54 pages • 1 hour read
Gita MehtaA River Sutra
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A River Sutra by Gita Mehta is set on the banks of the Narmada River in India, following a narrator who, after his wife's death, becomes a rest house manager seeking solitude. Instead, he becomes immersed in the diverse spiritual and human experiences of those drawn to the river. Through interconnected stories, the novel explores themes of spirituality, diversity, and enlightenment. The novel contains depictions of sexual assault, death by suicide, and caste-based discrimination against the Dalit people.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Gita Mehta's A River Sutra offers a rich blend of interconnected stories set along the Narmada River. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and profound exploration of Indian spirituality and culture. However, some criticize its pacing and occasional narrative disjointedness. Overall, readers find it a meditative and evocative read, though somewhat fragmented in structure.
Who Should Read A River Sutra?
A reader who enjoys A River Sutra by Gita Mehta likely appreciates introspective narratives and cultural exploration. Fans of books like The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy or Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie will be drawn to its lyrical prose, spiritual themes, and vivid portrayal of India's complexities.