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A Suitable Boy is a novel by Vikram Seth, which is set in a newly post-independence, post-partition India. It offers satirical and earnest examinations, by turns, of social and political issues during the period. Summary of the Book The book is divided into 19 parts with each part focusing on a different subplot, and the story revolves around four families over a period of 18 months. Mrs. Rupa Mehra's attempts to get her younger daughter, Lata, wedded to a "suitable boy" is the central plot. Lata, a 19-year-old student doesn’t want to be controlled by her mother or her arrogant brother, Arun. She is forced to make a choice between her suitors: Kabir, Haresh, and Amit, for marriage. The book also depicts several national issues of the time, including the Hindu-Muslim dispute, the status of lower caste population like the jatav, land reforms leading to the decline in the power of the feudal princes and landlords, academic affairs, eradication of the Zamindari system, and family relationships. About Vikram Seth Vikram Seth is an Indian novelist and poet. Some of the awards he has been honoured with include Padma Shri, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, WH Smith Literary Award, and Crossword Book Award. Some of his notable works include All You Who Sleep Tonight, The Golden Gate, An Equal Music, and A Suitable Girl, which is due for publication in 2016.