A Slight Angle by Ruth Vanita

A Slight Angle Reviews

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  theromantasynerd (adnan)

  i had no idea this was the book MY SOUL needed.
  
  I went into this book with a very vague idea of the premise, because the blurb doesn't reveal too much except for the fact that it is a story about the lives of a few people set in the pre-independence period of India (1923~1930).
  
  While that is true, the book has so much more to it that I was unaware of and it came to me as the most pleasant surprise.
  
  This is the first book I have read by the author and I loved her writing. It's simple but not without its beautiful, sometimes poetic, sometimes reflective complexities. I have found so many impactful quotes while reading this book.
  The idea of the "slight angle" - the angle which is revealed in the course of this book - through which you eventually start viewing society is something that has been on my mind even before I read this book. I found my inner thoughts and emotions completely mirrored in this story, as if this book was written just for me.
  
  The characters in this book are so raw and real. I related to one particular character a little too much, as if they were 70 parts me -- which is the first time ever that I have felt so strongly about a character. It was good to see Indian households and the problems of an Indian society depicted in a book, for a change.
  
  This book does not focus on the Indian independence struggle as much as one could think it would. Though set in the same time period, and with several references to the freedom movement and fighters of that time, the story at its core is not about them. The book, as the blurb rightfully says is about the lives of people in that time.. normal people and their problems which did not cease to exist even with the independence struggle in the background. You have to read the book to find out what it really is about.
  
  I loved the story for what it was. There were several instances where I felt the book was literally speaking to my soul. I have never read a more relatable story and I'm not sure if everyone will feel the same as I do, because it captures a very niche set of ideas that happen to be exactly what I constantly think about.
  To be honest, I had requested this book for no solid reason; I just wanted to read something set in this time period.. little did I know that this was going to become one of my favorite books of all time. I read this book on my 22nd birthday and I couldn't have found a better book or a better ensemble of characters to spend my day with. This book made me feel seen and it now seems as if I was MEANT to read it.
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  Book_withquotes

  “A Slight Angle” by Ruth Vanita transports readers to the dynamic and multifaceted India of the 1920s, spotlighting the lives of ordinary individuals amidst the political and technological upheavals of the era. Unlike many historical novels, this book does not center on the Indian independence struggle but instead delves into the personal and social lives of its characters.
  
  The novel introduces us to a diverse cast: Sheela, a former Gandhian forging her own path; Kanta and Hemlata, navigating their limited resources; Sharad and Abhik, exploring forbidden desires and redefining artistic expressions; Robin, a jazz musician; and Rita, a Jewish movie star. Cameos by Hindi writers Mahadevi and Ugra add to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Vanita captures the essence of the time, reflecting on how people’s personal struggles and aspirations coexisted with the broader nationalistic fervor.
  
  The novel’s exploration of identity, desire, and self-expression resonates deeply, offering a nuanced portrayal of queer desire alongside other forms of love and ambition. “A Slight Angle” is a beautifully crafted story that speaks to the soul, particularly for those who find a connection with its themes. Vanita’s portrayal of the 1920s India as a backdrop for personal and social exploration is both compelling and relevant, marking it as an essential read for those interested in the complexities of human desires and societal change.
  
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  BookClickDeo (Deotima)

  Ruth Vanita's novel, A Slight Angle set in pre-independence India in the 1920s, is an interesting portrayal of human desires playing out against the backdrop of a country standing on the threshold of freedom. There are seven young protagonists: Sheela, Hemlata, Sharad, Abhik, Kanta, Robin, and Rita—all breaking norms and making their own ways. Sheela does not believe in marriage, Sharad is confused about his feelings for his teacher Abhik Roy and Kanta and Robin transcend religious and caste barriers. The stardom factor in Rita's life brings a fourth dimension into this story.
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  The author skillfully portrays same-sex desire and gender struggles, poignancy that enriches the plot of the narrative. The multiple narrators throughout the novel give another layered dimension to the story. Interspersed letters in the text add immense value to its depth of development. A angular peek into these minds matched with the then social scenario comes out well.
  The story inducts historical figures like Mahadevi Verma, Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, and Mahatma Gandhi, which roots the novel in real events. One of the high points of this novel is Sharad's enchantment with Bombay of the 1920s, along with a special affinity for the Sir David Sassoon Library. Through his reading of poems, painting by the seashore, and frequenting Miss Rita's drawing room, he really gets one inside an era forgotten altogether.
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  A Slight Angle is good reading that takes one through a journey of intricacies on life in pre-independent India. It does a good job of capturing the spirit of individuals negotiating their identities in a changing society and singularly placing this novel as exceptionally good historical fiction. Any person questing for an up-close and multi-dimensional picture of life during that period of history must have a read of it. Once you read it, the title will also make perfect sense to you!
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