The Buddha of Suburbia

I've only just finished reading the first chapter of this book. It's cutting edge satiric and at the same time shocking. Having watched the film My Beautiful Laundrette, also written by Hanif Kureishi, I can say that I recognize the theme of race and sexiality set back in 70's when it was all an entirely new and unknown field. The multicultural intergration is discussed with a warm feeling of irony, as opposed to the familiar voice of oppressed ethnic minorities. The new sexuality is looked at with the urge to discover new dimensions of human relations. It doesn't speak of lust, but more of curiosity and eagerness to new experiences. Here are two absolutely amazing quotes that reveal the theme of the book.

Men and boys got erections just being in the same room as him; for others the same effect was had by being in the same country.

...I knew it was Daddio because he was crying out across the Beckenham gardens, with little concern for the neighbours, 'Oh God, oh my God.' Was I conceived like this, I wondered, in the suburban night air, to the wailing of Christian curses from the mouth of a renegade Muslim masquerading as a Buddhist?

I will do a proper review of this book when I finish reading it. Reading this book (up till now) has been a truly refreshing experience, entertaining and at the same time contributive to my degree.

: 11 Apr 2005 02:25 |  Tags: Reviews |  Comments (4) |  Report a problem