Hi Shawn - the whole diclofenac thing with the vultures, where their numbers crashed by over 95% happened after this book was published - I think it came out in 1991 and the crash was mid to late 90s and the cause was only identified in early 2000s. I believe the Zoroastrians had to radically rethink their death rituals as the number of vultures went from millions down to none - it is one of the best examples of a cultural crisis caused by pollution. Diclofenac was being given to farm animals as it reduced the number of diseases they caught (it is similar to ibuprofen that we might occasionally take if we have been too generous with the wine!) but when the vultures feed on the corpses of the animals their livers break down. But that's enough science, I love this book!
How fascinating! I just assumed from superficial research that the diclofenac thing was why the Parsis were considering cremation in the seventies. Now I’m even more curious about why.
So happy to have another Natalie/Shawn Indian discussion and lurking in the background 😉. I’m really enjoying it too, I’m not bowled over as much as I was with his short story collection Tales from Firozsha Baag but perhaps my expectations are just higher now. The whole Major Jimmy thing is making me very nervous, that can’t end well and I’m enjoying the characterization of people like Miss Kutpitia and Tehmul and the details of life at this time in this place. I too am finding the references to the Parsi’s of interest. Last summer I was lucky enough to read Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Crow Eaters with Nashwa and it’s all about a Parsi family in India before partition so I found out a lot about the religion then. I keep googling the history as well, particularly the Pakistan conflict. So looking forward to hearing more from you both,
The book sounds fascinating! Yet again, your deep dive is a wonderful addition for us to get to hear about. I love the dialogue you two have started, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
I haven’t heard much about this title, but he is an author I’ve been wanting to read for a while so I loved having you both share your thoughts - looking forward to the next two parts too! ❤️
Hi Shawn - the whole diclofenac thing with the vultures, where their numbers crashed by over 95% happened after this book was published - I think it came out in 1991 and the crash was mid to late 90s and the cause was only identified in early 2000s. I believe the Zoroastrians had to radically rethink their death rituals as the number of vultures went from millions down to none - it is one of the best examples of a cultural crisis caused by pollution. Diclofenac was being given to farm animals as it reduced the number of diseases they caught (it is similar to ibuprofen that we might occasionally take if we have been too generous with the wine!) but when the vultures feed on the corpses of the animals their livers break down. But that's enough science, I love this book!
How fascinating! I just assumed from superficial research that the diclofenac thing was why the Parsis were considering cremation in the seventies. Now I’m even more curious about why.
Excellent discussion from two of my most favorite people!
Your check is in the mail.
So happy to have another Natalie/Shawn Indian discussion and lurking in the background 😉. I’m really enjoying it too, I’m not bowled over as much as I was with his short story collection Tales from Firozsha Baag but perhaps my expectations are just higher now. The whole Major Jimmy thing is making me very nervous, that can’t end well and I’m enjoying the characterization of people like Miss Kutpitia and Tehmul and the details of life at this time in this place. I too am finding the references to the Parsi’s of interest. Last summer I was lucky enough to read Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Crow Eaters with Nashwa and it’s all about a Parsi family in India before partition so I found out a lot about the religion then. I keep googling the history as well, particularly the Pakistan conflict. So looking forward to hearing more from you both,
I’m delighted and not surprised that you’re enjoying the novel as well and thank you for the tip on that other Parsi novel!
And not only is that novel on Scribd but 2 others by Sidhwa!
Doggone it! You're making me want to reread A Fine Balance. What a fantastic deep dive. I can't wait to read this. Thanks, Shawn.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of it!
I LOVED A Fine Balance! Hope you and Shawn can continue with this compelling project.
seriela One of my favourite books of all time!
This one is not quite as good, now that I’m at the 60% mark, but it is an excellent, excellent novel!
Love your deeper dive!
It’s a novel that really repays deeper discussion!
The book sounds fascinating! Yet again, your deep dive is a wonderful addition for us to get to hear about. I love the dialogue you two have started, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks! We are enjoying the whole process too!
Two people, one book? You’re going to put us out of a job! 😂👍❤️
Lol. Not bloody likely! 😂😂
Great discussion between the two of you. I am trying to keep up with your reading and loving the book and your comments.
Life has got in the way so this collaboration is on hold for a bit - stay tuned!
I haven’t heard much about this title, but he is an author I’ve been wanting to read for a while so I loved having you both share your thoughts - looking forward to the next two parts too! ❤️
I would be so curious to hear what you think of Mistry!
Interesting discussion. I enjoyed A Fine Balance which I read last year, so it's likely I'll read this book too!
Great!
This book sounds really interesting.
It really really is!
I'd love to get a peek at your list of Indian titles you're planning to work through together.
My video about that is here: th-cam.com/video/OLKb2x3UfYI/w-d-xo.html
Natalie’s response video is here: th-cam.com/video/3meaq3vdmAs/w-d-xo.html