Heat and Dust
Heat and Dust
Book Brief
190
Novel • Fiction
India • 1920s and 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Heat and Dust by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala intertwines two narratives: in the 1920s, Olivia, feeling trapped by British colonial society in India, becomes enmeshed in the life of the Nawab, leading to scandal; in the 1970s, her step-granddaughter retraces Olivia's steps to uncover her story, finding herself increasingly connected to the Indian culture she encounters. The book features issues relating to colonialism and cultural conflict.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
9,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's Heat and Dust intricately weaves past and present through two compelling narratives set in India. Critics commend its evocative portrayal of cultural contrasts and Jhabvala's poetic prose. However, some find the dual storyline structure occasionally disjointed. The novel remains a poignant exploration of personal and historical legacies.
Who Should Read Heat and Dust?
A reader who enjoys Heat and Dust by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala appreciates richly detailed, cross-cultural narratives set in historical contexts. Fans of E.M. Forster's A Passage to India and Paul Scott's The Raj Quartet will find the exploration of British-Indian relations and vivid storytelling compelling.
9,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ruth Prawer Jhabvala is unique in having won both the Booker Prize for her novel Heat and Dust and two Academy Awards for her work as a screenwriter, showcasing her versatile talent across different mediums.
Heat and Dust was published in 1975, and later adapted into a film in 1983, which was directed by James Ivory and starred notable actors like Julie Christie and Shashi Kapoor.
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The novel's exploration of cultural contrasts and colonial legacy is influenced by Jhabvala's own experiences of living in India for over two decades, providing her with profound insights that shape the narrative's authenticity.
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190
Novel • Fiction
India • 1920s and 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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