Official Review: Dual Lives by Gourab Mitra

[stoppoppingtheP]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dual Lives" by Gourab Mitra.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Dual Lives is a fictional novel written by Gourab Mitra, and it is classified as Young Adult fiction. This story is based in Pune, a city in India, and is about several different people and how their lives intertwine with each others.

It begins on the day of Kiran’s new job, the one she has always dreamed of, being an RJ, a Radio Jockey. It is also the day that Kiran’s long-time boyfriend, Prashant, proposes to her. However, she is confused because she has heard that her first love has just returned to town after a long absence.

The story travels back in time where we meet Kiran and Javed, two young boys, who run a corner tea stall. Yet as the story unravels we find that the relationship between Kiran and Javed is rather complex and strange.
Three friends who work nearby come to the tea stall often, they congregate there to chat over a cup of tea, or chai, as it is known on the Indian Subcontinent. The three friends become aware of the kids’ situation and the poverty that they live in. Eventually, one of them, Ajinkya decides to take Kiran to his house so he can stay there and continue his schooling.

The story highlights some important issues that take place in India, and many other countries across the world. One important issue that the book highlights is child labour. This is quite prevalent in India, and is mostly a result of poverty.

The grammar of this book is what most people would classify as incorrect, but the tone of the book is genuine. I myself have gone to India, I have even gone to the city where this book is set, Pune, and the way that the characters in the book speak is exactly how the people in India speak. Many Indians speak English, but just as a language differs according to the slang and accent of that area, so too has the English language been changed to suit those people. The book is written in first person and third person, alternating from one to the other.

I am giving the book two out of four stars. The grammar of the book was perhaps not what I am used to, but I still enjoyed this book, and found it quite interesting and unusual. The book seems to be written from the heart and the author writes about life as he sees it. There are several words that are written in an Indian language that people may not understand. One thing I must mention is that I was a bit disturbed about was the relationship between Kiran and Javed, especially being so young.

Note: If you are confused about Kiran’s gender, don’t be. I was also confused in the beginning. However, it is part of the story.

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Dual Lives
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[Jesska6029]

Great review, but I think I'll skip this one!

[VinuW]

Nice review! I think I'll recommend this book to my Grandma. She loves stories about India.

[HalcyonFlower]

It's always great to be introduced to international writers. It's phenomenal an Indian writer writes about - I'm assuming - controversial gender/gender roles. Thanks for the review! I think I'll keep the title in mind

[stoppoppingtheP]

Yes, I enjoy reading stories from different countries, that's why I choose to review this book.

[chytach18-]

I`ll keep the title in mind too. Interesting review.

[anonanemone]

This sounds like an interesting story. It's fitting that you were able to review this book since you have been there

[stoppoppingtheP]

This sounds like an interesting story. It's fitting that you were able to review this book since you have been there

Yes, Definitely.

When the city where they lived in -Pune- was mentioned, I was like 'Hey, I've been there' and it made the book a lot more appealing to me as I could read the story and visualize the place.

-- 01 Nov 2015, 06:11 --

It's always great to be introduced to international writers. It's phenomenal an Indian writer writes about - I'm assuming - controversial gender/gender roles. Thanks for the review! I think I'll keep the title in mind

It is not really about controversial gender/gender roles. But I can't really explain it or it will give away part of the story.

[Cee-Jay Aurinko]

Great review, stoppoppingtheP. The book sounds interesting.

Cracker: If you are confused about Kiran’s
gender, don’t be. I was also confused in the
beginning.

[stoppoppingtheP]

Thanks

[zaynab_m]

Great review! Being from Pakistan, I'm quite aware of Indian traditions, and would understand and enjoy the book.

(P.S. Isn't Kiran a girl's name? ... I dunno yet, haven't read the book)

[stoppoppingtheP]

Great review! Being from Pakistan, I'm quite aware of Indian traditions, and would understand and enjoy the book.

(P.S. Isn't Kiran a girl's name? ... I dunno yet, haven't read the book)

Haha. Read the book and you shall see.

Unfortunately I can't explain that point because its would be a spoiler.

[katycat420]

Sounds great. I'll have to give it a try!

[stoppoppingtheP]

Yes, you should.