Review: Beautifully Observed
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 15, 2012
Love Comes Later is a beautifully precise and observed examination in fictional format of the 'arranged marriage' in the Arab culture of Qatar. Although there is no 'force' involved, a great deal of family pressure is brought to bear on young men and women whatever their level of education and status in the community. The story weaves a plot that splits the action between Doha and London, providing a fascinating contrast between the different cultural mores. With central characters who are Qatari Muslim and Indian Hindu, the scene is set to explore culture in a way I have certainly never considered.I read this in one sitting because I was captivated by the story, my own cultural prejudices were being challenged and as a result my own perspective has shifted significantly. Many people unfamiliar with the cultural background of Qatar will be amazed at the similarities as much as the differences and I suspect, that many people living life in this Gulf State will simply nod in agreement as they recognise aspects of themselves and others in the characters Mohanalakshmi describes.This is a tale of many contraditictions, those between love, and family responsiblity, cultural acceptance and prejudicial bigotry, betrayal and forgiveness. I thoroughly enjoyed it and suspect that this will be a book I will return to time and again as there will be nuances that I missed the first time round.