the power that family plays in each character’s life.The underlying theme of this book, however, is fate, and the title reflects this: lemons are seen as an innocuous instrument of a person's fate (I'm paraphrasing the author here). So many of these characters live their lives according to what is preordained for them in their horoscopes--which aren't always accurate, as it turns out. Each of these characters’ fates is unique, and these are people you come to care about as they grow and develop.
It’s a long novel; at over 600 pages, this book took me a while to read. But that’s not to say that this novel is cumbersome; rather, the opposite. A family saga needs to be this long at least, in order to tell the story properly. And in the end, the effort is worthwhile. The India that Viswanathan describes here is not the India that we’re used to reading about; even the British, whose presence in India was so pervasive, are nearly absent here. Like the little bits of gold that Thangam leaves in her wake, this book is truly magical. Viswanathan is an excellent writer.
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LibraryThing member hemlokgang
This was really interesting family epic set in India between the 1890s and the 1960s. The story of a widowed matriarch, Sivakami, and her family as they navigate through the usual family joys and sorrows of births, deaths, illnesses, scandals, is better than most I have read. While Viswanathan's
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writing is good, rather than spectacular, the story is superbly put together, based upon stories of the author's own family. I became engrossed in the lives of the characters, and even more engrossed in the myriad of traditions stemming from caste, religion, superstition, and local social morays. The book also dealt with the changing beliefs around caste, which plays a huge role in the lives of Sivakami's family who are Brahmins. The title refers to a primary theme in the book which has to do with belief that fate is predetermined, yet even the most faithful sometimes question the role of will. Excellent read! Show Less
LibraryThing member astrologerjenny
I really enjoyed this epic novel, the story of an Indian family during the first half of the 20th century. It’s very much a domestic drama, lightly spiced by the political happenings of the period. But what’s fascinating is how the people lived their caste privileges and responsibilities, on an
Sivakami does this in spite of the very rigid behavioral rules for Brahmin widows. And then after she has sacrificed herself in order to maintain respectability – and, as she sees it, to uphold the honor of her family - her family tests the rules she has lived by. She’s a really interesting and well-drawn character – both fragile and strong, conservative but courageous.
There are a lot of people in this family, and sometimes the reader loses sight of some of them. But most of the characters come strongly to life. And the story as a whole feels very real.
Show More
intimate level. The protagonists here are Brahmin, and the main character is a woman, Sivakami, who is widowed at a young age, and has to raise her children and most of her grandchildren alone. Sivakami does this in spite of the very rigid behavioral rules for Brahmin widows. And then after she has sacrificed herself in order to maintain respectability – and, as she sees it, to uphold the honor of her family - her family tests the rules she has lived by. She’s a really interesting and well-drawn character – both fragile and strong, conservative but courageous.
There are a lot of people in this family, and sometimes the reader loses sight of some of them. But most of the characters come strongly to life. And the story as a whole feels very real.
Show Less
LibraryThing member vhoeschler
A wonderful surprise!
I received this book as an ARC from BookBrowse.com. To be honest, I had my doubts about it. At face value the story line appeared simple and I couldn't fathom how the author could draw it out over the course of 600+ pages and entertain the reader all at the same time. But
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Suggested With: A chaise lounge and a sparkling fruit drink.
I received this book as an ARC from BookBrowse.com. To be honest, I had my doubts about it. At face value the story line appeared simple and I couldn't fathom how the author could draw it out over the course of 600+ pages and entertain the reader all at the same time. But
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entertain she does. Padma Viswanathan artfully draws together a compelling family saga with the deeply involved Indian caste system, and tops it off with a hint of intrigue and magical realism. This book is a wonderful read; not too demanding, yet very insightful. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Suggested With: A chaise lounge and a sparkling fruit drink.
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LibraryThing member fejames
Enjoyed thoroughly. I learned a lot about the caste system at the same time as becoming completely absorbed with all of the various family members across several generations. This novel also provided a lot of information about arranged marriages.
LibraryThing member vivaval
Excellent book - captivating from beginning to end.
