Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet.(Brief article)(Book review)

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet KASHMIRA SHETH. Hyperion, $15.99 (224p) ISBN 0-7868-3857-4

Sheth's (Blue Jasmine) novel set in Mumbai offers readers a fascinating glimpse of modern Indian culture. While her parents work hard to find a suitable husband for their eldest daughter, 16-year-old narrator Jeeta begins to have doubts about the fixed marriages that are commonplace in her caste. Her objections grow stronger during her last year of high school when she befriends new student Sarina, the daughter of liberal-minded parents, and finds herself attracted to Sarina's cousin, Neel, another free thinker. Hoping to someday become a lawyer, Jeeta works harder at her studies and …