2006-10-08 An excellent portrayal of a second generation Asian

Anita and Me is a brilliant debut novel by Meera Syal. The novel journeys during the days of 1960's Britain set in small town in the midlands. The story is narrated by Meena a born and bred second generation Asian who experienced life of what life is like living in a Punjabi family household and within the English community.

The narrative approach is superb and filled with interesting details about the Indian way of life and how it conflicts with Western values. The author being herself a second generation, has really added her own experience and knowledge to deliver a superb piece of storytelling. The main focal point is about divided loyalty. In the context of the novel, Meena wants indulge in habits such as eating fish and chips and wants a boyfriend, which this influence prompted from meeting a girl named Anita who she becomes increasingly attached to. Does the friendship last long? Her loyalty towards the Indian roots is questioned. That is the general flavour of the story.

Anita and Me is an enjoyable to read and gives you an insight from an Asian perspective about life in Britain.