- Paperback: 327 pages
- Publisher: New American Library (29 April 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0452278821
- ISBN-13: 978-0452278820
- Product Dimensions: 20.1 x 13 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,263,912 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
Unfolding a rich tapestry of custom and tradition, "Shiva Dancing" takes us from the arid desert plains of Northern India to the bustle and charm of San Francisco to modern-day Calcutta as a spirited woman seeks to reconnect with her past.
Meena Kumari was seven when she was abducted from her village in Rajasthan. Though she managed to escape a life of slavery, she was unable to find her way home, and was adopted by a wealthy American couple.
Now thirty-five, Meena has a flourishing career in San Francisco, but she lacks a personal life and keenly feels the separation from her heritage. Lonely and homesick, she sets out to find her old village, and the man designated to be her husband in a childhood arranged marriage. But her mission is complicated by her growing involvement with Antoine Dobson, a sexy American novelist, who seems to find in Meena the same soulmate she seeks for herself. As she embarks for India, she begins a journey that will change her life forever, and renew her faith in herself.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I did my best to finish this book, honest. But this is one book that is so utterly boring, that it begs to be tossed out of the window. The author is not able to depict either India nor the US accurately - as an Indian American I could not identify with either of her descriptions. There are too many unreal coincidences and loose ends in the story. There is this weird feeling that the author is contradicting herself in every chapter. If you really want this book, I have one to give away.
Format:Hardcover
This book is far from believable. But never the less a good read. I was able to put it down and took a few days to read it, instead of my normal one to two days. She starts plot lines and does not follow through on them. And the flow of time from chapter to chapter is very erratic.
The first chapter of this book is very well written. There is a wonderful depiction of village life in tribal India. I felt as if I was there. It makes you want to read the rest of the book. But this level of writing is not carried through. I also found that the quick glimpse of high tech computer firms corporate backstabbing was very accurate. And the choices they make on whom to fire and keep was right on target. It made me remember why I retired from the work force before I was at the age of forty without any regret and never looked back.
The book does have romance and intrigue. But, the characters are too atypical and our heroine is too perfect. The author does try to let us into the view of a bicultural heritage in today's world. She just seemed to not know how to show this the journey.
The first chapter of this book is very well written. There is a wonderful depiction of village life in tribal India. I felt as if I was there. It makes you want to read the rest of the book. But this level of writing is not carried through. I also found that the quick glimpse of high tech computer firms corporate backstabbing was very accurate. And the choices they make on whom to fire and keep was right on target. It made me remember why I retired from the work force before I was at the age of forty without any regret and never looked back.
The book does have romance and intrigue. But, the characters are too atypical and our heroine is too perfect. The author does try to let us into the view of a bicultural heritage in today's world. She just seemed to not know how to show this the journey.
Format:Paperback
Shiva Dancing was a truly well descriptive story. The premiseof the book seemed a bit fairytale like, and it opened up my imagination for exploration. I enjoyed the vivid colors used. Every chapter revealed another journey. It was easy reading and good till the last page!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Excellent angle on adoption
As a mother who has adopted an Indian child, I really enjoyed reading the story of Meena. Mrs. Gossett's diary entries and her unwillingness to let Meena go back to her village... Read more
Published on 29 Jun 1999
A nice blend of cultures, inviting you to read
I enjoyed the familiarity of knowing San Francisco. And experiencing the flavor of Indian culture.
Published on 28 Jun 1999
A book group favorite
We read a number of books by Indian authors in our book group. Most of these books were sad and gloomy with characters that are losers. The one exception was Shiva Dancing. Read more
Published on 24 Mar 1999
Accessible and entertaining
I couldn't put this book down. Every time I set it aside, I had to pick it up and read again. The plot is clever and the author manages to keep us guessing till the end. Read more
Published on 28 Feb 1999
A wonderful first novel
I was captivated from the beginning with the story of Meena, how she was kidnapped as a child from India and brought to San Francisco, how as a grown woman she wanted to... Read more
Published on 20 Feb 1999
Evoking the Exotic
A tale told with sensitivity and finesse, it blends romance and adventure with the exotic. If one were to state the bald facts, Shiva Dancing is the story of a newly married... Read more
Published on 3 Aug 1998
Reader from Chicago must be a family member
The Reader from Chicago must be a family member of Bharati Kirchner to the rescue. The book is anything but interesting and most certainly does not portray life in India. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 1998
Why was this book published in the first place?
Why was this book even considered for publication? I am at a loss to understand what intelligence allowed this silly and nonsensical piece of storytelling, to even get into print. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 1998
Kirkus is wrong!!
This was an excellent novel that offered a fascinating look at Indian culture. It moved well, and the characters and plot were interesting. Read more
Published on 6 May 1998
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