Resumo de The Red Carpet - Lavanya Sankaran

This book is a collection of short stories set in Bangalore, India. The contrast between the modern and the old is delightfully conveyed by the stories. A society that is forced to change too soon without the required rites of passage, tradition fighting for a toe hold even as it tries to convert itself to modernity are the themes running through this colorful kaleidoscope of stories. ?Bombay This? is, on the surface, about Ramu and his growing fascination with Ashwini, a ?modern? (read smoking, drinking, partying) girl. Initially, Ramu is a little intolerant of this girl from Bombay and her mannerisms and constantly spouted- ?Bombay this?? and ?Bombay that?? are sources of irritation. The story brings out the conflict and the dilemma of Ramu and his desire to get married. Interspersed are situations which reflect the mindset of the young techie who is still bound to his roots. ?Closed Curtains? portrays the life of the retired who have lost their children to brighter prospect overseas. This story captures the loneliness of the Mr. D?Costa and how he tries to fill up the void in his life. ?Two, four, six, eight? is a universal tale with an Indian, urban schoolgirl protagonist. The memories of a young mother are taken back in time when she hears the news of the deaths of her Anglo-Indian teacher, Mrs. Rafter and ayah, Mary. Her ayah?s sexual abuse and manipulative behavior are woven skillfully into the narrative as we are taken through the life of a typical girl, flitting through life with friends, routines and expectations in school and fantasizing about breaking social taboos and mores. ?The Red Carpet? juxtaposes the importance of money, social status to the marginalized with the casualness of the largesse of the well-to-do. Rangappa, the driver is loyal and extremely proud and protective of his ?Madam?, the lady of the house. Her kindness to Rangappa and the reaction of his family when the Madam decides to bestow a visit to his family make a riveting tale. The ending is almost O.Henryesque.Alphabet Soup, Birdie num-num and Apple Pie one-by-two tell us about ABCDs, Non-Resident Indians, or newly returned professionals. They cleverly tell tales of people straddling two worlds, of an American girl coming to terms with the new ?Indian?ness, of an angst ridden girl finally taking control of her life, a modern mama proud of her ?Western educated? daughter yet feeling inadequate about her unmarried status.A colourful collection, pithily told. Must read for all urban post-independent India.

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