On the Shelf

Born Confused
By Tanuja Desai Hidier
Published by Penguin
Price: Rs 295

YET another coming-of-age novel from an Indo-American author, this first novel traces the unravelling of the confusion that is seventeen-year-old Dimple Lala8217;s life. There8217;s the Indian family settled in the US, the all-American best friend and, inevitably, the suitable boy lined up at a suitable age. Dealing with the regular adolescent questions, all viewed through the distorting mirror of 8216;South Asian identity8217;, the American born confused desi gradually comes to terms with her heritage and her environment in a pleasing if predictable finale. Chirpy, pacy and good-humoured, it8217;s a good way to spend an adolescent afternoon.