Book Review: 'An Ideal Wife' is a fun one-time readMumbai, Jan 10(AZINS) Book: An Ideal Wife

Author: Sanjay Grover

Publishing House: Good Times Books Pvt Ltd.

Pages: 174

Price: Rs 150

So who wants to utter the phrase 'an ideal wife', in any social context in 2016, especially on social media populated by India's aspiring middle class - and expect not to be attacked with a volley of allegations of sexism?

That's what strikes you when you first read the title of Sanjay Grover's book, 'An Ideal Wife'. Why would the author choose such a title for a book meant for an urban, English-speaking audience in its 20s and 30s?

As the story unfolds though, you realise (as perhaps you knew subconsciously all along) that the book is not the literary equivalent of an Ekta Kapoor serial.

So what is the story about? An educated, reasonably well-earning young man of 'marriageable age' watches as his friends get married one by one. He however, never takes the plunge himself, because he can never find the ideal woman he yearns for. As years go by, he lands a bet with a friend who challenges him to bite the bullet.

But how can our best plans succeed without some divine intervention? Enter 'Dwarf God', who with his limited powers tries his best to help Sameer get married to a woman he finds ideal.

Given the title and storyline, which is written almost exclusively from a male perspective, a bit of humour and supernatural intervention helps liven up the story. It prevents Grover's tale from being construed as a run-of-the-mill story written from a man's view of life with undertones of sexism.

Instead, what we get is a free flowing tale with decent comic timing and hilarious supernatural intervention into the affairs of man. Grover has not allowed himself to be encumbered by thoughts of how such a story would be perceived in the age we live in. Instead, he chooses to make the story all about Sameer - whose characterisation is very well drawn out and relatable.

With gentle doses of humour and appreciable storyline continuity, Grover manages to keep the reader engaged for the most part. This is a book that can be finished in two readings, given its short length and simple language.

Storyline continuity however does not necessarily imply consistency. In a few instances, one is left wondering why Grover does not make use of a character trait he himself outlines in one of his characters. For example, what really happened to the Dwarf God's powers to look into people's past? Except for in one instance, this never really becomes an important tool in Sameer and his friend's journey to find the ideal wife for Sameer.

One also feels that the writer is in a slight hurry. There is a tendency to move from one scene to the next without reflection or emotional investment. While people may relate to Sameer's character and enjoy the free flowing nature of the story, the poignant moments in Sameer's journey should have been better emphasised by pondering over them for a bit.

The story's climax also appears weak, given that the writer uses hyperbole throughout the tale, and that a comical god is one of its central figures. The writer chooses to unveil events in a dramatic fashion throughout the book, but then lets us down at the very end.

So is this a book worth reading? It is a good one time read, best read over a cup of tea and snacks. It's also been recommended by shaadi.com. But if you are a stickler for literary genius or a hardcore feminist, this one's not for you.