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Gypsy Masala
 
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Gypsy Masala (Paperback)

by Preethi Nair (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

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2 new from £2.51 13 used from £0.80
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Paperback £8.99 £8.54 4 used & new from £5.72

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Product details

  • Paperback: 480 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; New edition edition (2 Aug 2004)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0007143478
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007143474
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.2 x 1.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 318,113 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in this category:

    #3 in  Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > N > Nair, Preethi

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review
The subtitle of Gypsy Masala, "a book of dreams", encapsulates Preethi Nair's first novel. In a slimly elegant volume, the author manages to capture the soaring hopes and paralysing fears of human emotion. Resonant with the visceral anticipation of dread and excitement, this book appeals to the spirit of adventure.

Gypsy Masala follows the lives of 3 people--Sheila, Bali and their foster daughter, Evita. Each has their own crippling aspect. British-born Evita is stuck in a job and love life that don't inspire. Sheila, frozen by her experience of being torn from warm, passionate India to grey England. Bali, having lost not only his first child but also the woman he adored and risked everything for.

The catalyst of hope and confidence to change the character's circumstances comes in the form of the African dancer--an apparition that appears accompanied by the thumping, vital music of beating hearts. He is every aspect of being--to follow him is to follow your heart.

This is a book which at times makes you want to run out and follow your dreams, yet in the next chapter makes you realise why you haven't. Preethi Nair combines elements of the surreal and the prosaic as she details the intricate family dynamics and stomach-wrenching losses experienced by those who leap into a new world. Her idea of a gypsy masala--toss your dreams into the pan and savour the result--is a fatalistic yet exhilarating view of the world which leaves a spicy, yet sweet, aftertaste. --Sue Owen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
'She is dynamite.' Bookseller 'A little gem..a mystic and beautifully lyrical book' New Woman ACCLAIM FOR ONE HUNDRED SHADES OF WHITE: 'An absorbing novel about mothers, daughters, food and truth.' Closer 'A rich, evocative tale.' Company "A heart-warming read about families, forgiveness, carving futures and filtering truth." Guardian 'A great read. Fast, funny and full of life' Shyama Perera, author of I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet 'A genuinely moving novel...like the bottled spices that play such a role in the story, this has all its ingredients in just the right quantities to spirit away all negative emotions.' Daily Express 'She writes evocatively about childhood and there are passages of tight and lyrical immediacy...Moving description packs a powerful punch in this book about family, forgiveness and the power of truth.' Guardian MORE PRAISE FOR ONE HUNDRED SHADES OF WHITE 'A carefully woven tale that's exceedingly good' Company 'A luscious book, made lush with spices. Kindnesses and friendships abound, but so do hardships and hard knocks' Oxford Times 'A dynamic author.' Good Housekeeping 'A sensuous and poignant novel...enchanting.' Sainsbury's magazine

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Customer Reviews

10 Reviews
5 star:
 (7)
4 star:
 (3)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (10 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars incredible, 6 Jun 2005
a work of an incredibly high quality of style, imagination and heart. A spine tingling moving book which I read after being so impressed with 1000 shades of white which also blew me away. This is more spiritual and fantastic than the other but just as evocative. Rather than reading it at 1000miles an hour to find out what happens you savour every line like the finest cuisine that you have luckily found upon your plate. I cannot wait to read more from this author who manages to expresses modern Englands mixed culture as a wonderfully positive thing rather than the usual gloomy outlook.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams & Aspirations, 28 Nov 2003
This review is from: Gypsy Masala: A Story of Dreams (Paperback)
I could not put this book down. It inspired me so much that I gave up my job of 11 years to 'follow my African Dancer' and went travelling around the world for 7 months. Preethi is simply a breath of fresh air and anyone needing inspiration to move on in life, then read this with passport to freedom in hand! I look forward to all her future work. Wonderful!
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A funny, touching, inspiring tale, 11 Jan 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Gypsy Masala: A Story of Dreams (Paperback)
After a surreal start, the book settles down to tell the interwoven tales of each of the three main characters. As your eyes are gradually opened to the past of each - via some touching, colourful and humourous writing - you discover that there is far more to each of the trio than meets the eye, and you can't help but warm to them. I loved this book - its spirit and compassion will touch you on the most miserable journey to work. In fact, I've been so inspired by the African Dancer that I've just quit my job so I can do all the things I've always meant to do!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars What if one day you decided to just follow your heart and your dreams?
A beautifully written, charming story, where fairy tale elements blend seamlessly with the characters' biographies, make for a touching account of how our past and our family help... Read more
Published on 26 Sep 2006 by maria1971

5.0 out of 5 stars A truely magical book - a definite must read
One of the most magical books I have ever read. I was very moved by the story and the way it was narrated. I felt a real empathy with the characters. Read more
Published on 28 Jul 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read as a novel but even greater as an inspiration
I have read many 'first novels', but never one with the maturity, wisdom and sheer readability of Gypsy Masala. It inspires you too, to follow your dream. Read more
Published on 19 May 2000

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all who Hope & Dream
This captivating story of Sheila, Bali & Evita carries you along on waves of hilarity and tragedy. Read more
Published on 1 May 2000 by marianfarry@hotmail.com

4.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone
This book gets better the deeper you get into it, definitely worth pursuing. There is something of all of us in the book too, restlessness and the desire for more. Read more
Published on 27 April 2000 by lara@polesworth99.freeserve.co.uk

5.0 out of 5 stars A litle inspirational gift with a big message ..
This book is woven in such a beautiful way. So very simple in it's message, yet holds such depth. It makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Read more
Published on 17 April 2000 by avniradia@hotmail.com

4.0 out of 5 stars A delightful and intriguing read
I found Gypsy Masala a delightful and intriguing read. The dynamics of the three main characters is cleverly told in their own individual narrative. Read more
Published on 9 April 2000

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