LibraryThing member amandacb
This book takes a commitment to understand and process, and I agree with others who labeled it a "saga." We follow family members through generations; I learned an amazing amount about the caste system, Indian traditions, and mysticism. It was difficult at times, I admit, for me to keep certain
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characters straight, and the writing at times was lackluster. The plot seemed to meander in some sections. Show Less
LibraryThing member FlygURL
I liked the way she captured generations of Indian life in the 20th century. Her detail made me feel like I was there. LOVED this book!
LibraryThing member rivergen
An enjoyable story about the life of a Brahmin family in India over several generations. I knew little of the caste system and the traditions of the Brahmins, and was able to immerse myself into that world and its interesting characters - especially in the first half of the book. But the book was
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very long and could have used a bit of tightening up. I found myself skimming through the last couple of chapters, hoping the book would end soon so I could move onto something else. Show Less
LibraryThing member froxgirl
Surrounded by the despicable recent rape and murder of an innocent in Delhi and charmed by the wonderful women I met on a visit to South India, I read books by Indian authors to learn more of what makes up the psyche of this country. How much damage did colonialism do? Why are women so little
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valued? Why the ban on dating and on what we would consider typical intercations of people - falling in love, dating, having friends of the opposite sex? This is a sprawling family saga where women are essential but the fueding of men steers the destiny of all. Long but well written and heartfelt. Show Less
LibraryThing member mjperry
This was a very good and informative book. Because of my lack of understanding of both the Hindu faith and the Indian culture I found it difficult to get into the book. Sometimes I had to reread paragraphs However, once the groundwork was settled I found it a very interesting and good story.
The
This is a book that requires patience, and it is not always easy, but it is worth the effort
The
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tale of one Brahmin Indian family from the end of the 19th century until a few years after national independence and Pakistani partitian is engaging. It is, for someone from North America, an exotic story because of its location, while at the same time it is a very familiar story as we read of a middle-class family and its daily life and relationships.This is a book that requires patience, and it is not always easy, but it is worth the effort
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LibraryThing member astrologerjenny
I really enjoyed this epic novel, the story of an Indian family during the first half of the 20th century. It’s very much a domestic drama, lightly spiced by the political happenings of the period. But what’s fascinating is how the people lived their caste privileges and responsibilities, on an
Sivakami does this in spite of the very rigid behavioral rules for Brahmin widows. And then after she has sacrificed herself in order to maintain respectability – and, as she sees it, to uphold the honor of her family - her family tests the rules she has lived by. She’s a really interesting and well-drawn character – both fragile and strong, conservative but courageous.
There are a lot of people in this family, and sometimes the reader loses sight of some of them. But most of the characters come strongly to life. And the story as a whole feels very real.
Show More
intimate level. The protagonists here are Brahmin, and the main character is a woman, Sivakami, who is widowed at a young age, and has to raise her children and most of her grandchildren alone. Sivakami does this in spite of the very rigid behavioral rules for Brahmin widows. And then after she has sacrificed herself in order to maintain respectability – and, as she sees it, to uphold the honor of her family - her family tests the rules she has lived by. She’s a really interesting and well-drawn character – both fragile and strong, conservative but courageous.
There are a lot of people in this family, and sometimes the reader loses sight of some of them. But most of the characters come strongly to life. And the story as a whole feels very real.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.25 stars
When Sivakami marries Hanumarathnam when she is 10 years old, they only have a few years together before he dies. She is left raising two children, a boy and a girl. They grow up and Thangam (the daughter) marries and has multiple children of her own; unfortunately, she doesn't seem to
This was ok, with moments of more interest. There are a lot of Indian characters and names to try to remember, so I had a bit of trouble with that. Also, had a bit of trouble with some words and phrases that I didn't quite understand – it's possible I missed some explanations, though, if my mind wandered. The story shifts viewpoints, but the only difficultly in following whose viewpoint it is, is remembering who's who with the names!
