Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

Sigh.  This is not my favorite of Kashmira Sheth’s books.  Set in contemporary India, Jeeta struggles against her mother’s traditional ways.  While her mother believes that daughters should be married off as soon as possible, Jeeta’s innermost dreams are given life when she meets a friend whose family has more modern ways.  Jeeta believes that she deserves an education and a career if she wants one, and that she should be able to choose who she marries.

As always, Sheth does a lovely job of making India come alive, and even includes a glossary to help readers with the vocabulary sprinkled throughout (although most words are clear from the context). I think many with a background in Indian culture will appreciate this, but for some, the book lacks necessary clarification.  Sheth states that a fairer complexion is prized, but does not elaborate and she makes much of the caste system without explaining, which may be difficult for some readers.
So why did it fall flat for me?  For one, the book wrapped up way to quickly.  Also, although dressed as a romance, this is far more a book about mothers and daughters.  I have to say though, that Jeeta’s mother is very negative with her.

I think in terms of reading level, anyone from grade six and up would be fine to read this.  However, there’s one really strange scene (listed in the sex section below) that may make many want to hold off until children are older.

Great for: People who want to read about India.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – As this is a coming of age novel, focusing on the finding of husbands, there is much talk of arranging marriages.  There are a few references to nursing babies.  An Auntie’s sari slips revealing a breast.  Jeeta recollects getting her first bra.  Characters hold hands and a girl rests her head on a boy’s shoulder.  At one point he kisses her hand.  Then there is one scene which really has no bearing on the rest of the book that I really wish the author just hadn’t included.  There is no need for it, all it does is make it so you may not want younger readers to read the book (although it may go over many people’s heads).  Here’s what happens:  a character has a baby and is told she should do exercises three times a day.  Another characters asks what the exercises are for, and is told that they would help with the marriage, because when you have a baby things get stretched out and the exercises help everything get back to their original size.  She is told “it is important for our pleasure.”  In a book where kissing between a boy and a girl is a big deal, it seemed really out of place.
Profanity – “hell” used one time
Death, Violence and Gore – Jeeta’s mother is constantly threatening her.  Some highlights include “If you as much as go near a boy I’ll strip your skin off” and “If you ever talk like that again I’ll pull your tongue out.” A character in an arranged marriage is abused. Her husband slaps her and punches her causing enough injury that she needs medical attention.  This is a small but important subplot. Before exam time, the newspapers are full of reports of students killing themselves.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Pappa used to smoke cigarettes.
Frightening or Intense Things – Only as described above.