The purpose of these questions is to set your mind thinking about some of the questions and issues raised in the novel. These are just a few, and I will add to them as time goes on.
If you wish me to add any more information, or as a question, please post a comment.
1. Was the couple too young to be married? If so, what problems did it cause?
Rajanth the groom is seventeen, and Latchmin the bride is twelve.
It is 1919 and they are Hindus.
The marriage is arranged.
They are living on an island that is British.
2. Why were traditions so important to Latchmin's grandmother, Bassandaye?
3. Are traditions a mark of who we are, or should they be reviewed objectively and discarded?
4. Can we identify with Rajnath in his feelings about Latchmin after the death of their child? Or was he unreasonable?
5. Was Rajnath a hard working man, or just obsessed?
6. At times, there seems to be a clash between wanting tradition in favour of education. How could that be, if they understand the importance of education?
7. Inevitably, Latchmin becomes a young mother. How do you think she would cope given the era, the culture and her environment?
About Me
- Marilyn Rodwell
- The Wedding Drums - my novel set in an early 20C village in Trinidad is almost here. Two young girls, Amina and Sumati plot to escape their arranged marriages and plan to live life following their own dreams. But Sumati falls in love and runs away, putting Amina's plans in jeopardy. Neither of them bank on what is in store for them. Soon they face the adult world of scheming men, corruption, prostitution and violence, and life in the village will never be the same again.