When Sivakami marries Hanumarathnam when she is 10 years old, they only have a few years together before he dies. She is left raising two children, a boy and a girl. They grow up and Thangam (the daughter) marries and has multiple children of her own; unfortunately, she doesn't seem to
Show More
want them, nor does her husband seem to want to take much care of her or them. Sivakami ends up raising most of Thangam's children, as well. The son, Vairum, marries, and although they have trouble having children, Vairum is successful, financially. Sivakami is a Brahmin and there are very strict rules for her to follow as a widow. The book continues through Sivakami's life, as she watches her children and grandchildren grow up, marry, and have their own children.This was ok, with moments of more interest. There are a lot of Indian characters and names to try to remember, so I had a bit of trouble with that. Also, had a bit of trouble with some words and phrases that I didn't quite understand – it's possible I missed some explanations, though, if my mind wandered. The story shifts viewpoints, but the only difficultly in following whose viewpoint it is, is remembering who's who with the names!
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LibraryThing member JimElkins
Reviewers on this site and LibraryThing call this novel "informative," and say it's a look into the "psyche" of a Brahman family in India. It is said to be an "epic," which opens a "window" onto a world many readers won't know, "enriching" our experience and making us more sympathetic to "exotic"
Every once in a while there is a good reason to read a novel to learn about some unfamiliar part of the world. If I am intolerant, I can read something on the people I mistrust or dislike. If I need information that isn't available in nonfiction or documentaries, I might turn to a novel.
But that is not what makes novels worth reading, writing, or thinking about, despite the fact that a high percentage of the current production of novels, up to and including writers like Zadie Smith, are meant to be "informative" about some part of the world. A novel is a way of recording thought, and of wrestling with the relation between thought and language. It really does not matter what the novel is about. If the novel as a form is taken seriously enough, it does not matter if it has any "information" about the world: Viswanathan could have made up not only her characters but everything about Brahman life.
"The Toss of a Lemon" implies a certain history of the novel, which includes 19th century English novels, Forster, Mann, Maugham, and late Romantics. If this novel was the sum total of what the 20th and 21st centuries have achieved with novels, there would have been no modernism or postmodernism, only a continuing belated romanticism, hoping continuously for a return to an impossible past. What Viswanathan really wants is mid-20th century popular romanticism, combined with an ideal precolonial authenticity.
This is another book I read for the 2016 AWP meeting in Los Angeles.
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customs and ideas. The book, in other words, functions in two ways: it's a romantic epic of a family, and it tells us about rural Brahman life in India. It's both documentary and entertainment, both socially responsible and escapist.Every once in a while there is a good reason to read a novel to learn about some unfamiliar part of the world. If I am intolerant, I can read something on the people I mistrust or dislike. If I need information that isn't available in nonfiction or documentaries, I might turn to a novel.
But that is not what makes novels worth reading, writing, or thinking about, despite the fact that a high percentage of the current production of novels, up to and including writers like Zadie Smith, are meant to be "informative" about some part of the world. A novel is a way of recording thought, and of wrestling with the relation between thought and language. It really does not matter what the novel is about. If the novel as a form is taken seriously enough, it does not matter if it has any "information" about the world: Viswanathan could have made up not only her characters but everything about Brahman life.
"The Toss of a Lemon" implies a certain history of the novel, which includes 19th century English novels, Forster, Mann, Maugham, and late Romantics. If this novel was the sum total of what the 20th and 21st centuries have achieved with novels, there would have been no modernism or postmodernism, only a continuing belated romanticism, hoping continuously for a return to an impossible past. What Viswanathan really wants is mid-20th century popular romanticism, combined with an ideal precolonial authenticity.
This is another book I read for the 2016 AWP meeting in Los Angeles.
Show Less
LibraryThing member kjuliff
I loved this novel! It's a lengthy one - and it kept me company for two weeks. During that time I felt part of the extended Brahman family, experiencing the joys and sadness that were theirs spanning Indian life from the late 19th to the latter part of the 20th century.
a Passage Through India
The
a Passage Through India
The
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image of Sivakami walking along the railway track will stay with me forever I think. It is one of the many evocative images penned so well by the author's hand. Show Less