Book Review : 'Marry Go Round' by Sadiqa Peerbhoy

‘Marry Go Round’ is definitely a book for a true Hyderabadi.  When I received this book, I was under the impression that the author knows me. I am a Hyderabadi, so I could understand the city with its laidback Nawabi attitude. 

Also, I was away for almost two years and I had a similar funny feeling about malls popping up and the city, itself undergoing the dramatic change with its IT wonders, huge cars and the never ending traffic, the property prices hitting the roof replete with the horrible smell of garbage.

But of course the language, with words used on a daily basis with the liliting Hyderabadi touch, the eccentric relatives, and the jocular friends, the irritating maids and the talk of all the delicious food.  Biryanis and Gajar ka Halwas, indeed.

Sadiqa Peerbhoy immediately appelaed to me. Not only is her style of writing hilarious, with its blend of Hyderabadi touch. The subject of the novel itself is marriage! 

So, shall we begin? Presenting, Sartaj Jehan. She with her stickling love for her large Nawabi heritage, and a sharp tongue is the true blend of a typical mother, who is desperately trying to marry off her son. The ever - hungry literature professor is her nonplussed husband complete with the maid, who has her own love story to boot. 

The Amreekaa returned son, Riaz who is still trying to come to grips with the blackmailing mother, Sartaj Jehan, who entrapped her NRI son into coming back and marrying a desi girl. The story moves ahead, with Riaz checking out the girl, Sana and immediately ‘falling’ in love. Then, of course we have the American girlfriend, who comes to India, is largely ignored by Riaz and ends up spending all her time with his cousin, Dilawar. The whole thing becomes a confusing mess, until the doctor comes calling. Dr Meera is the heroine of the soap opera. Read up, to see what happens at the end. 

Though the book is a fairly good one, I do wonder how it would appeal to the non-Hyderabadi. There are instances and nuances in the book which, I could understand but one has to be at least someone who has lived in this city for ten years to actually get the whole idea. It is a book, wrapped in time. In the Nawabi time…

Of course, marriage is a universal topic, and grand weddings are very much part of the Indian culture, so that could be easier to understand. But if it has to be a true Hyderabadi wedding then, then of course, only Hyderabadis would get this.  

It is a well – written story, though. Am sure 'Sheik Peer' would be pleased.