A Suitable Boy- Vikram Seth

Hi All,
When i asked my friend to suggest me a book for light reading, nothing philosophical, she suggested A SUITABLE BOY- Vikram Seth. The name sounded interesting, hence ordered for it. I got my first shock to see its weight and volume. I was reminded of my science books of college days. One thing was decided- it cant be a lie down book- one needs to sit erect to read it. When the opened the first pages, the flow charts of various characters with their families gave me the second shock. Never in my life have i been able to enjoy history as a subject. the Muslim rulers also took a place in my RAM after i left school. I still digested that thinking i'l browse through the pages if i forget who's who. Anyways, while reading it, i had my first meeting with those- mami massi type ladies who talk n gossip those unimportant tales. Anyways, i also met so amny others in the family as it was a wedding. Savita was getting married to Pran. Lata seemed to be the heroine.
Its the longest english novel, its written. The author makes you meet Punjabi family, A bengali family and a family from UP. Kolkata description was good- m sure the author was most familiar with it himself. The places of visit- the life style, all, seemed familiar after one visit to Kolkata. The style of writing was good- the vocabulary of course was also very good, and style was pretty simple. One can easily visualize what the author is wanting to say.
Vikram Seth's style of writing is like that of a movie- Bollywood. He makes you meet some many characters who are actually not needed there. We could have done without them. Afterall, its only a story- y did he do it- to increase the length?
During our journey with him, he takes us to different houses, different cultures and lifestyles, university campus, cricket ground, shoe bazar, muslim villages, hindu temples, post partition riots, houses of whores, the historical monuments, the hindu celebrations, the muslim celebrations, the intercast weddings, the child birth, interviews, inter marital relations, generation gaps, political speeches, melas......etc etc.
Anyways, the biggest mistake i did was reading the last chapter before finishing the book, and knowing that Haresh is going to fit in the character of- A SUITABLE BOY.
But, will i recommend others to read it????? I really dont know. Its abook which some will enjoy, and some wont at all, i m sure. When comparing, i still prefer Chetan Bhagat's books......... But, congratulations, Mr Vikram Seth, The Times calls you the best writer of the generation..............