Rich Like Us

Rich Like Us takes place in Delhi during two pivotal periods: the Emergency rule of the 1970s and the years leading up to Indian Independence in the 1940s. The story follows two women - Rose, an Englishwoman who married into a wealthy Indian family, and Sonali, a civil servant resisting government corruption. The parallel narratives track Rose's experiences as an outsider navigating Indian society and family dynamics across decades. Sonali faces mounting pressure to compromise her principles as she witnesses the erosion of democratic ideals under authoritarian rule. The novel depicts the stark contrasts between India's elite business class and those struggling under economic hardship. Marriage, family obligations, and questions of loyalty feature prominently as characters make difficult choices. Through its dual timeframes and varied perspectives, the book examines how power operates in both colonial and post-colonial India, raising questions about the true meaning of independence and progress. The personal and political spheres intertwine as characters confront changing social structures and moral dilemmas.

Readers appreciate the nuanced portrayal of India during the Emergency period and the complex relationships between Indian and British characters. Many note the effective use of dual narratives and the exploration of class differences, corruption, and cultural changes. Positive reviews highlight the sharp social commentary and detailed descriptions of Delhi society. One reader calls it "an intimate look at privilege and power." Several mention the strength of the female characters and their different perspectives on marriage and independence. Common criticisms include the slow pacing, particularly in the first third. Some readers find the narrative structure confusing and struggle to connect with certain characters. A few note that cultural references can be hard to follow without background knowledge of Indian history. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (469 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Most critical reviews still acknowledge the book's literary merit while noting it requires patience and attention.

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🔸 Ruth Prawer Jhabvala wrote Rich Like Us (1985) during the period of "The Emergency" in India when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi suspended civil liberties - a dark chapter that deeply influenced the novel's themes of power and corruption. 🔸 The author was born in Germany to Jewish parents, fled to England during WWII, married an Indian architect, and lived in India for 24 years - giving her a unique outsider-insider perspective that enriches the novel's cultural observations. 🔸 The novel won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1975, making Jhabvala the first woman to win both an Academy Award (for screenwriting) and a Booker Prize. 🔸 The book's structure alternates between two narrative voices - one in first person and one in third person - a technique that allows readers to experience both immediate and detached perspectives of 1970s India. 🔸 Beyond her literary work, Jhabvala was a longtime collaborator with Merchant Ivory Productions, writing screenplays for acclaimed films like "A Room with a View" and "Howards End," bringing her keen eye for social observation from page to screen.