The book offers a rich insight to the Sikh way of life and tells the story of the dilemma faced by a young Sikh man who, despite his apparent rebellion, remains loyal to his family and the culture he was brought up in.
The author is writing about his own life. It wasn't a comfortable experience for him as he explains in the interview on the link below.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/aug/19/interview-sathnam-sanghera-mental-illness
This is a book none of us would have chosen to read but it was one that most of us found hard to put down. No-one could put their finger on what the subject is: childhood, family, immigration, Sikhism, schizophrenia, success, relationships - there is just such a lot of content (and there are photos too of a normal family that is arguably far from normal).
While schizophrenia provides the conduit for the book it doesn't overpower the reader. In fact, despite the mental health issues that are core to the story, this is a book that is really funny in places and poignant in others. Throughout there are moments for personal recognition - we found ourselves reflecting on pop star posters, song lyrics, the corner shop, sniffing the cardboard in a Bounty bar, avoiding family members who won't let you pay for their services and so on.
Sathnam’s mother won the popular vote. She kept the family together, earned the income, loved her children and surprised us all with her insight and her ability to shift her opinion and change her point of view (despite not having learned English in 30 years living in Wolverhampton).
Would we recommend this book? of course we would – go get a copy now!
Our next book is 'Fame is the Spur' by Howard Spring - we will be discussing this book NEXT YEAR on Tuesday 22nd January 2013.
