The Romantics A Novel
The Romantics A Novel by Pankaj Mishra, published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on February 20, 2001, is a literary work that explores themes of self-discovery and cultural conflict. Set in the holy city of Benares, the narrative follows the young Brahman Samar as he navigates his education and prepares for the civil service exam. Amidst the city’s rich traditions and the contrasting lives of its inhabitants, Samar encounters diverse perspectives on India, from the detached views of Miss West and her circle to the more intense outlook of Rajesh, a leader of student dissent.
Readers will find a nuanced portrayal of family life and the complexities of desire as Mishra delves into the interplay between cultural identities. The novel captures the essence of a society steeped in history while highlighting the personal struggles of its characters. With 288 pages, this edition invites readers to reflect on the universal truths of longing and the often painful joy that comes from seeking understanding across cultural divides.
Official synopsis Publisher
Pankaj Mishra is one of the most promising talents of his generation, and this stunning, universally praised novel of self-discovery heralds a remarkable career.
The young Brahman Samar has come to the holy city of Benares to complete his education and take the civil service exam that will determine his future. But in this city redolent of timeworn customs, where pilgrims bathe in the sacred Ganges and breathe in smoke from burning ghats along the shore, Samar is offered entirely different perspectives on his country. Miss West and her circle, indifferent to the reality around them, represent those drawn to India as a respite from the material world. And Rajesh, a sometimes violent, sometimes mystical leader of student malcontents, presents a more jaundiced view. More than merely illustrating the clash of cultures, Mishra presents the universal truth that our desire for the other is our most painful joy.
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