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Title: The House of Blue Mangoes

Author: David Davidar

Narrator: Robert Whitfield

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 04-03-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 15 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Richly emotional and abundant in historical detail, The House of Blue Mangoes is a gripping family chronicle that spans nearly a half century and three generations of the Dorai family as they search for their place in a rapidly changing society. Whether recruited into the burgeoning independence movement, apprenticed in ancient medical arts, or managing a British tea plantation, the Dorai men nevertheless find themselves drawn back to their ancestral land by profound emotional ties that transcend even the most powerful forces of history.

Critic Reviews:

"Thoroughly engrossing...." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Eminently missable

"The House of Blue Mangoes" has been hyped as a sensational debut by David Davidar, the CEO of Penguin Publishing in India. The book traces the lives of three generations of Dorais as they try to find their place in the world. Solomon Dorai, the patriarch of the family, must strive hard to keep his town, Chevathar, from erupting into violence as a result of caste disputes. Ultimately, Solomon falls victim to this very evil. Of Solomonï¿s two sons, Aaron is a hothead whose primary claim to fame is the successful clearing ( in high-jump) of a massive well in Chevathar. The other son, Daniel, is much more worldly-wise and takes care of his family after a successful stint as "vaidyan" (doctor). Danielï¿s son, Kannan, chooses to move away from Chevathar and seek his fortunes in the white manï¿s (read occupiers, the British) tea estates. We see changes that afflict the Dorai clan -- assimilation into foreign cultures and even a "love" marriage in this generation. Finally we learn that even if your average Dorai strays far from Chevathar, he magically hears the call and always comes back "home". Yawn!

The biggest problem with Blue Mangoes is that the story is so mediocre. In a recent interview, Mr. Davidar mentioned how he wanted to write about all his childhood memories played out in South India. I wish he had stuck to that agenda and written a wonderful memoir of sorts. Instead, what he has done is tried to create a filler story around all his memories. And that is always a dangerous game to play. Whatï¿s worse, Davidar has tried to create a "saga" which means he throws everything but the kitchen sink in. Youï¿ve got caste, caste, and more caste. Youï¿ve got dowry, youï¿ve got oppressive husbands, subservient wives, man-eating tigers, the works. Davidar tries hard to create a panoramic effect but in the end, the book rambles too much. He needs a better editor. Another hindrance that many readers might find annoying is Davidarï¿s generous use of Tamil words with no translation or lexicon included.

The one saving grace of "House of Blue Mangoes" is that it is a masaledar, spicy read. It would make a good beach book. But I would borrow my copy from the library. Spend your money on better books.

(3.5) House of Blues....

I wanted this book to be as fascinating as the first hundred pages. Certainly all of the elements are present: the family patriarchy, feuding neighbors, an entrenched caste system in precarious balance.

Three generations of Dorais act out this familial drama, male characters predominant, from Solomon Dorai to his sons Aaron and Daniel, and Daniel's son Kammel.