A House Full of Men - Book Review

 Review of Parinda Joshi's A House Full of Men

At a Glance:  

• Title - A house full of men
• Author - Parinda Joshi
• Pages - 340
• Publishers - Harper Collins India
• Format - Paperback

Blurb :

Twenty-five-year-old Kittu has left Lucknow only on two occasions in her life. The first trip involved the last rites of her grandmother. The second involved a wedding, thankfully, but she returned home to her mother's funeral. She has never forgiven her mother for leaving her alone in a house full of men. Is there anyone at home she can share her deepest thoughts with? Anyone who can lend an ear to her endless relationship issues, manic obsessions and simple aspirations? Who's got the time? Kittu might live in a full house, but sometimes, she feels like she's all alone in the world. A House Full of Men is a novel about false starts and failed attempts, love and the importance of being understood.

My Review

This is my second read by the author. A simple family drama that revolves around Kittu and her family. As the title suggests, Kittu, whose real name is Kritidhara Pant,lives with  an all-male family comprising of her Grandfather, father, twin brothers, Bark twain- their pet dog and a framed photo of P.G Wodehouse, in Lucknow. She longs for female company in the house but she does have a few friends from work –Sonali and Rishi.

 She shares a unique bond with each of the male member of the family .Though she works as a journalist in a travel magazine, she has never really been on a trip outside Lucknow and the 2 times she went out, ended in the death of her grandmom and mom[or so she assumes]. She is hesitant to step out of her town in the fear of losing another member of the family.

She also has a secret that has been a burden on her heart for almost a decade – the reason for her mother’s death!As each day passes, she finds it hard not conceal.

Enter her chatty neighbour-Anandita and her smart nephew-kartik, the Pant residence is totally drawn towards them especially- Anandita. What effect do they create on the Kittu’s household and what is the outcome is the crux of the story.Does she finally take a trip ? Does she talk about her mother’s demise?Well, that’s for you to find out when you read the book!

The book looks bulky but makes a quick read as the story flow through different phases of the 25 year old protagonist’s life. The characters are well formed. Kittu has her own identity with her own troubles of  trust and relationship issues with people.She is forever helping out one person and the other in her family and almost takes her mom’s place in looking after the people in the household. Her bond towards Nishant is heart-warming. We are able to see the grandfather as the authoritative figure of the family though he does not get along well with his son Ravi and her father- Ravi shares a profound closeness with Kittu.

Anandita is a happy and chatty lady who draws everyone towards her and Kartik is floored by Kittu. Vicky, her boyfriend, is an enigma. He is a person who can’t come to a conclusion or is so confused by what he wants or what is happening. Neelu Aunty,Vicky’s mom is another character who literally makes you laugh out loud at the end, with her demands during Kittu’s wedding and not to forget Lakshmi Mause, the caretaker / cook who treats the family to delicious meals! Even the framed photo of P.G.Wodehouse has something to do in this story line!

All in all, this is a nice book, a little lengthy one though, which shows the patriarchal side of the Indian society and with a little bit of romance, relationship issues, humour and loads of family drama. Pick it up if you are looking for a light read.