Vikram Seth — A Suitable Author
Born in 1952, in Calcutta, India, Vikram Seth is one of the most renowned Indian novelists and poets. His work has been recognized by millions across the globe, owing to which, he has been felicitated with several accolades including the Padma Shri, Sahitya Academy Award, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award, and Crossword Book Award. Son of a renowned Justice Leila Seth — Seth was educated at the Doon School, India, and later at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, Stanford University, and Nanjing University. He was made the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2001.
At Doon, influenced by his teacher and mountaineer Gurdial Singh, who according to Leila Seth, “guided Vikram in many ways…encouraged him to appreciate Western classical music and instilled in him a love of adventure and daring.” In many ways, Vikram Seth’s journey as a writer began in his school years itself, when he took on the post of editor-in-chief of the Doon School Weekly.
It was the publication of A Suitable Boy, a 1349 page novel, which propelled Seth into the public limelight and cemented his career as a writer. The novel was adapted into a BBC television drama miniseries in 2020.
Although Vikram’s poetic capabilities surpass expectations for which he found a liking later on, for now, let’s have a look at three of his bestselling and critically-acclaimed novels.
The Golden Gate (1986)
“In life’s brief game to be a winner
A man must have…oh yes, above
All else, of course, someone to love.”
The Golden Gate is Vikram Seth’s first novel. The most impressive feature of this novel was that it is written in a verse format! It is composed of 590 ‘Onegin stanzas’ written in iambic tetrameter, with the rhyme scheme following the ABABCCDDEFFEGG pattern. Set in the 1980s, the novel follows a group of young professionals as they navigate through the ups and downs of life in San Francisco, USA.
The book’s protagonist — John Brown, finds a romantic interest in Liz, after placing a personal ad in the newspaper. However, as the book progresses, Liz begins to fall in love with John’s best friend, combined with other sundry incidents make John realize his journey of self-discovery has only just begun.
A Suitable Boy (1993)
“Think of many things. Never place your happiness in one person’s power. Be just to yourself.”
A Suitable Boy was Vikram’s second novel and is recognized as his magnum opus. The novel is set in a newly independent, post-partition India. The plotline of the book follows the lives of four families during 18 months, and centers on Mrs. Mehra’s efforts to arrange ‘a suitable boy’ for the marriage of her youngest daughter, Lata. In retaliation, Lata, a 19-year-old university student, refuses to be influenced by neither her domineering mother nor her opinionated brother, Arun.
Her story revolves around the choice she is forced to make between her suitors — namely Kabir, Haresh, and Amit. Set up in the fictional town of Brahmpur, located along the Ganga, the story progresses with Calcutta, Delhi, Lucknow, and other Indian cities forming a colorful and culturally rich backdrop for the emerging characters.
The novel also discusses some important and pertinent issues of the Post-Independence era like land reforms, communal animosity, and status of lower castes using a perfect blend of pricking comments and satirical jibes.
An Equal Music (1999)
“Is it not love that knows how to make smooth things rough and rough things smooth?”
One of the lesser-known works of Vikram Seth, An Equal Music revolves around the life of Michael, a professional violinist, who never forgot his love for Julia, a pianist he met as a student in Vienna. The two meet again after several years apart and indulge in a secret affair — despite Julia, now, being married and a parent. The novel continues to describe the unraveling of both Michael and Julia’s musical careers due to their affair.
The novel was exceptionally well received by the musicians’ community who appreciated the accuracy with which musical jargon and annotations were inscribed by Seth.
Vikram Seth, in collaboration with Philippe Honoré, a renowned French violinist, marketed a double CD of the music mentioned in An Equal Music.
Today, Vikram Seth is not just an example of a poetic and literary genius but also a source of inspiration for multiple budding writers across the world. While his works are appreciated by many in the academic circle, only a few know of his exemplary skills in the outside world. Truly, Vikram Seth’s writings carry the force to change every life it touches. So, if you are an avid reader and wish to delve deeper into pieces of literature that change your perspective towards life in general, Vikram Seth is the perfect author for you.
