As It Was Written: A Novel

By Sujatha Hampton

The epic journey of an Indian-American family which unfolds when men and women, Hindus and Catholics, histories and curses, collide In McLean, Virginia, Dr. Raman Nair lives a life of abounding satisfaction with his tiny wife, Jaya, and his harem of enormous and beautiful daughters. He has been away from his native Kerala, India for so long that he has happily forgotten the ancient Brahmin curse that follows his family like a black cloud, killing one girl for love in every generation. But his wife hasn't forgotten, nor has his baby sister, Gita. Suddenly his daughters are up to no good and Dr. Raman Nair doesn't know which way to turn. As It Was Written marks the arrival of a wonderful new voice in fiction, and a storyteller of the highest order.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312584121
• ISBN13: 9780312584122
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.6" x 1.4" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Colorful and Vivid

A master at characterization, the people in Hampton's story quickly become people that you know and enjoy spending time with. From the five fat daughters to Dr. Dandruff and Baby George, each has his own distinct personality and issues, and each is distinctly memorable. She excels at painting unique, interesting characters who come alive in your head. None of her scenes are slow or drab; they are each engaging and vivid. She has a simple but powerful way of describing situations so that even though she only touches on a few details, you get a precise picture of what's going on, and it's a bright, heavy picture that leaves a lasting impression. I've grown tired of mass-produced storylines with with predictable characters and a writing style that can only be described as "functional" - it is refreshing to read an author who writes an imaginative story on her own terms, and in her own uncommon voice.

beautifully eloquent

I found myself stunned by the Publisher's Weekly review of this wonderful new book. Though much happens in "As it Was Written," by Sujatha Hampton, this novel is anything but busy. I certainly did not leave feeling I wished she had "reined it in." In fact, I was glad that she allowed us to get to know this family in the way that we did. We are introduced to many characters in the book (and I mean CHARACTERS!), and their stories are not only utterly believable, but they are compelling and full of rich detail. As I read the book, I felt as if I had known this family for my entire life. I could see them in my mind. I knew them. I loved them. I sometimes found myself wanting to re-read a paragraph just so I could experience the emotion again. There is laughter, joy and lightheartedness....pain, passion, and longing. Sujatha skillfully takes us through a stunning range of emotions with these unpredictable characters. I sincerely hope this is not the last book that we see from this gifted new author! (hint: please consider publishing "The Cursed Life of Sreemathi Omanakumari" - - we need more!!!)

An Intricately Woven Love Story

I'm sure you have heard it all before, "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll fall in love with the characters...." With "As It Is Written", this is really the case! I did not know what to expect when a friend suggested this book. I was worried I would not relate because I am not from India. The characters were so authentic that it did not matter where they were from. Some of the vocabulary threw me at first, but then I found I could easily discern it from the context. When I finished reading, I felt like I personally knew this family and was witness to their every joy and heartbreak! "As It Is Written" is really a cleverly crafted love story centered around a young American immigrant woman from India, her brother and his family. With her sometimes satirical and often poetic voice, Suhatha Hampton weaves a heart wrenching tale about love and life within the boundaries of culture, religion and tradition. She is able to capture these characters in particularly touching moments where you may find yourself either laughing out loud while reading or drying your eyes on your sleeve. But be forewarned, Ms. Hampton throws in some sensuality to her love story which really makes this an intimate novel. After reading this book, your perception of the airport baggage claim area will never be the same!

Simply wonderful!

I haven't quite finished this book yet. I have slowed down my reading of it because I don't want it to end. I love the characters. I want to belong to that family. I want to eat with them, prepare marzipan vegetables with them, celebrate my birthday with them and experience the love they have for one another. It is so beautifully written, the words just draw you in and make you feel like you are right there with the characters.

Great Read!

I read this book and loved it! I just ordered another 5 copies as gifts for friends and family. Had I read the Publisher's Weekly review before reading it, I probably would never have purchased the book which is sad. The book is rich and thick which story which draws you into their word...but somehow the review made that seem like a bad thing. The reviewer seems to be asking for a small, simple, quick read - and that's what I use the articles in the internet for. I like my books to draw me into another world in which I want to be part of - and that's just what this book did. The exaggeration of too many people the reviewer mentioned was silly! I tried to imagine a person that wouldn't enjoy this book as I feel its for all ages and ethnicities....and I can only think of a secluded only child that never had close family and friends....why else would one complain of too many people!?!?!