Set in picturesque Kerala and with Kathakali as a background , Anita Nair's 'Mistress' is colourful, vibrant and appealing. The main protagonist is Radha,a beautiful woman in her early thirties who is married to a man she does not love. The novel begins with the arrival of Chris, a foreigner to a small town in Kerala. Chris has come to write a book on Radha's uncle (Koman) who is an acclaimed Kathakali artist. Koman's story is interwoven into this tale.
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Radha is attracted to Chris and they have an affair. Radha's husband Shyam is aware of this attraction throughout but he pretends not to notice. He is a small time businessman running a resort who is simply happy being married to Radha.Shyam loves her but she always looks down upon him.
What is remarkable about this novel is that Radha never makes excuses for her behaviour, she has no qualms about lying and cheating her husband.Shyam understands that she has no feelings for him but is unable to confront her.
The review of this Book prepared by vani nair